A friend of mine opened a barbershop last year. He bought a used salon station from a closing salon. It looked solid, but the drawers were filled with old hair clippings and the laminate top was stained. He spent a whole weekend refinishing it. Then he realized the drawer slides were bent—it cost him $120 to replace them. ‘Should’ve just bought new,’ he told me.
Buying a single salon station is a decision you’ll live with for the next decade. a solo stylist renting a chair or a shop owner outfitting a row of stations, the wrong choice means lost tools and a sore back. This guide is about the specifics—what to measure, what to inspect, and what to pay in 2026.
Single Station vs. Double Station: The Space Equation
Let’s start with the most basic question: one table or two? A single station is exactly that—one work surface, one mirror, and storage for one stylist. It’s the standard for most salons because it allows for flexible placement.
A double station is two tables joined back-to-back. It’s a space saver because you only need one central divider. But here’s the catch: you need a wider floor plan to accommodate the two chairs on opposite sides. For a narrow room, a double station will feel cramped. For a wide, open space, it creates a nice social vibe.
There’s also the ‘wall-mounted’ single station. This is a great option for small salons because it frees up floor space. But storage is limited to wall cabinets. If you have a lot of product, skip it.
Materials That Survive the Daily Grind
You must look at the construction. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll find:
MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): This is the most common. It’s cheap and heavy. The problem is moisture. If a stylist leaves a wet towel on an unsealed edge, it will swell and look terrible. Look for MDF with a ‘water-resistant’ rating and a sealed edge.
Plywood: This is lighter and much more water-resistant than MDF. It’s used in higher-end furniture. It costs about 30% more. For a salon station, plywood is the better investment if you can afford it.
Stainless Steel Frame: This is the commercial standard. A steel frame with an MDF or plywood top is the most durable. It won’t warp or twist, and it handles the weight of heavy tools. At Nova, all our commercial stations use a steel frame base.
The drawer slides are also crucial. You want ‘soft-close’ ball-bearing slides rated for at least 35kg. Cheap friction slides will stick and break. And the hinges on the cabinet doors should be hydraulic, not just metal clips.
Table: Single vs Double Station Comparison
| Feature | Single Station | Double Station |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 120-140cm | 240-280cm (combined) |
| Storage per Stylist | 3 drawers + 1 cabinet | 2 drawers + 1 cabinet (shared) |
| Floor Space Needed | 1.5m x 1.5m | 2.5m x 1.5m |
| Privacy | High | Low (face each other) |
| Price (USD) | $250 – $600 | $450 – $1,000 |
Storage Capacity: What You Actually Need
I’ve seen stylists use a single station to hold an entire inventory of styling products. That’s not what it’s for. A standard single station should have:
- A shallow drawer (5cm) for combs, clips, and sectioning tools.
- A medium drawer (10-15cm) for brushes, curling irons, and straighteners.
- A deep drawer (20-30cm) for hairdryers, diffusers, and back-stock.
If the station has a cabinet, use it for retail products or a personal bag. Keep the top surface clear except for the essential tools you’re using for the current client. A cluttered top slows you down.
Also, consider the electrical outlets. Some stations come with built-in power strips. This is a huge plus. You don’t want extension cords running across the floor—that’s a trip hazard. If the station you like doesn’t have outlets, plan to install a pop-up power grommet in the tabletop.
Price Points and Wholesale Advice
You can find a basic single station for $150 at an office supply store. Don’t buy it. The drawers are too small, and the frame is made of cardboard-like particleboard. For a commercial station that lasts, budget $300 for a basic melamine MDF unit and $600 for a steel-framed model.
If you’re buying for a new salon with 10+ stations, go factory-direct. Nova offers wholesale pricing with a MOQ of just 1. You can order a single station to test the quality. We provide a one-year warranty on hardware. Our DDP shipping to the USA via sea freight takes 4-6 weeks, and the price includes all taxes and port charges. Production time is 10-15 days for standard orders.
Installation: It’s Not Just Bolt Together
Placement is key. The station should be positioned so the stylist has their back to the wall, not to the door. You want the stylist to see the entire salon floor. The mirror should be at eye level for a seated client. That’s about 110cm to 130cm from the floor to the bottom of the mirror.
When assembling, use wood glue in addition to the cam locks on the joints. This adds stability. Do not fully tighten the screws until the whole frame is aligned. If the station wobbles, check that the floor is level. Use shims under the legs if needed.
Checklist
- Plywood or steel frame (not raw MDF)
- Soft-close drawers with ball bearings
- At least 3 drawers
- Water-resistant top surface
- Integrated power outlets (or plan to add)
- Height: 74-78cm
- Mirror: 6mm thick minimum
FAQ
What is the ideal height for a salon station?
The standard work surface height is 74cm to 78cm. This matches the average chair height for a seated client. If you are very tall, you might prefer a slightly higher station, but 76cm is the industry standard. Adjust the chair height, not the table height.
Can I get a station with a built-in shampoo sink?
Yes, but it’s a specific product called a ‘backwash unit’ or ‘shampoo station’. It’s different from a styling station. It has a sink attached, and it requires plumbing. It’s usually placed along a wall with water access. For a standard styling station, there is no sink.
How much weight can a salon station drawer hold?
For commercial use, look for drawer slides rated for at least 35kg. A drawer full of curling irons and hair dryers can easily weigh 20kg. The bottom cabinet shelf should hold up to 50kg of retail product.
Is a darker or lighter colored station better?
Lighter colors (white, beige) make the salon look bigger and cleaner, but they show hair dye and color stains. Darker colors (black, dark grey) hide stains but can make the room feel smaller. A two-tone design—dark frame with a light top—is a good compromise.
Related Resources
Once you pick your station, you need the right chair. Check out our barber chairs if you’re a men’s grooming spot. For a classic styling chair, see our beauty stool range. Read our salon chairs guide to match the chair height to the station.
If you’re doing a full fit-out, our complete equipment checklist is a must-read. And for the washing area, don’t forget the shampoo beds. Pricing for multiple stations is covered in our wholesale guide.