⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 / 5 | Google reviews for norlab.com.au
The Norlab Epoxy Benchtops offer the highest level of surface protection that your laboratory requires for daily handling of chemicals, biological materials, and demanding research processes:
• Resistance
Our epoxy benchtops deliver the most aggressive chemical and thermal resistance available in laboratory work surfaces. Cast as a single monolithic slab with zero seams or joints, the surface eliminates contamination traps and withstands direct contact with concentrated acids, open flames, and steam sterilisation cycles that would degrade any standard surface.
• Customisation
Our epoxy benchtops can be customised in thickness, edge profile, cut-out configuration, and finish to match the specific chemical processes, equipment layout, and aesthetic requirements of your laboratory.
• Compliance
Our epoxy benchtops meet SEFA 3, AS/NZS 2243, and ISO 9001 standards, ensuring every surface delivers the chemical resistance, structural integrity, and safety performance.
Chemical Resistance
Abrasion Resistance
Heat Resistant
Light Reflectance
Surface Easy to Clean
Long Durability
Norlab epoxy benchtops are engineered using a cast epoxy resin formulation, cured into a single monolithic slab that eliminates the layered construction of phenolic surfaces and produces a seamless, joint-free work surface with no edges or seams where contaminants can accumulate. This solid-cast structure provides exceptional resistance to concentrated acids, alkalis, organic solvents, and sustained heat exposure, making epoxy the material of choice for microbiology, life sciences, and high-temperature chemistry applications where phenolic surfaces reach their performance limits. Every unit is manufactured under strict Australian quality standards and designed to deliver maximum durability and contamination control across the most demanding laboratory environments.
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Reference |
Type C Structure |
Type U Structure |
Type O Structure |
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Minimum Dimensions: |
600″ x 600″ x 750″ mm |
600″ x 600″ x 750″ mm |
600″ x 600″ x 750″ mm |
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Maximum Dimensions: |
1800″ x 900″ x 900″ mm |
1800″ x 900″ x 900″ mm |
1800″ x 900″ x 900″ mm |
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Maximum Load |
200 kg |
350 kg |
430 kg |
• SEFA 3
Performance standard developed by the Scientific Equipment and Furniture Association (SEFA) for laboratory work surfaces and laboratory benchtops. Establishes testing and performance requirements for chemical resistance, heat resistance, impact resistance, abrasion resistance, stain resistance, moisture resistance, flame resistance, load performance, and long-term durability. Commonly used to evaluate epoxy resin, phenolic resin, stainless steel, and other specialty laboratory benchtops materials intended for research, pharmaceutical, healthcare, educational, industrial, and government laboratory environments where demanding daily use and chemical exposure are expected.
• AS/NZS 2243
Australian and New Zealand laboratory safety standard that establishes safety requirements for laboratory facilities, equipment, work practices, and risk management procedures. Provides guidance for laboratories handling hazardous chemicals, biological materials, and potentially dangerous processes, including the selection of durable, chemically resistant, and easily cleanable laboratory benchtops. Widely referenced across research institutions, universities, healthcare facilities, pharmaceutical laboratories, industrial testing centres, and educational laboratories throughout Australia and New Zealand to support safe laboratory design, operation, and maintenance.
• ISO 9001
International quality management standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Establishes requirements for a documented Quality Management System (QMS) focused on consistent manufacturing processes, quality control, customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, and product traceability. For epoxy benchtops, ISO 9001 certification demonstrates that manufacturing operations follow recognised quality management practices designed to ensure consistent product performance, material quality, production reliability, and compliance with customer and regulatory requirements across laboratory, healthcare, educational, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications.
• After comparing several options, we chose Norlab’s epoxy benchtops. The quality is excellent, installation was seamless, and the surfaces have held up perfectly under heavy use. 
• Our research facility in Illinois needed a surface that could take daily abuse and still look professional. These epoxy benchtops have exceeded expectations. They’re incredibly durable and very easy to maintain.
Epoxy benchtops have the best chemical resistance available in a standard laboratory benchtop: they handle concentrated HCl, H₂SO₄ up to around 50%, and most common bases and organic solvents without issue. The real limits are concentrated HNO₃ (above 50%) and strong oxidising mixtures — aqua regia, piranha solution — especially at elevated temperatures, where prolonged exposure will eventually degrade the surface. The practical rule: epoxy is your best option for demanding daily chemistry, but that doesn’t mean you leave a puddle of concentrated nitric acid sitting on it for hours. Clean up spills immediately, no matter what material you have.
Epoxy benchtops handle up to 180–200°C for brief contact without warping, which makes them more heat-tolerant than phenolic. A magnetic stir plate running at 150°C set directly on it is generally fine for normal use periods. What does cause permanent damage is direct flame contact or sustained exposure above 200°C. For laboratories that regularly use Bunsen burners or high-intensity heating equipment on the bench surface, ceramic is still the only material with no real heat restrictions.
Under normal laboratory conditions, expect 20 to 30 years. Lifespan shortens if you’re regularly working with concentrated oxidising solvents without prompt clean-up, or in environments with extreme thermal cycling. It extends in laboratories with moderate use and consistent cleaning habits. Like phenolic, the most common failure point isn’t the surface — it’s the perimeter joints. An epoxy top with well-maintained sealant lasts decades; one with deteriorated joints starts failing from the edges inward.
Minor surface damage — shallow scratches, small chips — can be repaired with a two-part epoxy filler in a matching colour. It’s functional, though not invisible. A deep crack that goes through the full thickness can’t be repaired to an acceptable finish because the filler will never match the original surface exactly. If the damage is significant or covers a large area, the honest answer is to replace that section.
The surface itself is genuinely maintenance-free: no waxing, no sealing, no periodic treatments. Regular cleaning with a mild detergent and water covers daily use. The only thing that needs periodic attention are the silicone or polyurethane sealant joints at edges, sinks, and walls — inspect them every 3 to 5 years and reapply sealant when you see deterioration. One common mistake is using abrasive cleaners or steel wool pads that scratch the surface over time.
Your lab’s work surface solved — chemically resistant, precision-cut, and matched to every process your team runs daily.
Tell us what chemicals and processes your bench needs to handle and we’ll recommend the right material, thickness, and cutout configuration — at no cost, no obligation.
Expert guidance included — free 3D design
Our lab safety specialists review your project personally.
Fully custom — material, thickness, edge, cutouts & finish
Chemical resistant epoxy benchtops matched to your workflow.
Australian owned & operated — nationwide delivery
Manufactured and supported from Victoria.
