When looking for lockers for sale for your school, choosing between metal and plastic lockers is a crucial decision. Both options offer unique benefits, but selecting the right one depends on your school’s specific needs, budget, and environment. In this guide, we’ll compare metal and plastic lockers to help you make the best choice for your students and staff.
Benefits of having lockers in schools
Lockers play an essential role in creating a well-organised and secure school environment. They provide students with a dedicated space to store their belongings, reducing the risk of theft or loss. With lockers, classrooms remain free from clutter, as bulky bags and extra materials are kept neatly stored away. This helps create a tidier, more spacious learning environment.
Additionally, lockers encourage students to take responsibility for their belongings, fostering independence and organisation skills. They also contribute to overall school security by ensuring that personal and academic materials are safely stored throughout the day.
The question is, which type of lockers are best for your school?
Metal lockers: The classic and reliable choice
Metal lockers have been the go-to choice for schools for decades, and for good reason. They are durable, cost-effective, and provide a high level of security. Here’s a closer look at their advantages:
Highly durable
Made from strong steel, metal lockers can withstand daily wear and tear. At Probe Lockers, our metal lockers are built for durability, ensuring they hold up to daily use, making them perfect for high-traffic environments.
Secure storage
Their sturdy construction makes metal lockers difficult to break into, ensuring student belongings stay safe. This also means that they have a long lifespan, meaning they are a worthy long term investment for your school.
Customisable
Available in various sizes, colours, and designs to match your school’s aesthetic, metal lockers are a versatile storage solution. The Probe locker range provides a fully customisable solution for your school premises, offering a wide selection of lock options, colours, compartment configurations, and accessories, such as support frames, sloping tops, and integrated bench seating.
Cons of Metal Lockers
Metal lockers are not suitable for damp areas or outdoor use. In humid areas or near swimming pools, metal lockers can corrode over time unless treated with an anti-rust coating. They are also more prone to show dents and scratches, despite their high durability.
Plastic lockers: The modern and versatile alternative
Plastic lockers are becoming an increasingly popular option for schools due to their resilience and low maintenance requirements. Here’s how they compare:
Rust and corrosion resistant
Specifically designed for damp or humid environments, plastic lockers for sale are perfect for school swimming facilities, PE changing rooms, gyms, and leisure centres. Their durable, moisture resistant construction ensures long-lasting performance, even in high humidity conditions.
Minimal maintenance
Plastic lockers are highly resistant to chipping, denting, and rusting, which helps minimise repair costs and downtime. This makes them a durable and low-maintenance option, offering a longer lifespan compared to metal lockers, especially in high-traffic areas or challenging environments.
Lightweight and safe
Plastic lockers reduce injury risks if students accidentally bump into them, thanks to their smooth surfaces and rounded edges. Unlike metal lockers, they’re safer, offering a more forgiving option in busy areas like hallways and changing rooms.
Cons of Plastic Lockers
Plastic lockers potentially come with a higher initial cost compared to metal alternatives. They may also offer lower security, as they might not provide the same level of protection as metal lockers. Additionally, design options are more limited, with fewer customisation choices in terms of size and color.
Which locker type is best for your school?
Choosing between metal and plastic lockers ultimately depends on your school’s priorities. If security is a top concern, metal lockers provide a strong and durable solution that protects valuable belongings. For schools in humid or outdoor environments, plastic lockers offer rust-proof and long-lasting storage that withstands moisture. Noise reduction is another factor to consider. Budget also plays a significant role, as metal lockers tend to be the more cost-effective option. Regardless of which type you choose, investing in high-quality lockers ensures better organisation, security, and durability for your school.
At Probe Lockers, we offer a wide range of metal and plastic lockers for schools designed to meet your storage needs. Browse our collection today and find the perfect solution for your students. Need a hand? Get in touch with our friendly team today by calling 01244 940792, emailing us at info@probe-lockers.ltd.uk, or filling out our online enquiry form.