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Top 10 Casework Features to Include in Every New Clinic Build
In modern healthcare environments, casework is more than just cabinetry; it’s a vital component of clinical infrastructure. The decisions made during clinic planning and design can have a profound impact on everything from infection control and operational compliance to patient safety and long-term adaptability. Getting it wrong can lead to rework, costly retrofits, and exposure to avoidable inspection failures. On the other hand, getting it right ensures that the clinic runs smoothly, safely, and efficiently from day one.
At Plyhaus, we help healthcare leaders design casework systems that support the real-world demands of today’s clinics without compromising future flexibility. Here are essential features every new clinic should consider to enhance casework performance, safety, and longevity. Get it wrong, and you face rework, incur costly retrofits, and expose yourself to avoidable inspection failures. Get it right, and your clinic will run smoother, safer, and smarter from day one.
At Plyhaus, we help healthcare leaders design casework systems that support the real-world demands of today’s clinics without compromising future flexibility. Here are the top 10 features every new clinic should include to make its casework smarter, safer, and built to last.
“Casework is no longer background furniture in a clinic, it’s front-line infrastructure that impacts safety, compliance, and clinical outcomes.”
— Plyhaus Design Team
1. Seamless, Nonporous Surfaces for Infection Control
In today’s healthcare environments, casework is no longer just about storage; it’s part of the infection prevention plan. Seamless, nonporous surfaces are essential in clinical spaces because they resist moisture penetration and reduce opportunities for microbial growth. Traditional materials, such as particleboard or MDF with edge banding, can break down over time, especially when exposed to hospital-grade disinfectants.
Traditional substrates, such as MDF or particleboard, break down under hospital-grade cleaners and harbor bacteria when seams separate. That’s why we recommend materials like:
+ Thermo-laminated panels
+ Solid surface countertops
+ Powder-coated steel cabinetry
These finishes not only meet rigorous standards, such as CDC guidelines and USP <800>, but also deliver superior durability in the high-turnover world of outpatient care.
2. Sloped Tops to Prevent Dust Accumulation
Flat cabinet tops collect dust, which may seem minor until it’s sitting above exam tables or prep surfaces. These “invisible” surfaces can accumulate debris, pathogens, and even pests in high-traffic or high-use environments. Over time, it becomes harder to clean and pose compliance risks during inspections.
Sloped cabinet tops mitigate that risk. By eliminating horizontal ledges, sloped designs naturally prevent accumulation and improve cleanability. The Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) recommends sloped cabinet tops as a standard feature for all patient-facing spaces. Importantly, integrating sloped tops at the design stage avoids costly customization or retrofitting later.
3. Factory Applied Antimicrobial Finishes
While cleaning protocols are critical, built-in antimicrobial protection provides an additional layer of defense, especially in high-touch areas such as drawer fronts, handles, and countertops. These finishes inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi on the surface and can reduce microbial load between cleaning cycles.
Although not a substitute for disinfection, antimicrobial finishes offer long-term performance benefits, particularly in urgent care settings, exam rooms, and clinics treating immunocompromised patients. When choosing finishes, prioritize third party-tested coatings or powder finishes that withstand harsh disinfectants and maintain their efficacy over time.
4. Integrated Glove Box and PPE Dispensers
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is part of the clinical routine, but storing it efficiently and accessibly is often overlooked. Wall-mounted dispensers installed post-construction can look mismatched or block ADA access. Built-in dispensers, by contrast, offer a seamless look and function while maintaining workflow efficiency.
Integrated glove box holders within cabinetry ensure PPE is always within reach without creating surface clutter or infection control concerns. These features also reduce wall penetrations, which are potential harborage points for pathogens. Well-designed dispensers should be easily refillable, positioned at logical workflow points, and aesthetically cohesive with the surrounding casework.
Sloped top cabinets reduce dust buildup and support easier cleaning in patient-facing spaces.
Integrated glove box dispensers keep PPE accessible while supporting infection control and ADA compliance.
5. Lockable Storage for Medications and Sharps
Every clinic manages some level of controlled substances, sample medications, or sharps disposal. Lockable, secure cabinetry not only supports compliance with DEA, CMS, and Joint Commission standards but also protects staff, patients, and organizations from legal and operational risks.
Modular systems should include lockable drawers, narcotic boxes, and customizable security tiers to match specific room types. For instance, exam rooms may need single-drawer locks, while medication rooms might require keyed access to multiple compartments. Ideally, these units also support rekeying or digital access as facilities grow, and systems modernize.
“The smartest healthcare environments are designed not just for today’s workflows, but for tomorrow’s unknowns.”
— Brea Elles, Founder of Plyhaus
6. Adjustable Shelving and Modular Interiors
No two clinical programs are exactly alike, and they rarely stay the same over time. Adjustable interiors are a foundational feature that allows facilities to respond to evolving workflows, new equipment, and room reassignments without undergoing a complete renovation.
Adjustable shelving systems empower clinical staff to reconfigure spaces as needed, significantly reducing reliance on maintenance departments and fostering a culture of operational flexibility. This capability proves invaluable in multispecialty clinics or health systems where standardizing casework across multiple sites must balance variable functions.
