Built-in Millwork Versus Modular CaseworkA specialty chemical supplier acquired a new space in Houston, TX for their petroleum testing lab. Aside from a sink, there was nothing in the space. This gave the company an opportunity to design the lab exactly how they wanted it. But first they needed to decide what type of furniture to use – built-in millwork or modular casework?

Difference Between Built-In Millwork and Modular Casework

Built-in millwork is exactly what it sounds like: furniture that is constructed on-site and built into the space. Once the project is complete, there’s no more changing your mind or re-arranging anything without tearing the furniture down and throwing it away.

Modular casework, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. It’s built off-site at a manufacturing facility and arrives ready to be installed. The casework is just like built-in millwork, except for one major difference: it can be moved, relocated, rearranged and changed any time you want.

Southwest Solutions Group Designs and Installs the Modular Casework

After learning about their options, the chemical company chose modular casework for their petroleum testing lab. To design and install the casework, the company reached out to Southwest Solutions Group. Randy Brant, Southwest Solutions Group’s Vice President located in the Houston office, worked with the rest of the team to design the modular casework for the petroleum lab (see the plan drawing below).

Plan Drawing of Modular Casework in Petroleum Testing Lab

The modular casework was specified as powder coated steel with marine edged epoxy resin tops, and includesFinished Modular Casework Installed in Chemical Suppliers Testing Laboratory

  • sink-faucet/eye-wash shower
  • fume hood
  • upper and lower cabinets at specified heights
  • work island with cabinets/drawers
  • pop up power evenly spaced for equipment
  • chemical cabinet
  • custom mobile table to fit inside the fume hood
  • flammable cabinet

Once the design was worked out, the modular casework was ordered and installed into the company’s lab.

 

After the project was complete, the chemical company stated, “We are very pleased with the modular casework in this new petroleum testing lab. In fact, we have a similar lab elsewhere, but we like the furniture and cabinets in this one much better.”

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