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Laboratory Casework

Laboratory casework encompasses the built-in cabinetry, benching systems, work surfaces, and storage units that form the functional foundation of a laboratory workspace. Unlike standard office or industrial furniture, laboratory casework is purpose-engineered to withstand chemical exposure, heavy equipment loads, repeated cleaning and decontamination, and the demanding daily use of active research environments.

LabRepCo supplies laboratory casework through our partnership with A.T. Villa, a leading manufacturer of fixed, adaptable, and mobile laboratory furniture systems. We work directly with laboratory managers, facilities planners, architects, and general contractors to specify and deliver casework solutions for new lab builds, renovations, and reconfigurations across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic, government, and vivarium research facilities throughout the East Coast.

Fixed vs. Modular vs. Mobile Laboratory Casework

The most important decision in any laboratory casework project is whether to specify fixed, modular, or mobile systems – or a combination. Each has distinct advantages depending on your facility type, budget, and how frequently your lab workflows are expected to change.

Fixed Casework Modular Casework Mobile Casework
Construction Permanent, wall and floor anchored Freestanding, reconfigurable frames Caster-mounted, fully movable
Best For Traditional labs with stable workflows; education; start-up labs Labs that need periodic reconfiguration; growing research programs Shared or flexible lab spaces; temporary setups; vivarium environments
Upfront Cost Lower Medium to higher Medium
Long-term Flexibility Low – changes require construction High – reconfigure without demolition Maximum – relocate instantly
Service Integration Full utilities integration (power, gas, plumbing) Full utilities via plug and play connections Limited to portable connections
A.T. Villa Line Basic Fixed Casework Forte Adaptable System Ergolab Mobile System

Laboratory Casework Materials

Material selection is critical for long-term performance in laboratory environments. The right material depends on the chemicals used, cleaning protocols, regulatory requirements, and the type of research performed.

Steel Casework

Cold-rolled steel casework is the most common choice for general research and academic laboratories. Steel casework offers excellent load-bearing capacity, resistance to physical damage, and compatibility with a wide range of surface finishes. A.T. Villa’s fixed casework systems are constructed from heavy-gauge steel with powder-coat finishes that resist chemical splashes and cleaning agents used in standard laboratory environments.

Stainless Steel Casework

Stainless steel casework is specified for applications requiring the highest level of corrosion resistance and decontamination capability. It is the material of choice for pharmaceutical manufacturing, vivarium and animal research facilities, pathology labs, cleanrooms, and cannabis testing laboratories. LabRepCo’s stainless steel casework meets SEFA 8M Metal standards for construction and performance.

Phenolic Resin and Chemical-Resistant Surfaces

Phenolic resin work surfaces and casework components are specified when resistance to a broad range of chemicals, solvents, and acids is required. Phenolic surfaces are dimensionally stable, non-porous, and resistant to most laboratory reagents. They are commonly specified for chemistry labs, analytical labs, and any environment where chemical spills on work surfaces are a regular occurrence.

Laboratory Casework Standards – SEFA 8

The Scientific Equipment and Furniture Association (SEFA) publishes SEFA 8, the industry standard for laboratory furniture and casework. SEFA 8 specifies minimum performance requirements for construction, load capacity, and chemical resistance for both metal and wood-based laboratory casework. Specifiers, architects, and laboratory planners frequently require SEFA 8 compliance in project specifications.

LabRepCo’s stainless steel casework meets SEFA 8M (Metal) standards. A.T. Villa’s steel and modular systems are constructed to comply with SEFA performance requirements. Contact our project team to confirm compliance documentation for your specific project requirements.

Laboratory Casework for New Builds and Renovations

LabRepCo has worked with engineers, architects, laboratory designers, and facility managers on new laboratory construction and renovation projects for over 40 years. Our project team provides:

  • Casework specification support – we help you select the right system type, material, and configuration for your application and budget
  • CAD drawing coordination with A.T. Villa’s engineering team for custom configurations
  • Project management through manufacture, delivery, and installation coordination
  • Integration of electrical, plumbing, gas, and data services through A.T. Villa’s Core Support system
  • Post-installation support and reconfiguration assistance as lab needs evolve

Whether you are outfitting a single room or a multi-floor research facility, contact LabRepCo’s project team at 800-521-0754 to start a laboratory casework consultation.

