Steel vs Plastic Lockers: Pros and Cons for High School Lockers
April 15, 2025
A complete guide to choosing the right locker material for your school
Contents
- Introduction: Why locker material matters
- Overview of high school locker requirements
- Steel lockers: Benefits and drawbacks
- Plastic lockers: Benefits and drawbacks
- Side-by-side comparison table
- Best use cases by school area
- Cost considerations and whole-life value
- Maintenance and sustainability
- Which should you choose?
- Conclusion
Introduction: Why Locker Material Matters
Choosing the right high school lockers is a key part of creating a safe, functional, and visually cohesive educational environment. One of the most critical decisions is what material your lockers should be made from. This decision is important when comparing steel lockers vs plastic lockers.
The material determines not just how your lockers look. It also affects how well they withstand years of use. It influences how secure they are, how they respond to environmental factors, and how much maintenance they require. In this article, we’ll closely examine both steel and plastic locker systems. We will compare their strengths and limitations. This will help you make an informed choice that suits your school’s layout, budget, and long-term needs.
Overview of High School Locker Requirements Steel vs Plastic Lockers
Secondary schools across the UK rely on lockers for more than storage—they’re essential for:
- Safely storing books, laptops, and personal belongings
- Reducing classroom clutter and corridor trip hazards
- Encouraging student responsibility and independence
- Preventing damage to school property and uniforms
- Managing access to PE kits, science gear, and musical instruments
Because lockers face constant daily use, often from hundreds of students, they must be:
- Robust: Resistant to knocks, kicks, vandalism, and careless use
- Secure: Able to deter theft and unauthorised access
- Weather-resistant: Especially in changing rooms or near entrances
- Low-maintenance: Minimising repair costs and disruption
- Visually appealing: Supporting the school’s visual identity or house system
Let’s explore how steel and plastic (HDPE) lockers meet these needs.
Steel Lockers: Benefits and Drawbacks
✔️ Advantages of Steel Lockers
1. Strong and Durable
Steel lockers, particularly welded models, are extremely robust and withstand heavy usage. They’re a tried-and-tested solution in most UK schools.
2. Fire-Resistant
Being non-combustible, steel lockers meet strict fire safety requirements—especially important in schools where regulations demand compliant furnishings.
3. Economical to Purchase
Steel lockers are typically cheaper than plastic alternatives. This makes them suitable for tight budgets. They are also ideal for large-scale installations.
4. Secure Locking Options
Steel locker doors are compatible with many types of locks. These include cam locks, padlock hasps, combination locks, and digital options. Reinforced latch points improve resistance to tampering.
5. Custom Colours Available
You can have powder-coated steel lockers in school colours. They can also be coded to different year groups or departments.
❌ Disadvantages of Steel Lockers
1. Susceptible to Rust
Steel lockers can rust unless treated properly. This is especially true in damp changing rooms or coastal schools. They are better suited for dry indoor environments.
2. Dents and Scratches
Steel can deform under impact, leading to cosmetic and functional issues over time. Bumps from bags, shoes, or equipment carts can cause permanent marks.
3. Noise Levels
Metal lockers can be quite noisy when opened or closed quickly. This noise may contribute to corridor disruption during break times.
4. Requires Periodic Repainting
Powder coating may chip over time, exposing the metal beneath. Regular maintenance is needed to preserve appearance and prevent corrosion.
Plastic Lockers: Benefits and Drawbacks
Plastic lockers are usually made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE)—a durable, moulded polymer that’s increasingly popular in high-traffic and humid environments.
✔️ Advantages of Plastic Lockers
1. Rustproof and Waterproof
Plastic lockers do not rust. This makes them ideal for PE departments, swimming pool changing rooms, and schools in damp or coastal areas.
2. Graffiti-Resistant and Easy to Clean
Smooth plastic surfaces resist permanent marker. They are easy to wipe clean. This helps prevent long-term defacement or vandalism.
3. Impact Resistant
HDPE lockers absorb impact without denting or bending. This makes them especially suitable for unsupervised areas or younger student groups.
