Laboratory Fit Out - Top 8 FAQs About Setting Up a New Lab

Successful laboratory fit out requires careful planning to ensure efficiency, safety and compliance with industry standards.

Whether you are establishing a research lab, industrial lab or educational facility, addressing key considerations early in the process can save time and costs.
In this guide, we answer the top 8 most frequently asked questions about setting up a new laboratory to help you create a functional and future-proof workspace.
 
1. What Are the Key Design Considerations for a Lab Fit Out
•    Optimise workflow efficiency with clearly defined work zones for preparation, experimentation and analysis.
•    Ensure adequate ventilation, lighting and safety measures.
•    Plan for future expansion with flexible, modular layouts and MOBILE LAB FURNITURE.
•    Choose durable, chemical-resistant worktops such as Trespa or epoxy resin.

2. Fitting Out a Laboratory - What Standards Must I Meet?
•    Follow ISO 15189 for medical labs
•    Ensure COSHH compliance for handling hazardous substances.
•    Meet BS EN 14175 standards for fume cupboards and ventilation.

A professional lab fit-out provider can help navigate compliance standards.

3. How Much Lab Space Do I Need & How To Allocate It?
•    Allocate dedicated areas for sample prep, analysis and storage.
•    Maintain clear walkways and emergency exits.
•    Consider the space required for specialist equipment, whitegoods and fume cupboards.

4. What Materials Should Be Used for Lab Furniture and Worktops?
Select materials suited to your requirements for enhanced durability and longevity.

Material                                                     Benefits
Trespa TopLab    Scratch & chemical-resistant, ideal for general labs
Epoxy Resin    Heat & chemical-resistant, great for heavy-duty applications
Stainless Steel    Hygienic, corrosion-resistant, suitable for sterile environments

5. What Ventilation and Extraction Systems Are Required?
•    Install fume cupboards to ensure a safe, efficient and reliable laboratory environment.
•    Use laminar flow cabinets for contamination-sensitive work.
•    Ensure the lab meets relevant ventilation standards.
•    Check requirements for pressurising air in specialist labs to maintain a clean environment.

6. What Are the Essential Utilities and Services Needed?
•    Check on power supply to the building to ensure sufficient infrastructure.
•    Install water supply points and emergency eyewash stations.
•    Plan for gas (nitrogen, oxygen, CO₂ etc.) and plumbing services.
•    Set up secure networking and IT infrastructure.
•    Ensure an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) for sensitive equipment.

7. How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a New Laboratory?
The cost of setting up a new laboratory varies depending on factors such as lab size, industry requirements, level of customisation and compliance standards.

Estimated Total Cost of a Laboratory Fit-Out
Lab Size                         Basic Fit-Out           Mid-Range                  High-Specification
Small Lab
(50-100m²)               £50,000 – £150,000    £150,000 – £250,000    £250,000 – £400,000
Medium Lab
(100-250m²)            £100,000 – £250,000    £250,000 – £500,000    £500,000 – £800,000
Large Lab
(250-500m²)            £250,000 – £500,000    £500,000 – £1,000,000    £1,000,000+

Case Study Example Cost for Large Lab with High Spec Fit Out
Project Outline:-
•    286 sq m empty aircraft hangar converted for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Engineering Facility
•    Co-ordinated fit out of lab furniture, fixtures, fittings, HVAC & specialist gases
•    Technical solution for 5 high specification labs & access corridor
•    Created a controlled working environment including 4 pressurised labs
•    Total Project value:- £1.15m

8. How Long Does It Take to Complete a Laboratory Fit-Out?
•    Simple LABORATORY REFURBISHMENTS: 6-12 weeks
•    New-build LAB FIT OUTS: 3-6 months

Factors affecting timelines:
•    Permissions & approvals
•    Custom furniture and equipment lead times
•    Construction & installation complexity

Tip: Work with an established turnkey laboratory fit-out provider to streamline the process and avoid delays.

Conclusion
Setting up a laboratory involves careful planning across design, compliance, costs and equipment selection. By addressing these frequently asked questions early in the process, you can ensure a safe, efficient and future-proof laboratory space.
Klick are a trusted provider of laboratory design and fitout services with over 40 years of industry experience. Our positive testimonials speak for themselves.

Testimonial
“Highly trustworthy and informative throughout with an amazing end product that everyone is happy with.
I would highly recommend and am now using Klick again for our steel structure on the next phase. Thank you again!”
Tony Havvas – JPL Flavours Ltd

Need expert guidance on your laboratory fit-out? Contact Klick today!