Laboratory Planning

Laboratory worktops: choosing the right material

For a safe, hygienic and durable workspace, choosing a worktop surface is more than an aesthetic decision: it is a technical choice based on how the space will be used. Chemical resistance, mechanical strength and ease of maintenance must be considered together.

2003Delivering laboratory projects since
50-5000 m²Design and implementation at different scales
23+ yearsNovagent expertise in laboratory projects
The right worktop material for your application
Every laboratory is different. The right material selection directly affects project performance in terms of chemical resistance, durability, hygiene and service life.

Material Options

Each surface offers a different performance profile depending on the laboratory’s chemical exposure, hygiene standards and intensity of use.

Melamine

  • A practical, economical solution for routine use
  • Suitable for offices, teaching spaces and low-intensity laboratories
  • Easy-to-clean decorative surface
  • Various colour and texture options
Where does it excel?

Offers cost advantages in teaching, preparation and support areas with low chemical exposure.

Compact Laminate

  • High chemical resistance
  • Resistant to impact, wear and moisture
  • Hygienic, non-porous surface
  • Durable surface suitable for intensive use
Where does it excel?

Provides a strong balance of durability, hygiene and cost for general laboratory use.

Industrial Ceramic

  • High temperature resistance
  • High resistance to acids and corrosive chemicals
  • Superior scratch and wear resistance
  • Hygienic, easy-to-clean surface
Where does it excel?

Provides maximum confidence in processes involving heavy chemical exposure and high temperatures.

Stainless Steel

  • High mechanical strength
  • Strong resistance to heat and impact
  • Hygienic surface that is easy to disinfect
  • Suitable for industrial and sterile areas
Where does it excel?

Preferred in areas requiring high hygiene standards, mechanical strength and sterilization.

Epoxy

  • Resistant to intensive chemical exposure
  • Seamless, solid surface
  • Liquid-tight, hygienic work surface
  • High impact resistance
Where does it excel?

Ideal for areas with chemical splashes, intensive experimental workflows and a need for a safe work surface.

PP

  • High chemical resistance to acids and bases
  • Lightweight, weldable and flexible
  • Safe use in humid and aggressive environments
  • Compatible with plastic process equipment
Where does it excel?

Excels in areas with aggressive chemical exposure, acid-base processes and predominantly plastic equipment.

Glass

  • High chemical resistance
  • Smooth, non-porous surface
  • Easy to clean and supports hygiene standards
  • Resistant to light and UV exposure
Where does it excel?

Preferred in analytical laboratories where hygiene, light resistance and a clean appearance are priorities.

Acrylic

  • Non-porous, hygienic surface
  • Seamless surface joints
  • Attractive, modern and clean appearance
  • Repairable surface
Where does it excel?

Used in laboratories where visual quality, hygiene and a seamless appearance are important.

Benefits of the Right Choice

The right surface material improves workplace safety, reduces maintenance costs and enables more efficient laboratory use.

Chemical Resistance

Provides high resistance to corrosive chemicals.

Long Service Life

Durable surfaces provide safe use for years.

Mechanical Strength

Improves resistance to impact, scratches and wear.

Liquid Tightness and Hygiene

Non-porous surfaces simplify cleaning and hygiene.

Ease of Maintenance

Low maintenance requirements simplify operations.

Efficiency

A safe, comfortable workspace supports workflow.

Application Areas

Material selection should consider the laboratory’s discipline, exposure levels and maintenance requirements.

Chemistry Laboratories
Research Laboratories
Analytical Laboratories
Biology Laboratories
Teaching Laboratories

Choose the right surface for your laboratory.

Considering chemical exposure, hygiene requirements, mechanical strength and ease of maintenance together creates safer, longer-lasting workspaces.

Chemical resistance Hygienic surface Mechanical strength Easy maintenance