Laboratory
Laboratory Workstations & Workbenches
Ergonomic Workstations Designed for Your Unique Needs
Support Your Researchers with Ergonomic Workstations
Your best R&D work is yet to come when you provide your valuable team with a safe, productive, and comfortable work environment.
BOSTONtec’s ergonomic focus is achieved with a complete line of accessories, including options to lift, tilt, rotate, and slide for better task positioning. All work surfaces feature height adjustability to support the 5th through 95th percentile employees in a seated posture.
Above is an example of a typical laboratory workstation with clean aesthetics you expect in your professional lab. Its modular design is complemented with add-on accessories that specifically support tasks in a lab.
Key benefits :
- Increase laboratory efficiency with well-designed stations
- Shorten time to market with an adaptable modular design
- Increase employee retention with a sound ergonomic work environment
- Virtually maintenance-free thanks to high-quality design and components
- Save cost, by reducing employee strains and injuries
- Keep your employees safe with a focus on ergonomics
with double rail front lip.
in concert with proper accessories
to provide users with optimal
ergonomic reach access and
increased productivity.
allows change of height with the
push of a button.
drawers to store items that
are used less frequently.
a unique drop-down foot design
that adds casters without
increasing starting height
of the workstation.
with Sliding Mouse Platform allows operator
to access keyboard and mouse as
needed then store under work
surface when not in use.
access to electricity and/or
data usage.
with double rail front lip.
in concert with proper accessories
to provide users with optimal
ergonomic reach access and
increased productivity.
allows change of height with the
push of a button.
drawers to store items that
are used less frequently.
a unique drop-down foot design
that adds casters without
increasing starting height
of the workstation.
with Sliding Mouse Platform allows operator
to access keyboard and mouse as
needed then store under work
surface when not in use.
access to electricity and/or
data usage.
Preconfigured Laboratory Workstations
Pick a starting point. Edit in the configurator or request a quote as-is.
Don't see the right fit?
Our team can design a custom workstation around your specific workflow, tools, and space requirements.
5 Simple Steps to Build Your Laboratory Workstation
- STEP 1 - Enter The 3D Workstation Builder
- STEP 2 - Select Base Frame
- STEP 3 - Select Feet or Caster Type
- STEP 4 - Select Work Surface Type
- STEP 5 - Select Accessories
Click here to enter our 3D workstation configurator. Once inside you can configure a custom workbench to your specific needs!
Select Workstation Base Frame
Your laboratory workstation or workbench is a crucial investment to secure your business success, so it will pay off to review a few meaningful steps before making a decision.
- When choosing a base frame, start by considering the size of your work surface. Decide how much surface is necessary to perform the required laboratory tasks – and how much space is available in the lab. Apply the ergonomic reach zones to each item or function. The space should be as large as necessary to perform the tasks but as compact as possible to limit reaching and stretching. When it comes to work surfaces – bigger isn’t always better.
- Consider if you will have multiple employees using the same workstation – or if, for example, a sit-stand transition is beneficial for your laboratory operation. A good rule-of-thumb to determine whether manual or electric height adjustability is appropriate is if the height needs to be adjusted more than four times per year, electric height-adjustability is highly recommended.
- Keep future developments in mind when you make decisions on your base frame. Accessories can easily be adjusted and changed, but the base frame of your lab workstation is a long-term decision.
Select Feet or Caster Type
You have several choices when it comes to the feet or casters for a laboratory workbench:
- How often will you move the workstation? Leveler feet are your choice if your workstations will be primarily stationary in your lab.
If you plan on repositioning your benches, we recommend casters. For safety, all BOSTONtec workstations on casters are equipped with at least two locking casters; all four locking casters are available as an option for additional security.
Leveling casters are also available and often used in professional lab environments. These casters feature a pad when engaged, holding the workstation securely in place. - Are you using heavy tools or components on the station? Think about the distribution of the load the station will support and any force that could affect the unit’s stability. Lag plates are an option that attach to standard leveler feet allowing the workstation to be bolted to the floor.
Select Work Surface Type
Several worksurface options are an excellent fit for lab applications:
- Consider whether the user will perform most functions from a sitting or standing position. A rolled front edge is more ergonomic for operators who rest their forearms on the front edge of the work surface when performing a task.