4. Quiet Operation
Plastic doors are quieter when slammed, reducing disruptive noise levels in busy corridors or changing areas.
5. Long Lifespan with Low Maintenance
Plastic lockers are virtually maintenance-free. They require no painting and no corrosion treatment. There is rarely any need for component replacement.
6. Eco-Friendly Options
Many plastic lockers are made from recycled polymers. They are fully recyclable at the end of their lifespan.
❌ Disadvantages of Plastic Lockers
1. Higher Upfront Cost
Plastic lockers cost more per unit than steel ones. However, they may prove more economical over their full service life.
2. Less Intrinsically Secure
Plastic lockers can be equipped with strong locks. However, they may not offer the same resistance to brute force tampering as steel lockers.
3. Limited Structural Rigidity
Plastic lockers require proper installation and support frames in certain layouts, particularly where stacking multiple tiers.
4. Appearance
Some schools find plastic lockers too casual for academic corridors. However, this perception has changed with newer designs.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | Steel Lockers | Plastic Lockers |
| Durability | Excellent but prone to dents | Excellent and dent-resistant |
| Waterproof | No | Yes |
| Fire Resistance | Yes | No |
| Noise | High | Low |
| Graffiti Resistance | Moderate | High |
| Appearance | Traditional and professional | Modern, vibrant, softer look |
| Maintenance | Occasional repainting and rust protection | Minimal |
| Cost | Lower initial cost | Higher initial cost but low lifecycle cost |
| Sustainability | Steel is recyclable | Often made from recycled plastic |
| Security | Very high | Moderate to high |
Best Use Cases by School Area
| School Zone | Recommended Locker Type | Notes |
| Corridors | Steel Lockers | Traditional and space-efficient |
| Changing Rooms | Plastic Lockers | Water-resistant and hygiene-friendly |
| PE Storage | Plastic Lockers | Suitable for sports gear and damp items |
| Sixth Form Areas | Either (Steel or Laminate) | Aesthetic customisation important |
| Outdoor Locations | Plastic Lockers | Weatherproof and UV-resistant |
Cost Considerations and Whole-Life Value
While steel lockers often cost between £70–£120 per unit, plastic lockers can range from £130–£160 per unit. This difference in initial outlay might seem steep at first, especially for large schools fitting hundreds of lockers.
However, plastic lockers often:
- Outlast steel equivalents by 5–10 years
- Require no repainting or rust prevention
- Have fewer repairs due to dent and graffiti resistance
In many cases, especially in damp environments, plastic lockers provide a better whole-life value. This is true even though they have a higher initial price compared to steel alternatives. This is true even though they have a higher initial price compared to steel alternatives.
Maintenance and Sustainability Steel vs Plastic Lockers
Steel lockers require:
- Touch-up paint for chips and scratches
- Regular inspection for rust or corrosion
- Occasional door realignment or replacement
Plastic lockers offer:
- No rust, no paint, minimal damage
- Easy wipe-down cleaning routines
- Recyclability at end-of-life, often with closed-loop supplier programmes
Sustainability-conscious schools increasingly opt for plastic lockers made from recycled materials, especially in eco-certified builds.
Which Should You Choose? Steel vs Plastic Lockers
Choose Steel Lockers if:
- You’re outfitting dry indoor corridors or classrooms
- You require high levels of tamper resistance
- Budget constraints are tight
- A traditional, institutional appearance is desired
Choose Plastic Lockers if:
- Your lockers will be exposed to moisture (e.g., pool, PE, or outdoors)
- You want minimal long-term maintenance
- A quieter, more student-friendly environment is a priority
- Vandalism or graffiti has been a problem in the past
Or… Use Both in a Hybrid Strategy
Many schools today use steel lockers for general academic corridors and plastic lockers in wet or high-risk areas. This hybrid approach delivers the benefits of both materials where they’re most effective.
Conclusion Steel vs Plastic Lockers
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of steel vs plastic lockers for high schools. Each material has distinct advantages, and the best choice depends on:
- Your school’s location and layout
- The environment where lockers will be installed
- