Floor-Mounted Pedestal System
A floor-mounted fixed pedestal system where the worktops are fitted directly onto the storage units.
High Quality & Flexible Range
One of the many advantages of APMG’s high-quality laboratory benches is that it’s all one interchangeable, flexible range. It easily mixes and matches pedestal and cantilever system lab furniture components.
Industry Leading
Our moveable cupboards and lab tables can be used in conjunction with both cantilever and pedestal systems, so you can fully optimise the flexibility of your lab. Just as with every cupboard we make, APMG’s movable cupboards and lab tables can be manufactured to standard and non-standard sizes.
We only use quality materials – you won’t find any chipboard in APMG lab benching. Due to our high standards, our lab furniture is not only long-lasting, it’s also cost-effective too. Check out our case study on the 16-year-old school science lab still going strong and find out more about our resilient worktops. In fact, talk to us to discuss your precise needs.
APMG designs, manufactures and installs two main styles of lab bench furniture:
A floor-mounted fixed pedestal system where the worktops are fitted directly onto the storage units.
A cantilever metal support framework with worktops, with mobile, suspended or push under storage units beneath the worktops.
Our tough fixed pedestal laboratory benching is a robust, floor-mounted cabinetry system which has integrated storage.
It is the storage which provides the built-in strength to support the worktop, sinks, and shelving. With fixed pedestal lab benching, no steel frame is required, which reduces the cost.
APMG offers an extensive modular range of lab storage configurations to suit different applications. The storage can be a combination of drawers, cupboards, trays, bins, white goods and specialist chemical storage solutions.
We design and manufacture in-house, so any application which requires a bespoke storage option can be created by our experienced team.
If flexibility is not required, this style of lab bench furniture is a strong, load-bearing option which gives you a lot of lab for your budget.
For a semi-flexible option, APMG’s mobile lab tables and free-standing cantilever laboratory benching can be used in conjunction with the fixed pedestal system to future-proof your lab and provide alternative furniture arrangements.
A cantilever lab benching system uses a steel frame to support the worktop, with independent lab storage beneath. This can be any of APMG’s comprehensive selection of mobile lab cabinets or push under storage units. It also easily houses equipment and white goods.
This system of laboratory bench furniture offers scope to reconfigure the under bench storage to accommodate changing workflow patterns. It is equally useful for perimeter benching and island benching and can be used to complement the fixed pedestal system.
APMG’s cantilever system is either fixed to a solid wall with a steel T-bar or freestanding using a C-frame for support. The quality of steel used to build lab benching and tables directly impacts load-bearing capacity. APMG’s steelwork offers industry-leading levels of strength and longevity.
The load-bearing capacity of our laboratory benching has been tested to BS EN 13150:2020 Workbenches for Laboratories – Dimensions, safety requirements and test methods.
Our cantilever leg frame construction is from a mix of 60mm x 40mm and 40mm x 40mm steel box sections. We insist on 3mm thick walls with fully welded joints. The front rail and the support rails for the removable back panels are manufactured from our proprietary aluminium extrusions.
We electrostatically coat the legs and extrusions of our laboratory furniture with a durable, easy- clean polyester powder finish.
Ask us about the extensive range of colours we offer to support your branding and add colour to your lab.
This flexible model features all the benefits of Cantilever lab benching, with the storage units suspended beneath the worktop. These units can be fixed, or free to traverse the length of the bench.
The suspended storage units can easily be removed or added to. Consequently, there is once again the option to flex the lab’s configuration. And because the storage cupboards are floating, they are easy to clean beneath – perfect for hygiene-critical settings.
As with all APMG’s lab storage, there are drawer, cabinet, bin and tray options available.
Our hard-wearing mobile laboratory storage cabinets can be used in conjunction with both our cantilever and fixed pedestal lab benching systems. They offer the opportunity to flex your lab to accommodate changing needs and workflows.
These tough moveable under-bench storage cupboards are typically mounted on laboratory-grade lockable castors for easy re-positioning. We can add a Trespa® worksurface so the mobile lab cabinets seamlessly match your lab worktops.
Choose from any number of different mobile configurations including combinations of drawers, cupboards, shelving, trays and chemical storage.
APMG has in-house machining, steel-work and powder-coating departments. Therefore, we can design and manufacture our lab bench furniture to any height requested.
Our standard lab workbench heights are 750mm for seated, 850mm, and 900mm – 925mm for standing. We recommend 925mm for worktops where white goods such as refrigerators will be located to give clearance.
We manufacture a range of standard and bespoke adjustable height tables and benches. These rise and fall lab worktops can also include sinks and services. Our experienced team of designers can help with all the components required to offer a successful disability-friendly lab layout.
All the CNC machining for our furniture is done in-house, so any special requirements can be engineered into our designs. For example, these school science lab benches have the electrical and gas services located on a sloping surface at the front of each bench. A worktop cut-out conveniently and safely routes the connections to the equipment.
Please see a selection of the most commonly asked questions regarding our range of lab benching options.
Yes. APMG offers standardised solutions and tailored designs to meet the unique needs of different laboratories. The in-house design and manufacturing ensure every requirement is met with precision.
The Floor-Mounted Pedestal System and the Cantilever System are two distinct styles of lab bench furniture offered by APMG, each with its own set of features;
Floor-Mounted Pedestal System;
This is a robust, floor-mounted cabinetry system.
