The perfect lab bench is integral to the function of your laboratory. One of the biggest decisions is whether to purchase single-sided or double-sided benches. A double-sided lab bench, sometimes referred to as an island bench, provides workspace and storage for laboratory tasks and experiments from both sides of the bench.
Double-sided lab benches (pictured left) are commonly used in settings where multiple users need to access the workspace simultaneously, promoting collaboration and efficient use of space. In a double sided bench assembly, the “utility spine” feeds both sides of the bench from one connection point to the building MEP systems. There is a cost savings in this configuration as both workstations are sharing a post and fixtures.
Single-sided benches (pictured below right) are designed to provide workspace and storage for laboratory tasks and experiments from one side only. Single-sided lab benches are commonly used in research, clinical, and educational labs where workspace is needed along the perimeter of the room.
To accurately map out a configuration for your lab space ideal for its function, you must consider electrical and plumbing needs, floor space, storage and organization needs, accessibility, collaborative work styles, safety, cleaning efficiency, and budget.
In this article, we'll explore each of these topics more in-depth to help you make the best decision for your lab.
Electric and plumbing: A high number of laboratory personnel usually corresponds to a greater need for utilities. Double-sided bench styles enable installation of more electric and plumbing lines than allowed on single-sided bench styles. In the context of electric and plumbing features, double-sided benches are generally the best choices for populated labs such as teaching labs or large industry settings. Since double sided benches provide point of use services to both users with a single point connection to the building, they tend to lower the building infrastructure requirements (plumbing and electrical connections).
Floor space utilization: Alternatively, a heavily populated laboratory with a flexible workflow may require greater open floor space to accommodate moving personnel. You may consider utilizing single-sided benches that can be fixed to or moved to walls and casings to maximize floor space. Single-sided benches let people work adjacently or solo without being separated by physical shelving barriers.
Storage and organization needs: Your selected benching style lends itself to different casework possibilities. Such shelving can be cut and customized to fit your desires and budget.
Double-sided shelving: Double-sided benches lend themselves to double-sided shelving. Workers on either side of the bench can access differing materials on either side specific to their own task, and store material as needed without interfering with work on the opposite side.
Single-sided shelving: Single-sided benches allow for lab personnel to perform tasks adjacent to each other, often facing a wall. This configuration allows for optimal floor space conservation. Shelving for organization and storage on single-sided benches may be placed against such a wall, directly across from workers for easy access. This method of material organization does not physically separate colleagues and allows for the most available floor space.
Desired workflow: The way your lab is run will affect your choice of single- versus double-sided lab benches. Keep in mind the following practicalities:
Accessibility: Note that you may decide to fix lab benches or opt for mobile benches. Fixed benches may be ideal for rigid organization needs or labs with few workers. Benches and casework that are mobile give your laboratory the flexibility to move benches upon changing workflow. Both single- and double-sided benches may also be height adjustable for wheelchair accessibility, or to otherwise accommodate individuals of varying height.
Groupwork: The way in which lab tasks are delegated and how closely they relate may affect your lab’s setup. Tasks requiring multiple hands should be performed on a single bench side, whereas it is okay to separate individual groups or colleagues working solo with double-sided shelving.
Additional Considerations
Among the above considerations, you will want to assess the safety of your desired lab configuration, ease of cleaning, and your ideal budget.
Lab safety: Safety of your lab space is paramount. That said, your chosen bench type must permit enough space for workers to enter and exit the area. Your lab’s configuration must adhere to your institution’s laboratory and fire safety guidelines, as well as those regulations at the local, state, and federal level. Consult OSHA or your local authorities for further information.
Cleanliness: Your chosen lab bench type and bench configuration must allow for efficient cleaning and sterilization of your lab where appropriate, in compliance with official guidelines.
Budget: A double-sided bench lab set up is generally more costly than a single-sided bench lab set up for fewer lab personnel, but cost savings start to increase as the number of lab personnel you need to accommodate increases . Keep this article in mind when deciding which bench type, and how many of each will yield the greatest return on your investment. It is recommended that you choose a reliable provider that can coordinate professional installation in addition to providing the benches to ensure smooth setup of your laboratory.
Conclusion
To summarize, single-sided bench types are ideal for conserving floor space in a highly populated laboratory that needs to maximize wall and perimeter storage. Double-sided benches can make more electric and plumbing sources available to users at their workspace while they may also double your storage space and can create a great collaborative work area for labs that have more free interior space available. In addition, double sided benches provide point of use services to both users with a single point connection to the building, they cut down on the requirements of the building infrastructure.