A high school chemistry lab needs beakers, test tubes, burners, balances, PPE, and safety gear. This guide lists every essential tool by name and use, plus setup and storage tips for teachers, lab managers, and students. Includes a free downloadable checklist.
Every high school chemistry lab runs on the same foundation: reliable tools, safe layouts, and smart storage. Whether you’re setting up a new lab or refreshing your inventory, knowing exactly which equipment you need and how to use and maintain it makes all the difference.
This guide walks through every piece of core chemistry lab gear by name, category, and function. You’ll also find tips for safe setup, classroom-friendly storage options, and answers to the most common questions we get from teachers and lab coordinators.
From beakers and burners to PPE and pegboards, everything here is designed to help you build a safer, more efficient lab environment, without wasting time or budget on unnecessary extras.
Core Chemistry Lab Equipment (What Every Lab Needs)
Setting up a high school chemistry lab starts with getting the fundamentals right. These are the core tools that allow students to perform reactions, take measurements, and engage in hands-on learning safely and effectively. Every piece serves a specific purpose, and having the correct versions on hand makes all the difference.
Beakers
Beakers are the workhorses of any chemistry lab. They're used for mixing solutions, heating liquids, and transferring substances between containers. Available in a range of sizes from 50 mL to 1000 mL, they’re typically made from borosilicate glass to withstand heat and chemical exposure. Beakers should be stored upright and labeled clearly to avoid mix-ups.
For labs looking to improve workflow and safety, especially when it comes to organizing glassware, epoxy pegboards paired with custom drying racks offer a smart solution for faster clean-up and reduced breakage.
Test Tubes & Racks
Test tubes are essential for conducting small-scale reactions, heating chemicals, or observing color changes. They're available in glass or plastic, with sizes ranging from 10 mL to 50 mL. Proper storage using a sturdy test tube rack not only prevents tipping but also improves drying time and lab organization.
We often get asked whether schools need to buy new glassware every year. The answer? Not necessarily. With proper cleaning (using designated brushes and drying racks), most high-quality lab glassware can be reused annually, just be sure to inspect for cracks or etching that might compromise safety.
Graduated Cylinders
Graduated cylinders are designed for precision. Unlike beakers, they are calibrated to deliver accurate liquid volume readings, making them ideal for measurement-based experiments and titrations. Cylinders typically come in 10 mL to 1000 mL sizes and are either glass or plastic, with clear volume markings along the side.
To ensure consistent results in experiments, it's critical to teach students how to read the meniscus properly. Using custom epoxy work surfaces with anti-glare finishes can help improve visibility when measuring liquids.
Bunsen Burners & Hot Plates
Bunsen burners remain a staple for labs that require open-flame heating, especially for combustion reactions. However, hot plates are becoming more common in high school settings due to their safety advantages and even heat distribution, making them ideal for general heating tasks.
Not sure when to use a burner versus a hot plate? Burners are best for reactions needing direct flame or high heat quickly, while hot plates are safer for gradual heating and ideal for flammable substances. Students should also be trained to recognize and adjust flame types, blue flames for heat, and yellow for visibility.
If your school is in the process of replacing outdated heat sources, we recommend pairing your upgrades with a review of balance tables and ventilation stations to ensure safety compliance and equipment longevity.
Volumetric & Erlenmeyer Flasks
Volumetric flasks are used when precise solution concentrations are needed. These narrow-neck flasks are marked with a single calibration line and are essential in analytical chemistry lessons. Erlenmeyer flasks, with their conical shape and wide base, are better for mixing solutions and swirling without spills.
Both flasks serve different purposes and should be used accordingly. When storing acids or bases in these vessels, it’s critical to label them properly and store them on chemical-resistant countertops that can handle accidental spills.
Observation & Measurement Tools
Beyond basic glassware, every well-equipped chemistry lab should include tools for observing microscopic details and precisely measuring mass, temperature, or acidity. These instruments play a crucial role in helping students understand the properties of matter and perform experiments with accuracy, safety, and repeatability.