It features integrated storage directly supporting the worktop, sinks, and shelving.
The storage provides the built-in strength to uphold the worktop and other equipment. Consequently, there’s no need for a separate steel frame, which can help reduce costs.
The system offers an extensive modular range of lab storage configurations, accommodating a mix of drawers, cupboards, trays, bins, and specialised chemical storage solutions.
Cantilever System;
This system uses a steel frame to provide support to the worktop.
Beneath the worktop, there’s independent lab storage. This can be any of APMG’s comprehensive selection of mobile lab cabinets or push-under storage units. It’s designed to accommodate equipment and white goods easily.
It offers flexibility, allowing for reconfiguring the under-bench storage to suit changing workflow patterns.
The system is versatile and can be used for perimeter and island benching. It can also be combined with the fixed pedestal system.
The Cantilever system can be either fixed to a solid wall with a steel T-bar or freestanding using a C-frame for support.
APMG’s lab benches are designed with industry-leading strength. Specifically;
APMG’s Cantilever (C Frame) benching can handle up to 175 kg of evenly distributed load per linear metre.
The Pedestal Furniture, on the other hand, boasts a load-bearing capacity of 250 kg per linear metre of evenly distributed load.
This robust design ensures that the benches can comfortably support a variety of lab equipment, materials, and tools without compromising safety or durability.
The under-bench storage of APMG’s Cantilever System lab benches can be reconfigured. This system of laboratory bench furniture offers the scope to reconfigure the under-bench storage to accommodate changing workflow patterns. This flexibility benefits labs that might experience changes in their processes or equipment, allowing them to adjust their storage solutions as needed without having to replace or extensively modify their existing lab benches.
Routine Cleaning;
Wipe the bench surfaces regularly with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and minor spills.
For the Trespa® work surfaces, use mild detergents or lab-approved cleaning agents.
Dealing with Spills;
In a laboratory setting, accidental spills are common. Always clean spills immediately to prevent potential chemical reactions, staining, or damage.
Use appropriate cleaning agents depending on the nature of the spill. For hazardous or chemical spills, follow your lab’s specific safety protocols.
Under-Bench Cleaning;
Given that certain storage units, like those in the Cantilever lab benching system, can be suspended or mobile, this design feature makes it easier to clean beneath them, which is particularly useful in hygiene-critical settings.
Metal Components;
The legs and extrusions of the lab furniture from APMG are electrostatically coated with a durable, easy-clean polyester powder finish. Clean these parts with a soft cloth and, if needed, a mild detergent.
Maintenance;
Periodically check for loose fittings or parts and tighten them as necessary.
Inspect the bench for any wear, damage, or corrosion, especially in high-use areas or places frequently exposed to chemicals.
Ensure that movable parts, like drawers and cabinets, operate smoothly. Lubricate if necessary.
General Tips;
Avoid placing extremely hot objects directly on the bench surface.
While the benches are designed for heavy loads, always ensure that weight is distributed evenly across the surface to prevent potential strain or damage.
If the bench has adjustable features, handle the adjustments carefully to ensure longevity and proper function.
Always refer to any specific care and maintenance guidelines provided by APMG upon purchase or installation.
When selecting laboratory benching, several key considerations should be considered to ensure the furniture meets the needs and demands of a specific laboratory environment. Here are some of the key considerations;
Material Quality
Choose benching made from high-quality, durable materials. APMG lab benches, for example, avoid the use of chipboard and are built to high standards, ensuring long-lasting and cost-effective lab furniture.
Chemical and Heat Resistance
The benches should be resistant to the chemicals and heat they will be exposed to, ensuring safety and longevity.
Load-bearing Capacity
Understand the weight that the benches need to support. APMG’s benches are designed with industry-leading strength, a crucial feature for laboratories that use heavy equipment.
Flexibility and Configurability
Consider whether you will need to reconfigure the lab space in the future. APMG’s Cantilever System, for example, allows for the reconfiguration of under-bench storage to accommodate changing workflows.
Storage Options
Assess your storage needs. APMG offers various storage configurations, including drawers, cupboards, trays, and specialised chemical storage solutions.
Dimensions and Ergonomics
Benches should be of a suitable height and size for the people using them. APMG can design and manufacture lab bench furniture to custom heights as required.
Adjustability
For diverse teams or various types of work, adjustable height tables and benches, like those offered by APMG, can be a significant advantage.
Ease of Cleaning
For hygiene-critical settings, easy-to-clean designs are essential. For example, the Cantilever System from APMG allows easy cleaning beneath suspended storage units.
Cost and Budget
Consider the initial cost but also the long-term value. High-quality, durable furniture, like that from APMG, can be more cost-effective over time.
Compliance and Safety Standards
Ensure the benches meet relevant safety standards. APMG’s benches are tested to specific industry standards (e.g., BS EN 13150:2020).
Aesthetics and Design
The lab should be a functional but also pleasant space to work in. APMG offers an extensive range of colours to support your branding and enhance the lab’s appearance.
Special Requirements
Custom features may be necessary for specialised tasks, and APMG’s in-house design and manufacturing capabilities can cater to these bespoke needs.
Installation and Maintenance
Consider the ease of installation and long-term maintenance when choosing laboratory benching.
Contact us for advice about the correct materials for each application, for sizes, technical specifications and design options.