There are many options to choose from when it comes to locker materials. All of these have great benefits that can add a lot to your business as well as meet your budget. In this article, we will list the things you can consider when choosing between the type of locker materials. We also have a bonus surprise at the end that will give your locker room a feature that will allow your business to stand out.
Wooden Lockers
Wooden lockers have a natural aesthetic that appeals to the purist. The grain and the finishes in them make lockers look classy and sophisticated. So, if you are looking to have lockers that will stay trendy for a long time, wooden ones will be your best bet.
Wood is also naturally strong and able to withstand abuse in the locker room. It is a durable option for any business owner. Being made of naturally occurring material makes wooden lockers more likely a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. This, in turn, may increase the maintenance cost overall as well.
Metal Lockers
Metal lockers are simply designed and cheaply priced. They are also quite easy to install in bulk and proven to be cost-effective in education and work setting.
However, durable as metal may first seem, it is difficult to maintain. It is easily dented and bent, and after a few years, the paint begins to chip, leaving the metal exposed to further deterioration.
Maintenance costs of these lockers, then, are high, as the lockers are susceptible to water and chemical damage—two plausible occurrences in schools and athletic facilities alike.
Plastic / HDPE Lockers
If you are looking to customize your lockers, then you can do well by purchasing plastic lockers.
While it may not have the same sturdiness as a metal locker, the material it is crafted from will ensure that the valuables inside the lockers are secure. And on the plus side, plastic storage lockers and cabinets do not corrode and do not easily get scratches and dents.
HDPE lockers are relatively easy to clean and maintain as they don’t hold odours or harbour bacteria growth, ensuring a pleasant atmosphere wherever the lockers are. However, their initial cost is higher than other options and their appearance, while not underwhelming, is not necessarily high-end.
Laminate Lockers
This type of locker material combines the durability of wood and the affordability of metal. It doesn’t dent like metal and not easily waterlogged like wood.
However, depending on the location and how it is managed, it can be susceptible to delamination and a variety of wear and tear. Maintenance cost may increase if the locker is improperly managed.
Bonus:
Whichever lock you choose, installing smart locks for lockers will make a world of difference for you and your customers.
Locks like the NS1000 can make your lockers ready for the future. If you want to know more about the technical specs or other practical features of our lock, simply click this link.
Which One Should You Choose?
This is subjective and depends on what your business needs, your budget, and what is your long-term goal for your business.
Take into consideration your budget, your clients, and business goals. Then you will be able to choose which locker material to use in your locker room.