Shop Laboratory Casework by Type

Category Description Browse
Fixed Casework A.T. Villa Basic fixed casework systems for traditional and start-up labs. Floor and wall-mounted configurations with full utility integration options. Custom heights, widths, and door/drawer arrangements. View All
Mobile and Modular Casework A.T. Villa Forte adaptable and Ergolab mobile systems for labs requiring reconfiguration flexibility. Freestanding and caster-mounted options that integrate with existing fixed casework. View All
Stainless Steel Casework Stainless steel inset casework meeting SEFA 8M standards. Designed for pharmaceutical, vivarium, pathology, cleanroom, and cannabis testing environments requiring maximum corrosion resistance and decontaminability. View All

Why Specify LabRepCo for Laboratory Casework?

  • 40+ years of laboratory project experience – we understand the planning, lead time, and coordination requirements of casework projects
  • A.T. Villa authorized distributor – fixed, Forte adaptable, and Ergolab mobile systems with full manufacturer support
  • Stainless steel casework for pharmaceutical, vivarium, and cleanroom applications meeting SEFA 8M standards
  • Project team support from specification through installation coordination
  • East Coast coverage with regional sales representatives available for on-site consultation and facility walkthroughs
  • GSA and E&I cooperative purchasing contracts available for government and academic projects

Frequently Asked Questions About Laboratory Casework

What is the difference between laboratory casework and laboratory furniture?

Laboratory casework refers specifically to the built-in, fixed or semi-fixed cabinetry, benching, and storage systems that are custom-specified for a laboratory space – typically installed as part of a construction or renovation project. Laboratory furniture is a broader term that includes movable items like chairs, carts, shelving, and tables. In practice, a fully outfitted laboratory uses both: casework forms the permanent infrastructure of the workspace, while furniture provides flexibility for changing needs.

What is SEFA 8 and why does it matter for laboratory casework?

SEFA 8 is the performance standard published by the Scientific Equipment and Furniture Association covering laboratory furniture and casework. It specifies minimum requirements for structural integrity, load capacity, surface resistance, and construction quality. Many laboratory projects – particularly in academic, pharmaceutical, and government sectors – require SEFA 8 compliance in their casework specifications. Specifying SEFA-compliant casework ensures a consistent, verifiable level of performance and simplifies the approval process for architects and facility managers.

How long does a laboratory casework project take from specification to installation?

Lead times vary by project scope, configuration complexity, and manufacturer production schedules. Standard A.T. Villa fixed and modular casework systems typically carry a 10 to 14 week lead time from confirmed order to delivery. Custom stainless steel configurations may require longer lead times. LabRepCo’s project team can provide a detailed schedule estimate once project specifications are defined. Planning casework procurement as early as possible in the construction or renovation timeline is strongly recommended.

Can modular laboratory casework be integrated with existing fixed casework?

Yes. A.T. Villa’s Forte and Ergolab modular systems are specifically designed to integrate with existing fixed casework installations, allowing labs to add flexibility to an existing fixed infrastructure without a full replacement. This makes modular systems an effective renovation strategy for established laboratories that need to accommodate changing research programs without the cost and disruption of a full casework replacement.

What casework materials are appropriate for pharmaceutical or vivarium laboratories?

Stainless steel is the preferred material for pharmaceutical manufacturing, vivarium, pathology, and cleanroom applications where frequent decontamination with aggressive cleaning agents is required. Stainless steel casework is non-porous, weldable, and resistant to the disinfectants, bleach solutions, and quaternary ammonium compounds used in these environments. LabRepCo’s stainless steel casework meets SEFA 8M Metal standards and is available in a range of drawer and door configurations. Contact our team to discuss application-specific requirements.