Microscopes
Although often associated with biology labs, microscopes can be invaluable in chemistry education as well. They allow students to observe crystal formations, monitor changes in cellular reactions during osmosis experiments, and even examine corrosion on metal samples. Incorporating microscopes into your chemistry curriculum helps bridge scientific disciplines and fosters a deeper understanding of chemical processes on the micro-scale.
For example, pairing microscope use with corrosion experiments using test tubes and rubber stoppers can help visualize how acids impact different materials, turning textbook theory into vivid, hands-on learning.
Thermometers
Accurate temperature readings are vital in chemistry, particularly during reactions that rely on specific thermal conditions. While traditional mercury thermometers were once the standard, digital thermometers have taken the lead due to their safety, ease of use, and quick readouts.
But are digital thermometers accurate enough for high school labs? The short answer: is yes, especially when calibrated properly and paired with stable work surfaces that eliminate ambient interference. Digital options are safer and better suited to environments where accidental breakage is a concern, making them ideal for student labs. We recommend using them alongside our chemical-resistant epoxy countertops for improved visibility and temperature consistency.
pH Paper & Litmus
pH paper and litmus strips are simple, low-cost tools for measuring acidity or alkalinity in various solutions. They offer immediate, visual feedback, making them excellent for interactive demonstrations and student-led experiments using household substances like vinegar, coffee, or soap.
To enhance your classroom's learning experience, store these materials in clearly labeled compartments within modular storage units to help students quickly access and clean up supplies during lab rotations.
Balances & Scales
Measuring mass accurately is non-negotiable in any chemistry experiment. Precision balances and analytical scales are used to weigh solids for reactions, calculate molar masses, and determine percent composition.
One frequently overlooked detail in accuracy is lab table vibration. Even slight movements can skew results. That’s why we recommend installing anti-vibration balance tables, which are specifically designed to stabilize sensitive instruments, reducing errors and ensuring more consistent data in student experiments.
Lab Safety Gear & Storage
Safety in a high school chemistry lab creates a controlled, predictable environment where learning can thrive. The right safety gear and storage equipment protect both students and staff, prevent accidents, and help schools meet legal requirements without compromising on workflow or budget.
Goggles, Aprons & Gloves
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is non-negotiable. Safety goggles shield the eyes from splashes, fumes, and flying debris. Aprons protect clothing and skin from corrosive chemicals. Gloves, specifically nitrile, offer superior chemical resistance and are less likely to trigger allergic reactions compared to latex. Nitrile gloves also hold up better when handling organic solvents or acids, which are common in high school experiments.
We recommend storing PPE kits in accessible stations near sinks and entrances. If you’re managing multiple labs or mobile classrooms, portable safety setups can help ensure consistency across locations.
Fume Hoods & Ventilation
Fume hoods are vital when working with volatile chemicals or compounds that produce noxious gases. They draw harmful vapors away from students and safely ventilate them. The common question among schools is whether to install ducted or ductless hoods. Ducted systems are ideal for handling a wider range of chemicals and provide more consistent airflow, but ductless hoods are easier to install and maintain in budget-constrained environments.
Either way, placing hoods over chemical-resistant surfaces can minimize cleanup and reduce long-term surface damage from acidic vapors.
Eye Wash Stations & First Aid
State and federal regulations require that eye wash stations and first aid kits be installed in all science labs. These units should be located near sinks and visible from all parts of the room. Wall-mounted eye wash stations are space-efficient, while plumbed versions provide continuous flow for more serious exposures.
For safety drills and compliance checks, it helps to integrate these stations into your lab's core layout, something our custom lab planning service can assist with.
Flammable Chemical Cabinets
Safe storage of flammable or volatile chemicals is a frequent concern in high school settings. Flammable safety cabinets help separate reactive materials, minimize exposure risks, and keep your lab up to code with OSHA, NFPA, and SEFA standards. Cabinets should be labeled, vented if necessary, and include adjustable shelving for varied container sizes.
Many schools worry about space constraints. The solution? Compact safety cabinets that fit under countertops or into corner zones, freeing up work surfaces while enhancing safety.
Additional Lab Tools That Make a Big Difference
It’s the smaller tools, often overlooked, that can truly elevate the efficiency and effectiveness of a high school chemistry lab. These items not only enhance safety and precision but also help students develop the habits and techniques that form the foundation of scientific practice.
