Lockers provide students with a safe space to store their belongings. When outfitting your school with lockers, there are many options in the market. Instead of being overwhelmed by the choice, narrow down what kind of locker would benefit your students the most. Here are some key strategies for choosing the perfect locker for your school.
Assess Your School's Specific Requirements
Before you decide on a locker, assessing any specific requirement your school might have is essential. Consider the number of students accessing the lockers, the available space in your school, and the items they will need to store. Is the locker for elementary, middle, or high school students?
You also need to determine whether the lockers are primarily for books and school supplies or if they need to accommodate sports equipment, musical instruments, or other bulkier items. Once you choose the type of locker you need, you can start narrowing down your choices.
Choose the Right Material
The most common locker materials are metal, plastic, and laminate. They come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. If you want a durable choice, then metal is a no-brainer. Many schools choose them as default due to their ability to withstand heavy usage. However, metal lockers are susceptible to dents and scratches. They are also not the best option for damp environments, as rust can become an issue.
Plastic lockers resist moisture damage and are much less likely to dent. The downside is that they are usually limited in size and configuration. These lockers are less durable than their metal counterparts.
Laminate lockers offer a balance between durability and aesthetics. These lockers are more expensive than steel or plastic but provide a clean and modern appearance. They are also much more durable.
Consider Configuration and Size and Locking Mechanism
Decide the best configuration, size, and locking mechanism according to the needs of the students. Single-tier lockers offer the most storage area. Students can keep all their belongings in one place. It is ideal for students storing large items like sports equipment or musical instruments.
If you are tight on space, multi-tier lockers maximize space efficiency. They can be vertically stacked to accommodate more likes in a smaller area.
Select the size of the lockers that suit the students of your school. Cube lockers are compact options that are perfect for areas where you don't need much storage. Low lockers are short in height and suitable for students under eight. High lockers offer ample storage. It is ideal for older students or teachers who need to store more oversized items.
Pay attention to the locking mechanism of the lockers as well. You can purchase lickers that take traditional padlocks, but there is a chance that students keep losing their keys. Combination locks remove the hassle of lost keys. These lockers are easily programmable, so even if students forget their codes, you can reset them.
Nowadays, electronic lockers with biometric authentication are available. It protects against unauthorized access. They are expensive options but are the most secure lockers. Choose one that works best for your school’s unique needs.
Decide on Locker Tops and Bases
The design of the locker tops and bases can significantly impact both functionality and aesthetics. Lockers with sloping tops prevent clutter and debris from accumulating on top of the locker. It helps maintain a clean and organized appearance in the hallway or locker rooms. Flat tops provide additional space on top of the locker that can be used for storage.
Regarding locker bases, a closed-style base without a toe-kick removes the need to clean underneath the lockers. You can also select lockers with legs to anchor to the ground. It raises the height of the locker, making it more accessible.
Ventilation and Odor Control
Lockers with vents or perforated side doors allow for better airflow. It prevents moisture build-up and reduces the risk of mold and mildew growth. Proper airflow removes odor and allows jerseys, shoes, and other equipment to dry properly between uses. Athletic or sports lockers feature an open front or perforated design.
Some locker systems incorporate odor-control features. Select lockers with antimicrobial coatings to maintain a fresh and pleasant environment in your school's locker rooms and hallways.
Accessibility
You must consider the needs of students with special needs when selecting lockers for your school. ADA provides guidelines so that the lockers are user-user-friendly for everyone. Even students in wheelchairs or with mobility impairments should be able to use the locker easily.
To comply with federal ADA standards, you should allocate at least 5% of the lockers for wheelchair accessibility. Adjust the recommended height of the shelves to meet the reach requirement for both forward and side approaches. The top shelf should be no higher than 48” from the ground up, and the bottom should be at least 15” from the floor. Lockers should be installed at least 24 inches from the walls to allow sufficient turning radius and door swing clearance.
Pay close attention to the hardware of the locker as well. Include handles that can be easily grasped with one hand and do not require excessive force. It is recommended to have doors with recessed handles.
Customization and Branding
Many locker manufacturers offer customization options that allow you to incorporate your school's colors, logos, or other design elements. It helps create a cohesive and visually appealing environment. From custom door colors and graphics to personalized name plates or numbering systems, these customization options can help reinforce your school's identity and create a sense of pride among your students.
Follow these strategies, and you can select the locker that meets the unique needs of your students. You will provide them with a safe space to store their belongings without fear of tampering or losing them.
School Outfitters has been solving the furnishing needs of students with our innovative product catalog. We have a collection of school lockers. Select one that ticks all the boxes for you. If you have any questions or want to talk to our skilled customer service team, you can live chat, email us, or call us at (877) 398-6449. Our lines are open Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 7 PM EST.
