⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 / 5 | Google reviews for norlab.com.au
The Norlab Laboratory 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 laboratory benchtops are engineered to withstand prolonged exposure to acids, solvents, alkalis, and aggressive chemicals without staining, degrading, or compromising surface integrity. A durable, non-porous work surface that stays clean, safe, and reliable.
• Customisation
Our laboratory 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 laboratory benchtops meet SEFA 3, AS/NZS 2243, and ISO 9001 standards, ensuring every surface delivers the chemical resistance, structural integrity, and safety performance required for professional laboratory environments.
Chemical Resistance
Moisture Resistance
Heat Resistant
Abrasion Resistance
Surface Easy to Clean
Long Durability
Norlab laboratory benchtops are engineered using phenolic, epoxy, acrylic, or ceramic materials, designed to withstand continuous exposure to acids, solvents, and harsh laboratory substances without degradation. A smooth, non-porous surface finish prevents the absorption of contaminants and supports rigorous cleaning and decontamination protocols. Every unit is manufactured under strict Australian quality standards and designed to provide a stable, chemically inert work surface that supports precision, safety, and long-term performance across every stage of daily laboratory operations.
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Reference |
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Chemical Resistance |
Diluted Acids, Alcohols & Cleaners |
Concentrated Acids, Alkalis & Solvents |
Mild Chemicals & Disinfectants |
Nearly All Laboratory Chemicals |
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Heat Resistance |
No visible effect to 150°C (302°F) |
No visible effect to 200°C (392°F) |
No visible effect to 150°C (302°F) |
No visible effect to 300°C (572°F) |
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Impact Resistance |
Excellent |
Good |
Good |
Moderate |
• 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 phenolic resin, epoxy 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 Organisation for Standardisation (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 laboratory 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.
• We upgraded our facility with Norlab’s laboratory benchtops, and the results have been outstanding. The surfaces handle daily chemical exposure without any issues, clean easily, and feel exceptionally durable. From design support to installation, the entire laboratory benchtop specification and installation process was smooth and professional. 
• We needed custom laboratory benchtops for a new research space, and Norlab delivered exactly what we were looking for. The quality of the materials exceeded our expectations, the fit was excellent, and the project remained on schedule from start to finish.
Choosing the right laboratory benchtops depends mainly on the chemicals used in your laboratory and the level of heat exposure your surfaces will handle. Phenolic is the most cost-effective option and performs well with diluted acids, bases, and most organic solvents, making it a common choice for educational and general research laboratories. Epoxy is preferred for environments working with concentrated acids, aggressive solvents, or open flames because it offers excellent heat and chemical resistance.
Acrylic surfaces are commonly selected for medical, pharmaceutical, and food science environments where hygiene and appearance are prioritised over aggressive chemical resistance. Ceramic is the preferred choice for high-temperature applications involving Bunsen burners or direct heating equipment due to its exceptional heat resistance. If you’re unsure which option best suits your workflow, Norlab can recommend the right laboratory benchtops solution based on your chemicals, laboratory type, and daily operations.
Every order of laboratory benchtops from Norlab is fully custom manufactured to match your exact specifications — there are no fixed standard sizes. Panel dimensions, thicknesses, edge profiles, and overall shapes are tailored to your layout, whether your benches include angled corners, non-standard depths, or custom overhang requirements.
Many buyers worry they’ll receive generic panels that don’t properly fit their space, but Norlab designs every project around the actual room dimensions and workflow requirements. To get started, you simply provide a floor plan or room measurements, and the design team handles the fabrication drawings and complimentary 3D modelling for your laboratory benchtops project.
All required cut-outs are included during the fabrication process for Norlab laboratory benchtops, so there is no need to engage a separate contractor after delivery. Openings for sinks, taps, reagent dispensers, gas service fittings, and electrical grommets are coordinated during the design review stage using your fixture and plumbing specifications.
This process is important because cut-out placement directly affects the structural integrity of the surface, especially with epoxy and phenolic materials. Cutting openings on-site can compromise durability and long-term performance, which is why all modifications are engineered before production begins. By integrating these details during fabrication, Norlab ensures your laboratory benchtops arrive installation-ready and properly configured for your laboratory layout.
Norlab laboratory benchtops are available with three structural frame configurations: Frame Type C, which features an open front commonly used with cabinetry underneath; Frame Type U, designed for island benches and peninsula layouts; and Frame Type O, a fully enclosed perimeter frame specified for heavy equipment or vibration-sensitive applications.
Frame selection is based entirely on the structural and layout needs of your laboratory, not on the benchtop material itself. Any surface option — including phenolic, epoxy, acrylic, or ceramic — can be paired with any frame configuration. This flexibility allows Norlab to design laboratory benchtop systems that match both the functional requirements and workflow demands of your facility.
Yes, All laboratory benchtops manufactured by Norlab comply with SEFA standards, which establish performance requirements for laboratory work surfaces including chemical resistance, structural load capacity, durability, and surface flatness tolerances.
SEFA compliance is especially important for facilities operating under regulated quality and compliance frameworks because work surface specifications are often reviewed as part of laboratory design, quality assurance, and facility validation processes. Norlab includes all required compliance documentation as part of the project delivery rather than treating it as an optional add-on. If your facility requires additional certifications or specialised standards, those requirements can also be incorporated into the final laboratory benchtop specification during the design phase.
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 laboratory benchtops matched to your workflow.
Australian owned & operated — nationwide delivery
Manufactured and supported from Victoria.
