laboratories Archives - Carroll Seating Company

Published: 13 January 2017

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Categories: laboratories

Today’s labs, both in schools and in commercial settings, are designed to provide techs, researchers and students with a functional, safe space; but they must also be much more than that. Work surfaces are important, and so are other features like storage capacity, design materials, and ongoing functionality. Perhaps that’s why modern lab furniture is so diverse. If you’re shopping for custom lab casework, one of the first options you should take into consideration is modular casework.

What Is It?

Modular lab casework is the cabinetry that your lab will rely on again and again. The term itself can refer to base cabinets, wall cabinets, and storage and supply cabinets, and it can be made out of almost any material. Modular casework has an advantage over the built-in variety. It can be reconfigured at any point in time so the lab can be reworked or completely redesigned should it become necessary.

The Advantages

There are actually a number of reasons to consider modular casework. It’s a space saver, which is a huge advantage in today’s shrinking lab spaces. No matter what your facility needs, you can adjust the cabinets to meet those needs, helping to eliminate any wasted space.

The other real benefit is that it is flexible. Instead of having to order new cabinetry when the needs of the lab change, modular casework can be reconfigured again and again to provide exactly what’s necessary. This is particularly beneficial in situations involving school lab casework, as often pupils’ need changes from year to year.

One additional benefit of modular casework is that it’s fairly easy to install. We’ll take extensive measurements at the outset, so you know it’s a perfect fit for your space. Most of the pieces are even factory assembled, which means that installation will be quick and easy.

Interested in learning more about modular casework for your lab? Give us a call today.

Published: 30 November 2016

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Categories: laboratories

The STEAM movement is gaining speed in the world of education today. Now, more than ever, educators are beginning to realize just how important science, technology, and math will be to students, and the pathway to create school environments that build all of these factors into a student’s education is one sought after by many districts.

If you’re unfamiliar with the movement, STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, The Arts, and Mathematics. The goal is to give students the knowledge needed in those areas to guide student learning. For teachers, it means an integrated approach to learning as well as lessons designed around inquiry and collaboration. For districts, however, it means one big hurdle, the need for stronger science labs on campus, and often that includes the demand for better school lab tables.

A Quick Buyer’s Guide

STEAM demands project based learning, and often that means school lab tables that are capable of being arranged into compact pods that will hold small groups of six to eight students at a time. That level of flexibility can mean a chance to arrange or rearrange tables to meet the needs of any given project.

As you shop, there are a few major things you’ll want to consider. The first is the table’s surface. High-pressure plastic laminate school lab equipment is a fairly natural choice. It’s one of the most common surfaces in school labs today, and it has a far stronger resistance level when it comes to scratches, dents, and dings, as well as higher temperatures and the heavy chemicals sometimes used in school labs. Wood laminate tables have been common in school labs for generations because they’re so strong.

In the event that you feel you need something a little stronger, there are other options. Many new coatings today offer higher levels of chemical resistance, and you could always move forward with a surface like stainless steel, often touted in medical facilities for its strength in terms of chemical resistance as well as its durability.

The table’s surface, though, isn’t the only consideration to make. You’ll also want to think about size. The table needs to be large enough to handle various experiments. However, when you get tables that are too large, they’re harder to rearrange for various STEAM activities. Finding that perfect medium is nothing short of a must.

Finally, the other real consideration you’ll want to factor in is durability. Any school equipment purchased should last through the next educational trend, so make certain you’re choosing school lab tables with a surface you can count on now and well into the next several years. Plastic laminate coated tables certainly have that built in, but many other options do as well.

As you explore the options available to you, contact Carroll Seating Company for a guide that can help you find the perfect school lab tables.

Published: 27 October 2016

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Categories: laboratories

There’s no better place to learn about science, using practical methodology, than a school science lab. Few things help complement a student’s learning quite like, a well-taught lab. But if you don’t currently have a space that makes labs fun and interesting for students, you may be a bit frustrated. These tips can help you design the ideal school laboratory space.

