Many people’s mental image of a storage locker is of a long row of steel lockers in a mazelike school corridor. Whether it’s a brief cameo or the main event, people hanging out at their locker is a staple of many school-based movies and TV shows.
Lockers are not limited to the educational setting. Storage lockers are ubiquitous and can go unnoticed. Throughout the world, in the workplace, the gym, and the airport, storage lockers sit idly, awaiting the next customer.
In this piece, we will look at the types of materials lockers can be made of and some of their uses.
Types of locker materials
Choosing the suitable material for your lockers is more complex than picking one out of a hat; there are several considerations. Look at these five locker construction materials and see how they stack up.
1. Metal lockers
High schools have relied on metal lockers, primarily cold-rolled steel, for decades. However, even though metal lockers are prevalent, your building has better options. You may paint the lockers any color to match your establishment’s theme, and they are sturdy and dependable.
2. Wooden lockers
Wood’s natural beauty is unrivaled. This substance has been used for hundreds of years and is still commonly used today. However, there are better choices than wood for lockers. Though wood has a traditional look, it is not as long-lasting as other materials.
3. HDPE Plastic lockers
High-density polyethylene, or HDPE, is an indestructible material. It can withstand being hit, won’t dent, won’t scrape, and won’t be tagged. The plastic composition makes it resistant to mold. One of the biggest pluses is that the color is consistent throughout, so there’s no need to repaint it.
4. Phenolic Lockers
These lockers are slightly more durable and easier to clean than metal lockers in various tests. But the kraft paper core used to make most phenolic plastic is a breeding ground for mold. A complete and expensive replacement is necessary if the user damages the interior.
5. Laminate lockers
Given its superior durability over metal and wood, laminate is among the most robust options. It resists dings like metal and rots like wood, yet it doesn’t absorb water.
However, depending on their placement, they can delaminate and be vulnerable to different forms of wear and strain.
Uses of lockers
Due to their longevity and adaptability, storage lockers are essential to any commercial or residential setting. Let’s look at some clever ways people have put storage lockers to work.
· Schools
Using storage lockers in schools is one of the most stereotypical and everyday examples. Students can leave their possessions in the steel lockers that line the halls and retrieve them whenever necessary, relieving them of the burden of carrying heavy backpacks from one lesson to the next. Many schools have found several applications for storage lockers beside the hallway.
Students and athletes can access locker rooms at school gyms and sports facilities. They can leave their clothes, shoes, and other personal items there while they engage in physical activity or get cleaned up afterward.
· Offices
Installing secure lockers in workplaces is a great way to safeguard confidential records. They are instrumental in employee locker rooms, where workers may leave their personal belongings, such as a purse or uniform, and focus on their work without interruption.
The storage unit’s footprint must match the available wall space. Depending on your needs, you can buy prefabricated storage and install it or have storage built specifically for you.
If you need a safe place to keep company records and cash, you can find storage units with additional security features to rent.
· Security lockers
Security cabinets are built to be extra sturdy and impenetrable. Put these cabinets in your home to store precious jewelry, documents, and more.
They are also helpful in places of business as safes for things like paperwork and money. Banks are another common place to find security safes.
· Gyms and spas
Locker rooms are a standard amenity at fitness centers, spas, and health clubs worldwide.
Guests can relax and focus on their massage or workout without worrying about where to keep their items. Higher-end businesses may even employ security guards and wait for staff to keep their customers’ belongings safe.
Dumbbells, linens, and other gym and spa necessities can be kept in the lockers provided.
Final thoughts
Lockers are essential for businesses and schools because they give employees, students, and visitors a safe and secure place to keep their belongings. Consider your business needs while selecting from the many lockers currently on the market.