Outdoor Lockers: Durable Storage for Schools, Gyms & Workplaces

Outdoor waterproof lockers provide secure, weather-resistant storage in locations exposed to rain, humidity, coastal air, chlorinated pools, and changing outdoor temperatures. They help schools, gyms, leisure centres, workplaces and sports clubs offer safe storage without using internal space. They also reduce odour problems caused by storing wet clothes indoors.

This comprehensive guide explains how to choose the right outdoor lockers for your environment, how materials differ, and which systems work best for UK weather. It includes real-world examples, cost comparisons, installation advice, and product recommendations from the Total Locker Service outdoor range.

Why Outdoor Lockers Matter

Outdoor lockers offer immediate, secure storage exactly where users need it. Outdoor lockers solve different problems depending on the location. In schools, they help reduce corridor clutter by moving bags and kit outside. Gyms and pool facilities benefit by keeping wet clothing outdoors instead of bringing damp items into changing rooms. Workplaces also gain efficient storage for equipment or uniforms while preserving valuable indoor space.

• Reduce internal clutter by storing equipment outside.
• Improve hygiene by keeping wet or dirty kit away from changing rooms.
• Increase user convenience by placing lockers near pitches, pools, entrances or staff parking.
• Avoid damp and odours indoors from wet clothing or boots.
• Offer direct access for maintenance tools, staff PPE, or shared equipment.

When designed correctly, outdoor lockers last for years with very little maintenance, even in harsh environments. But the key to choosing the right locker is material suitability.

Best Materials for Outdoor Lockers

The most important factor in outdoor locker performance is the material. Below we compare the two strongest options for UK conditions: Outdoor Plastic (HDPE/Polymer) and Pure Aluminium/Laminate.

Plastic Lockers: Best for Fully Exposed Outdoor Use

Plastic outdoor lockers, made from high-density polyethylene or weather-resistant polymers, are recommended for locations exposed to rain, humidity, chlorine and coastal salt air. They cannot rust—ever. They are waterproof, easy to clean, and ideal for facilities that deal with wet kit or chemical exposure.

• Completely waterproof — rain, splash, humidity or chemical exposure.
• No corrosion — zero rust risk in coastal air or pool areas.
• Graffiti-resistant surface — easy to clean with solvents.
• UV-resistant — colours do not fade in sunlight.
• Easy to hose clean — ideal for heavy use.

Pure Aluminium with Laminate Doors: Best for Semi-Outdoor & Covered Areas

Steel is not ideal for outdoor use, but aluminium frames with compact-grade laminate doors, such as the Pure range from Total Locker Service, are strong contenders for sheltered outdoor zones. They provide a premium aesthetic for hotels, gyms, schools and workplaces, and can withstand high moisture—when installed under a roof or canopy.

• Premium aesthetic — wood-grain or coloured laminate finishes.
• Strong aluminium body — rust-resistant and lightweight.
• Up to 4× more durable than steel doors in heavy-traffic areas.
• Ideal for semi-exterior use under awnings, porches and entrance canopies.

—

Comparison Table: Plastic vs. Laminate for Outdoor Use

Feature	Plastic Lockers	Laminate + Aluminium (Pure)
Water resistance	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 100% rustproof	⭐⭐⭐ Best under cover
Corrosion risk	None	Low (aluminium only)
Coastal & pool use	Ideal	Not recommended
Premium appearance	Good	Excellent
Cleaning	Hose / solvent safe	Wipe only
Lifespan (outdoors)	12–20+ years	8–15 years (under cover)

—

Real-World Case Studies

Case Study 1: Coastal Secondary School – Plymouth

A secondary school located near the coast needed outdoor lockers for sports kits and wet coats. Their existing steel lockers were corroding due to salt air. Total Locker Service supplied a polymer outdoor locker system with sloping tops for drainage and padlock-friendly hasps. After one year:

• No corrosion or discolouration observed.
• Cleaning reduced from 30 minutes to 5 minutes.
• Odour decreased dramatically because wet kit stayed outside.
• Students reported better access after outdoor PE sessions.

—

Case Study 2: Gym & Spa – Semi-Outdoor Pool Entrance (Manchester)

A leisure facility needed lockers at an open pool entrance with rain exposure. Fully plastic lockers were initially considered, but the client wanted a premium finish. Total Locker Service installed laminate Pure lockers under a covered entrance with sealed hinges and stainless fixings.

• Laminate never touches rain directly.
• Aluminium frame prevents rust.
• Premium aesthetic suitable for spa branding.
• Interior clothes hooks added for bathrobes.

—

Cost vs. Lifecycle: Which Locker Is Cheaper Long-Term?

Buying a locker is not just about the price. Outdoor conditions dramatically affect long-term cost. Cheap steel lockers may cost less upfront but corrode quickly in humidity. Below is a typical cost breakdown based on UK leisure centres and schools.

Locker Type	Initial Cost	Lifespan	Maintenance	Estimated Lifetime Cost
Steel (standard)	£85–£150	3–6 yrs outdoors	High	£350–£700
Pure Laminate (semi-outdoor)	£220–£480	8–15 yrs	Low	£240–£550
Plastic Outdoor Lockers	£260–£550	12–20+ yrs	Very Low	£280–£600

—

Installation Checklist for Outdoor Lockers

• Flat concrete or paving base to ensure drainage and stability.
• Anchor securely to prevent tipping in windy conditions.
• Leave space behind (20–30 mm) for airflow.
• Add sloped tops to avoid rainwater pooling.
• Use stainless fixings and rust-proof padlock hasps.
• Position under cover for laminate lockers.
• Ensure drainage holes for wet-kit units.

—

Security and Anti-Vandal Options

• Reinforced hinges with tamper-resistant design.
• Padlock-ready hasp for school and gym environments.
• Number-plate engraving for long-term identification.
• Hidden fixing points to prevent tampering.
• Cam locks / coin locks / digital locks available in weather-proof models.

—

Outdoor Questions Answered

Are steel lockers suitable outdoors?

Can laminate lockers be installed outside?

What is the best locker for poolside or splash areas?

How do you clean outdoor lockers?

—

Whether your facility is fully outdoors, semi-covered, poolside or coastal, we’ll help you choose the right locker material and locking system. We deliver and install across the UK and provide spare parts and maintenance support when required.

Speak to our expert team today:
📞 01284 749211
📧 sales@totallocker.co.uk

Explore our outdoor locker range here: Outdoor Lockers – Total Locker Service.