7. ADA Compliant Clearances and Accessible Layouts
Accessibility isn’t just about meeting code; it’s about inclusive, patient-centered design. Casework layout must accommodate patients and staff with mobility impairments, ensuring that critical functions, such as sink access, storage, and workstations, are usable by all.
ADA Compliant Clearances involve planning for adequate knee and toe clearances, along with suitable mounting heights and reach ranges, as established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Failure to comply not only limits usability but also risks failed inspections or costly litigation. In every clinic built, ensure that a minimum percentage of exam and consult spaces include fully accessible casework components.
8. Reinforced Countertops and Corner Protection
Casework in healthcare takes a beating. From gurneys bumping corners to carts rolling into cabinetry, clinics are tough on finishes. Without proper reinforcement, corners can chip, countertops can delaminate, and door fronts can deteriorate, especially under the pressure of frequent cleanings.
Reinforced edges, impact-resistant laminates, and metal corner trims can significantly extend the lifespan of casework in high-traffic areas. Investing in durability from the outset prevents early wear and tear, reduces long-term maintenance costs, and maintains a professional aesthetic that reflects well on the patient’s experience.
9. Preinstalled Back Panels and Utility Cutouts
Installing cabinetry in clinical spaces often involves multiple trades, including electrical, plumbing, and IT, all of which intersect behind the walls. Field-built casework that requires onsite drilling or modification introduces dust, risk, and coordination issues.
Casework with pre-installed utility cutouts and finished back panels dramatically reduces onsite work. These units are designed with predictable connections, clean penetrations, and factory-level precision, which speeds up installation and minimizes rework. Clinics operating under tight AHCA or state inspection schedules benefit significantly from the plug-and-play efficiency of modular back-prepped cabinetry.
10. Reconfigurable Mounting Systems for Future Change
As care delivery models evolve, think telehealth, shared workspaces, or specialty crossover clinic spaces must remain adaptable. Wall-mounted casework systems with reconfigurable tracks or removable modules enable healthcare facilities to respond quickly, without requiring infrastructure modifications.
This flexibility is critical in settings with high churn or program expansion. Casework that can evolve with your clinical operations helps protect capital investment and minimizes downtime. It also aligns with sustainability and lean construction principles, reducing waste while supporting long-term operational agility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can these features be added during renovation?
Some—like glove dispensers or lockable compartments—can be retrofitted. Others, like seamless surfaces or reconfigurable systems, are best integrated during new builds or major upgrades.
Do modular systems cost more upfront?
Not significantly—and they save time, reduce install errors, and lower total cost of ownership. Many modular systems qualify for faster depreciation as furniture/equipment.
Are all features required for AHCA or Joint Commission compliance?
Not all, but several—including infection control surfaces, ADA compliance, and secured storage—are closely evaluated during inspections. Designing for defensibility is key.
Can these features be added during renovation?
Yes—some features can be retrofitted, such as glove box dispensers, PPE holders, and lockable storage compartments. However, others like seamless surfaces, sloped tops, and reconfigurable systems are best planned during new construction or full clinic renovations, where infrastructure changes are easier to implement.
Do modular systems cost more upfront?
Not significantly. In fact, many modular clinic cabinetry systems reduce installation time, minimize field errors, and lower the total cost of ownership over the life of the clinic. In some cases, modular medical cabinetry can be depreciated faster, as it’s often classified as equipment rather than fixed construction.
Are all features required for AHCA or Joint Commission compliance?
Not all, but several key features—such as infection-resistant surfaces, ADA compliance, and lockable medication storage—are closely reviewed during agency inspections. Designing your casework for regulatory defensibility ensures smoother approvals and long-term operational success.
Final Thoughts: Casework That Works Today And Tomorrow
Healthcare is changing. Clinical real estate is tighter. Inspection timelines are tougher. And patient expectations are higher. Your casework needs to meet the moment.
By including these 10 high-value features in your clinic build, you’re not just selecting cabinets, you’re designing infrastructure that supports compliance, workflow, and adaptability for years to come.
At Plyhaus, we collaborate with project teams to deliver modular healthcare cabinetry that brings these features to life—on spec, on schedule, and ready for whatever comes next.
Ready to talk casework strategy?
Let’s make your next clinic build faster, smarter, and inspection-ready.
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External Resources
For deeper insights into clinic casework design, infection control, and compliance guidelines, explore the following expert sources:
Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) – Outpatient Facility Design Standards
Authoritative design guidelines for healthcare facilities, including cabinetry, spatial layouts, and safety recommendations for outpatient clinics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Infection Control Guidelines
CDC’s best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections, including cleaning protocols and surface material recommendations.
USP <800> – Hazardous Drug Handling Standards
Safety standards for handling hazardous drugs in healthcare settings, with specific casework material and storage requirements for compliance.
ADA Accessibility Design Standards
Federal design criteria ensuring accessible, inclusive spaces—essential for casework layout, reach ranges, and sink clearances.
AHCA Construction Guidelines – Florida Healthcare Facilities
Florida’s official resource for healthcare construction approvals, including casework compliance for inspections and licensing.
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