## Common ground
All options refer to laboratory benches or tables used in scientific settings, regardless of material.
## Options at a glance
**9403.20 – Base metal**
- **Defining trait:** Constructed primarily from steel, aluminum, or other base metals.
- **Typical examples:** Stainless steel lab benches, metal-framed workstations.
- **Best fit when:** Durability, chemical resistance, and heavy-load capacity are required.
**9403.60 – Wood**
- **Defining trait:** Made from solid wood or wood-based panels (e.g., plywood).
- **Typical examples:** Wooden lab tables with laminate tops, wooden workbenches.
- **Best fit when:** Aesthetic appeal, moderate use, or cost-effectiveness is prioritized.
**9403.70 – Plastic material**
- **Defining trait:** Built from synthetic plastics like polypropylene or phenolic resin.
- **Typical examples:** Chemical-resistant plastic benches, lab tables with solid plastic surfaces.
- **Best fit when:** High resistance to acids, solvents, or moisture is needed.
**9403.89 – Other materials**
- **Defining trait:** Made from non-metal, non-wood, non-plastic materials (e.g., cane, bamboo, composite).
- **Typical examples:** Bamboo lab tables, wicker-style benches, fiber-reinforced composites.
- **Best fit when:** Eco-friendly or specialty materials are used; not standard metal/wood/plastic.
## Key differences
| Feature | 9403.20 (Metal) | 9403.60 (Wood) | 9403.70 (Plastic) | 9403.89 (Other) |
|------------------|-----------------|----------------|-------------------|-----------------|
| Material | Base metals | Wood | Plastic | Cane, osier, etc. |
| Chemical resistance | High | Low to moderate | Very high | Varies |
| Load capacity | High | Moderate | Moderate | Low to moderate |
## How to choose
- Is the bench made of steel or aluminum? → 9403.20
- Is it primarily wood or wood-based panels? → 9403.60
- Does it have a solid plastic surface (e.g., phenolic)? → 9403.70
- Is the material cane, bamboo, or another non-standard natural fiber? → 9403.89
## Overlaps & pitfalls
A bench with a metal frame and plastic top may fit both 9403.20 and 9403.70. In such cases, use the **primary structural material** as the deciding factor. If unsure, prioritize the material that defines the bench’s main function (e.g., chemical resistance → plastic). Do not assume one trait overrides another unless context specifies