- What substances will you use on the workstation top? Laminate work surfaces are durable and economical for many lab applications. If chemicals are used in the laboratory process, stainless steel, phenolic resin, or epoxy surfaces are good options. BOSTONtec also offers sealed work surfaces for cleanroom environments: Class 100, 1000, and 10000.
- Are you working with sensitive electronics? If your lab equipment includes sensitive electronics, ESD work surfaces and grounding accessories are the right choices.
Select Accessories
Once the essential components of your lab workstation are selected, accessories are added to place items based on frequency and sequence of use, safety, and other factors to reduce operator stress and increase productivity. (See Plan Your Workstation for more information)
- Review the ergonomic reach zones and identify what tools and components correspond with each zone. Utilizing uprights with shelves allows the operator to place items appropriately while keeping the work surface clear for tasks. Bins rails that support assorted storage bins can be used to hold small parts organized and within reach.
- Evaluate the lighting where you will place the workstation. LED overhead light provides lighting directly over the work surface. For detailed tasks, additional lighting may be necessary to reduce eye strain and avoid accidents. Lab processes often require meticulous work: particular task lights or magnifiers will ensure the right environment for accuracy and safety.
- Tool Storage can be an essential factor for lab operations. Drawers, shelves, and overhead storage compartments are just a few examples to help position and store tools and supplies.
- Evaluate the computer equipment that is used at the workstation. Large CPU units should be stored out of the way under the work surface. Monitor arms and keyboard trays allow the operator to place equipment at the appropriate height for proper posture and reduced eye strain.
Custom Industrial Workstations
When is it right for you?
Modular workstations are all-rounders and will adjust to several different workflows. So when should you consider custom solutions?
A custom workstation can be as simple as a small shelf or as elaborate as a multi-station configuration. As you’re planning your ideal workstation, our modular system is a great place to start. Fine-tune your station to ensure higher productivity and employee retention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes a workstation “lab-ready”?
Lab environments need adjustable ergonomics, chemical-appropriate surfaces, and modular accessories that place tools and samples in ideal reach zones.
Which work surface should we choose for lab use?
Match the top to your processes: phenolic resin for chemical/heat resistance, stainless steel for cleanability and solvents, and premium laminate for general tasks. View lab work surfaces here.
Do you offer height-adjustable lab benches, and when should we choose electric vs. manual?
Yes. Choose electric for multi-user labs or frequent sit-stand changes; manual fits single-user stations with infrequent adjustments (less than twice a year).
Are BOSTONtec lab benches ADA-friendly?
The electric lab base frame includes programmable height control and is designed to support ADA considerations when planned with appropriate clearances and accessories.
Can these benches be used in cleanrooms or ESD-sensitive areas?
Yes. Pair cleanroom-appropriate laminate/stainless worksurface options with sealed edges for controlled environments, and specify ESD-safe surfaces and grounding where electronics are handled.
Mobile or fixed - what’s best in a lab?
Use leveler feet for stability on stationary benches; choose locking or leveling casters to reconfigure rooms or share equipment. View lab specific options here.
What accessories are most helpful in labs?
Lab-specific shelving, under-worksurface drawers, gas and power manifolds, power/lighting, and computer accessories configured by reach frequency improve throughput and comfort. See lab accessories here.
What capacities are available for lab frames?
Electric height-adjustable frames come in 600-lb (PBM/PBMC) and 1,200-lb (PBH/PBHC) capacities; four-post stations offer 1,000-lb capacity with levelers or casters. Choose based on the heaviest loads across work surface, fixtures, and accessories.
How should we plan a lab workstation layout?
Define tasks first, then size the frame and surface, and place accessories by frequency and sequence of use to keep work in neutral postures. View our Workstation Planning Guide.
Can we configure before we buy—and are fast-ship options available?
Absolutely. Use our 3D Workstation Builder to choose frames, surfaces, feet/casters, and accessories, then request a quote or consult with us.
What’s recommended for cleaning and long-term care?
Clean surfaces regularly with a soft cloth and mild, non-abrasive cleaner. Avoid harsh solvents or scouring pads. For stainless steel, use a stainless-specific cleaner and wipe with the grain. Periodically check grounding points, casters, and hardware for proper function. See full BOSTONtec Care and Maintenance guidelines for details
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