Funnels, Droppers & Pipettes
Funnels are essential for transferring liquids without spills, especially when pouring into narrow containers. Droppers and pipettes allow for precise measurement and delivery of small liquid volumes, critical during titrations or controlled reactions.
Every student should be taught how to fold filter paper into quadrants and place it properly in a funnel. This basic skill supports lessons in solubility, crystallization, and compound separation. For best results, we recommend pairing funnels with our chemical-resistant pegboards, which allow for proper drying and storage.
Spatulas & Tongs
Spatulas are used to transfer dry powders or crystals during measurement and preparation. Tongs allow the safe handling of heated glassware and metal crucibles. These tools minimize direct contact with potentially reactive materials and reduce contamination risk.
Including stainless steel spatulas and heat-resistant tongs in your classroom kit ensures durability and helps students build professional lab habits from day one.
Brushes & Wash Bottles
Clean lab tools make for reliable experiments. Test tube brushes remove residues that could affect chemical reactions, while wash bottles help rinse out glassware with distilled water. Keeping cleaning tools on every lab station helps instill personal responsibility in students while preserving equipment longevity.
Our custom lab accessories include sink-compatible storage racks for brushes and bottles, keeping supplies organized and easy to access.
Crucibles & Watch Glasses
Crucibles are designed to withstand high heat for reactions involving solids, while watch glasses are flat, concave pieces used to evaporate small amounts of liquid or observe sample changes. Both tools introduce students to concepts like thermal decomposition and evaporation rates in a controlled, visual way.
Ensure your lab countertops can withstand extreme heat, our epoxy resin surfaces offer the durability you’ll need for high-temp reactions without warping or discoloration.
Spring Balance & Ammeter
Spring balances measure force, and ammeters track current flow. While not core chemistry tools, they’re great for crossover experiments involving electrolysis, conductivity, or force-based reactions. These tools reinforce interdisciplinary learning and support STEM integration in your science curriculum.
Incorporating these instruments into your classroom lab can expand the learning scope beyond chemistry and help students explore the physical interactions behind chemical phenomena.
Smart Equipment Storage, Layout & Budgeting
Equipping a chemistry lab on how everything fits together. Smart storage, durable surfaces, and efficient layouts save time, reduce clutter, and keep students safe. Planning your lab around how students move, access tools, and clean up afterward can transform daily learning into something smooth and stress-free.
Drying Racks & Pegboards
Drying racks and pegboards play a bigger role than most realize. They support hygiene, reduce breakage, and promote proper glassware maintenance. Available in epoxy resin, phenolic resin, stainless steel, and acrylic, each material offers unique benefits depending on your lab’s exposure to moisture, chemicals, and frequent use.
We offer custom pegboards tailored to your lab’s size and wall space, and every purchase comes with free polypropylene replacement pegs for one full year, so you’re never caught short during peak usage.
Lab Work Surfaces
The countertop literal foundation of your setup. We offer epoxy resin, phenolic resin, and Trespa, each engineered for classroom chemistry. Epoxy is ideal for high heat and chemical resistance, phenolic offers a lighter, water-resistant option, and Trespa adds an antibacterial finish perfect for cross-disciplinary classrooms.
Our chemical-resistant work surfaces also support LEED certification, helping your school go green while staying durable under pressure. If you’re still deciding whether to purchase bundles or build piece-by-piece, the answer depends on the timeline, budget, and lab complexity; bundles are great for quick setups, while custom configurations allow for greater flexibility and better space optimization.
Modular Storage & Sink Design
Storage labs require deep drawers for heavy tools, while others need open shelving for shared resources. We offer modular storage setups that scale with your classroom needs and keep supplies where students can reach them safely.
When it comes to sinks, our epoxy sink collection includes undermount and drop-in configurations, with custom drain placements, center, end, or corner, to match your workflow. These options simplify installation and help reduce splash zones during cleanups.
Layout Planning Tips
Designing your lab layout should prioritize student mobility, visibility, and compliance. Our team helps schools map out logical workstation zones, aisle spacing, and emergency access points. We also specialize in creating ADA-compliant lab environments, ensuring every student can engage fully.
