08 Jul Lab Fit Out – How to Navigate the Process
A Step-by-Step Guide for Efficient, Future-Proofed Lab Design
Fitting out a laboratory is more than selecting furniture—it’s a strategic process that demands precision, planning and specialist knowledge. Whether you’re designing a new facility or refurbishing an outdated space, a successful lab fit out ensures safety, improves workflow and supports long-term scientific goals.
At Klick Laboratories, we’ve spent over 40 years helping organisations across research, education, industrial and food & drink sectors create labs that are functional, sustainable and future-ready. This guide walks you through each phase of the laboratory fit-out journey.
1. Define the Laboratory Fit-Out Scope and Objectives
Before any design work begins, clarify the lab’s purpose and technical needs:
- What activities will take place?
- Who will use the space—and how?
- Is the design adaptable for future expansion?
- Do you have a fixed budget or timeline?
Early input from stakeholders—especially lab users—helps shape a design that works in practice, not just on paper. This reduces risk and avoids costly layout changes down the line.
2. Plan Laboratory Layouts and Services Strategically
Efficient lab design enhances safety and productivity. Our design team focuses on:
- Streamlining: Improving efficiencies by analysing workflows
- Equipment: Planning for specialist equipment, considering size, weight and location
- Storage: Allocating appropriate and accessible space for equipment, chemicals etc.
- Zoning: Separating wet/dry, clean/dirty processes and write-up spaces
- Service Requirements: Integrating power, gas, water and extraction systems efficiently
- Sustainability: Selecting sustainable/robust materials & designing efficient spaces
- Movement: Clear pathways for staff and equipment use
- Collaboration: Consider spaces for scientists and their teams to interact
Our modular and mobile benching systems allow layouts to evolve as your needs change – without a full redesign.
3. Future-Proof Your Lab Design for Business Growth
A future-proof lab supports growth, adapts to new technologies and reduces long-term costs. Klick designs spaces that are:
- Flexible – Modular benching and mobile laboratory furniture with plug-and-play services
- Durable – High-quality materials reduce waste and replacement
- Adaptable – Space can be reconfigured as team sizes or technologies evolve
Our designs are ideal for start-ups, scaling labs and established organisations alike.
4. Consult with a Specialist Laboratory Fit-Out Partner
A trusted lab fit-out partner brings technical insight and end-to-end coordination. It is important to find a partner who shares your vision and will act as an extension of your team. At Klick Laboratories, we support clients from initial consultation through to completion, covering:
- Laboratory planning and 3D design
- Furniture and materials specification
- Full fit-out services including M&E, specialist gases, HVAC and provision of pressurised labs
Our team understands the specific demands of laboratory environments and works closely with clients to solve complex design challenges.
Testimonial
“From the outset, we appreciated their remarkable knowledge and proactive “can-do” attitude…. As we moved forward with phase two of our relocation, there was no question in our minds about asking Klick to join us once again… This decision was not solely based on pricing; it was about finding a partner who genuinely understood our vision and had the expertise to bring it to life.”
Tony Havvas – JPL Flavours Ltd
5. Choose the Right Materials and Laboratory Furniture
Materials in laboratory environments must be robust, appropriate for any chemical use, hygienic and long-lasting. We offer tailored advice on laboratory worktop and furniture solutions, including:
- Trespa TopLab Base – Easy to clean, robust and lasting material where scratch and wear resistance are critical
- Trespa TopLab PLUS ALIGN – Highly resistant to a wide variety of aggressive chemicals, high-performance and lower carbon footprint
- Stainless steel – Ideal for sterile and corrosive environments, suitable for worktops and frameworks
- Epoxy resin – Chemical and stain resistant, robust and easy to clean
UK manufactured furniture offers reliability of supply chain and a reduced carbon footprint.
6. Minimise Disruption to Your Lab During Installation
There should be minimal disruption to your ongoing operations during the lab installation phase. Ideally select an experienced company with project managers to coordinate every trade, including:
- Electrical work
- Plumbing and drainage
- Specialist gas installations
- HVAC (heating, ventilation & air conditioning) and fume extraction
Klick tailor our schedule to your operational needs and plan work to minimise downtime. Our single-point-of-contact approach streamlines the process and avoids confusion.
Make Use of Klick’s Lab Fit-Out Planning Checklist:-
To help you plan your project our installation team have compiled a checklist.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Many clients come to us after experiencing these challenges:
- Rushed or incomplete planning
- Mismatched service infrastructure
- Use of non-lab-grade furniture
- Poor communication between contractors
Our structured approach and technical experience prevent these issues, ensuring your fit-out is completed on time and to specification.
Let Klick Laboratories Guide Your Next Project
From small teaching spaces to full-scale commercial R&D facilities, Klick Laboratories delivers streamlined, high-performance lab environments. Our expert consultants work as an extension of your team—solving complex technical problems and managing the entire fit-out process.
If you are looking for an expert team to guide you through a complex laboratory project please contact us by email or give us a call on 0161 998 9726 to arrange a consultation.
Further details of our laboratory fit out service are available here.