UK Lab Chairs supplies laboratory seating to schools, colleges and universities across the UK, including teaching and research labs at the University of Oxford. Education seating has one defining requirement: it takes more punishment than any other lab environment — thirty students an hour, every hour, for years. This page covers what survives that, and how education buyers order from us on a purchase order.
What education labs need from seating
Three things decide whether school lab seating lasts. Material: polyurethane (PU) and wooden seats shrug off daily student use and wipe clean; fabric doesn't belong in a teaching lab. Simplicity: fewer adjustment levers means fewer things for students to break — stools outlast chairs in most classroom labs for exactly this reason. Height: school science benches are typically bench height (~900 mm), so seating needs the right fixed height or adjustment range, with footrings on anything tall. Every UK Lab Chairs product is fitted with a 20 stone (127 kg) rated gas strut where height-adjustable, and everything carries a 5-year guarantee against normal wear and tear — which, across a 30-classroom estate, is a budget line your business manager will notice.
The right seating for each setting
School science labs
Stools, not chairs, for classroom labs. The Low-Level Polyurethane Lab Stool (009) and Low-Level Polyurethane Lab Stool (PU550) suit lower benches; the High-Level Polyurethane Lab Stool (008) suits standard 900 mm science benches. For traditional fixed-height wooden seating or stacking stools for flexible classrooms, see the full laboratory stools range — stacking and wooden models are quoted on request.
College and sixth-form labs
Older students, longer practical sessions: the Budget PU Bench-Height Lab Chair (A12) adds a backrest at a classroom-friendly price, with the Budget PU Desk-Height Lab Chair (A13) for prep rooms and write-up desks.
University teaching and research labs
Universities typically standardise: the Upholstered Bench-Height Lab Chair (005) — over 2,265 in daily use across UK labs — for research benches, PU or vinyl variants for teaching labs, and desk-height models for write-up areas. Unsure which height class a bench needs? Use our lab chair height guide.
Prep rooms and technicians’ benches
Technicians’ spaces mix heights: the Sit-Stand Polyurethane Lab Stool (010) covers movement between benches, and the Low-Level Upholstered Lab Stool (OF510) suits seated prep work.
Ordering as a school, college or university
Purchase orders are accepted from schools, academies, multi-academy trusts, colleges and universities as standard, with a VAT invoice supplied. On finance systems we may be listed as Mark Finn Lab Furniture or Lab Tables. Quotes come back the same day — useful when a budget deadline is close — and delivery to mainland Britain is included. Refitting over the summer? Send bench counts and heights before the end of term and we'll have the quote ready for sign-off before the holidays.
Prices exclude VAT. VAT invoice supplied.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best lab stools for a school science lab?
Polyurethane (PU) stools at the correct bench height. PU seats wipe clean, resist daily student wear, and have no fabric to tear or stain. For standard 900 mm science benches, a high stool such as the UK Lab Chairs 008; for lower benches, a low stool such as the 009 or PU550.
Should a school lab have stools or chairs?
Stools for classroom labs — fewer adjustable parts means less to break under heavy student use, and stools tuck under benches between classes. Chairs with backrests suit sixth-form, college and university settings where students sit for longer practical sessions.
Do you accept purchase orders from schools and academies?
Yes — from schools, academies, multi-academy trusts, colleges and universities as standard, with a VAT invoice supplied. On finance systems UK Lab Chairs may appear as Mark Finn Lab Furniture or Lab Tables.
How quickly can we get a quote before a budget deadline?
Same day as standard, 24 hours maximum. Itemised for sign-off, with mainland Britain delivery included in the price.
How long do school lab stools last?
Every UK Lab Chairs product carries a 5-year guarantee against normal wear and tear from the date of delivery. UK support and spares are available.