| Wall Cantilevered Benching | Standalone Lab Benching | |
|---|---|---|
| Potential restrictions around cantilever brackets, and dependent on the wall sub structure and support mechanism. This system has a 100-200kg capacity. | STRENGTH & DURABILITY | A standalone joinery system does not sacrifice durability or strength as the weight is distributed directly on legs, giving this system a 200-300kg capacity. |
| Traditional fixed benching is non-movable and makes it difficult to adapt the lab to better suit the user’s needs as the functionality of the lab evolves. | FLEXIBILITY | User centric flexibility with multiple configurations that allows the user to perform changes without disruption to lab work flows, expenses or wasted time. |
| Initial cost for cantilever benching is high due to the extra structural support required in the wall cavity and the cost of modifying fixed benchwork is very high. | COST | Modular benching is all-round more cost-effective and the longevity of this design makes it a sensible investment that costs less over time. |
| Depending on the depth, fixed benching can be very restrictive to mobile trollies and underbench cabinetry, taking up needed storage space. | CABINETRY SPACE | Whilst there are legs at fixed distances, cabinetry can be supported by the benching & under-bench storage is easily accessible and space can be maximized. |
| Fully bespoke system with engineering and assembly on site required, fixed to the floor/wall and each panel individually cut and edged. | AVAILABILITY | Standalone benching is often available on the shelf for immediate purchase. This design can be disassembled, packed, transported & installed very quickly. |
| Rigid and fixed system which requires special fabrication or modification and cannot be reconfigured to suit changing requirements. | ERGONOMICS | Future proofed design that allows the user to specify to any height or width they like, allowing greater freedom of movement while in the lab workstation. |
| This system works well on floor coving however it can become more complex around support brackets in view of making it compliant. | CLEANABILITY PC2 & BC2 | Dependent on design to ensure all standalone systems meet local standards. Ideally use PC2/BC2 considered systems. |