If you're planning a new lab or renovating an outdated space, we highly recommend using our free quote tool to map out your needs and explore layout plans that support your teaching style and lab goals.
Maintenance, Cleaning & Long-Term Use
Lab equipment, keeping your tools clean, your surfaces intact, and your safety systems functioning,l ensures both the longevity of your equipment and the safety of your students. The good news? With the right practices and materials, maintaining a chemistry lab doesn’t have to be a hassle.
Glassware Reuse
Many schools wonder whether they need to purchase new glassware every year. The answer comes down to inspection. Before each term, glassware should be checked for cracks, chips, and chemical etching, especially around the rims and base. Damaged pieces can compromise experiments or cause safety issues.
Using lab drying racks helps extend the life of your glassware by ensuring proper airflow during drying and reducing unnecessary contact that could lead to breakage.
Epoxy Repair Kits
Replacing countertops is costly. That’s why we offer epoxy repair kits designed specifically for lab-grade surfaces. These kits allow you to fix chips, scratches, and minor dents without needing a full replacement.
What makes ours different? The kits include colored filler resin that matches the original surface finish, so repairs blend in seamlessly and maintain your lab’s clean, professional look. It’s a small investment that can save thousands in the long run.
Safety Equipment Testing
The routine testing team should inspect and test:
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Bunsen burners for blockages or leaks
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Eyewash stations for water pressure and clarity
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Fume hoods for airflow efficiency and filter integrity
Setting reminders or creating a lab safety calendar helps ensure nothing gets overlooked. If you’re using modular or mobile stations, consider storing your testing supplies in designated drawers near emergency equipment.
Chemical Substitution Practices
Not all chemicals are classroom-friendly. Wherever possible, substitute dangerous substances with safer alternatives. For instance, copper carbonate can be used instead of lead chromate and household dish soap can stand in for more caustic surfactants in reaction experiments.
We recommend reviewing your chemical inventory annually and updating it with green chemistry alternatives. This not only supports a safer environment but also often reduces regulatory paperwork and disposal fees.
Equip Your Lab for Safe, Smart Science
Setting up a high school chemistry lab doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With the right strategy, a clear understanding of essentials, and access to customizable, classroom-ready equipment, you can build a space where both safety and science thrive. From chemical-resistant epoxy countertops to modular storage and custom pegboards, we offer everything needed to future-proof your lab.
Whether you're ordering for a single classroom or designing a full science wing, we’re here to help you create a smarter, safer lab environment that supports hands-on learning and long-term durability. Ready to simplify your lab planning? Request a quote or explore our product collections to get started.
Most Common Questions Answered
We work with educators every day, and some questions come up time and time again. Whether you're new to lab management or a seasoned science teacher refreshing your space, these answers can help you avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions.
Do I need insurance for my high school lab gear?
Yes, lab equipment represents a significant investment, and damage, theft, or accidents can set your program back fast. Check with your district about liability coverage and consider itemizing high-value pieces like balance tables and chemical storage units in your school’s asset register.
What chemicals should never be stored together?
Always separate oxidizers, acids, flammables, and bases. For example, storing bleach (an oxidizer) next to ammonia-based cleaners can create toxic chloramine gas. Our chemical safety cabinets are designed to help you safely organize hazardous substances and stay OSHA-compliant.
Can portable chemistry kits replace a full lab?
They can supplement a lab, but not replace it. Portable kits are great for quick demos or remote learning but lack the capacity and safety infrastructure (like fume hoods and sinks) needed for full-scale experimentation. If you’re short on space, consider pairing compact kits with modular storage for an adaptable solution.
What should a first-time lab setup checklist include?
Your checklist should cover glassware, PPE, measurement tools, heating devices, storage solutions, and safety stations. For a complete breakdown, including what’s essential vs. optional, use our free downloadable checklist created specifically for high school chemistry teachers.
How do I teach students to safely dispose of acids?
Start with neutralization techniques using baking soda or a base, then demonstrate proper disposal into designated sinks under supervision. Reinforce these habits during labs and quizzes. For added safety, install undermount epoxy sinks with chemical-resistant drains to prevent corrosion and contamination.