Think Location: There are many things to consider when you decide to build a lab. First, make certain you have plenty of natural light. That’s not only for experiments that demand it, but also to help give students the lighting they need to understanding things like color and appearance changes. Natural light isn’t the only location-based concern, though. Good ventilation is too. You need to ensure you have enough space to install a fume hood and you need to make sure the entire area is well ventilated just in case something should go wrong.
Think Storage: You’ll need many different pieces of equipment to perform experiments in a school science lab, and the more storage you can build into the space, the better off you’ll be. You want to be sure that you have the space to store your equipment where it can be easily reached throughout the year and where you can access it safely at any point in time. You may even want to consider dual use lab furniture to make certain you have plenty of storage and lots of room to work at the same time.
Think Layout: The plan you create for the room matters too. Most guides recommend planning 60 square feet for upper level students. Keep in mind, though, that most school labs have to do double duty, so if possible, you’ll want to incorporate individual learning areas as well as lab tables, sinks, and gas hookups. There are many different floor plans online to search to help you decide what might be right for your space, and utilizing the help of a project manager can also ensure you get the design you want for your space.
Think Necessities: You’re going to need a few things for a great lab including gas taps, electrical outlets, sinks, and more. That may mean including additional contractors, but you’re building a lab to help educate students well into the next generation, so the key is to get everything you need the first time.

School science labs aren’t like regular classrooms, and that means they need specialized lab furniture that other spaces just don’t. As you get ready to design a school laboratory that meets your needs, please contact Carroll Seating Company to get the one-on-one help you need.

Published: 11 July 2016

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Categories: laboratories

No one likes to be forced into an uncomfortable situation, especially at their workplace. Let’s face it, if you’re going to be in a lab sitting for several hours every day, you should at least have some customizable options that not only help you work smarter, but are more comfortable too.

Unquantifiable Benefits

Modular casework design is perfect for creating a streamlined environment that promotes smooth and efficient work ethic. Imagine a situation where you’ve got multiple responsibilities, but you can’t feel comfortable with the layout of all your tools. This clustering will cause holdup with workflow and frustrated attitudes all around. Studies show that people are most effective when they have a workstation well suited to their style of operation, which is why smooth lab layouts create positive results, no matter what the project in front of you might be.

You have to love your lab space, and good modular designs can mean you get the flexibility you want and the sturdy spaces you need. Not sure what to consider? The following can help.

Put Comfort First: You’re not going to want to finish the project if you’re working in a lab you hate, and it doesn’t have to look like your high school science classroom anymore. Instead, there are hundreds of options that may help put you at ease.
The Finish Matters: Modular casework can come in a variety of finishes, and the one you select won’t just depend on what you’re working with. Instead, it will also depend on what might actually appeal to you. In some cases, wood grain may work well and create the best possible lab environment. In other cases, though, you’ll want something that is a bit more resistant to your research like stainless steel.
Will You Need to Repurpose? How long will your research last? What comes next? With the right options, you can have a fully repurposable lab that will serve your needs now and down the road.

Ready to find the perfect modular lab casework? Contact us today for help.

Published: 25 May 2016

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Categories: laboratories

Designing that perfect lab for young scientists? It’s tough to balance the needs of young scientists with the realities of budgets and space today, but these laboratory design tips can help you get the science space you need now.

Don’t Forget to Build In Storage Space: If you want safe, effective science instruction for your students, you’re going to need a pretty solid amount of storage space. There are a number of ways to do just that. Add extra shelving to your design for glassware. Consider hidden storage spaces in cabinets. Think about adding a storage closet at the back of the room. Whatever you do, though, make certain that you add storage to your overall design from the outset.
Consider Your Work Surface Carefully: There are a number of different work surfaces to choose from, and the key to durability will be how yours is going to be used. The needs of elementary school science classes, for instance, are very different from the needs of high school science classes, so think about your work surface options before you make a final decision.
Think Utilities: The best science labs have a gas supply, electricity access, and good drainage systems. You may need to consider that as you build out that perfect lab design, particularly if you’re refurbishing an old space into a brand new lab.
Make it Inspirational: Don’t forget that you’re actually building out a classroom, so you need to consider that as you work toward the perfect layout. Add color, themes, and a bit of imagination to help better motivate students to learn.

Let us help you design the ideal science lab. When you choose Carroll Seating Company, you’ll work one-on-one with a project manager who will not only ensure you get that perfect laboratory design, but also great casework and equipment to ensure your classroom is second to none. Contact us today to learn more.

Published: 12 January 2016

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Categories: case studies, laboratories

The Waubonsee Community College physics labs classrooms were in need of updating. School administration hired general contractor Lite Construction for a major school renovation that a new Field House, renovations to Erickson Hall and other construction as part of Waubonsee’s 2020 College Master Plan. Lite construction worked with the design team at Carroll Seating to plan the update to their physics labs in Weigel Hall on the Sugar Grove campus.

The team at Carroll Seating was pleased with the finished outcome of these new physics labs. The school decided on new science casework, table tops and shelving manufactured by Institutional Casework. The Carroll Seating team hopes that Waubonsee Community College students and faculty will enjoy them for many school years to come. For more information about this lab renovation project, please visit the Carroll Seating website or call us in Elk Grove, IL at 847-434-0909.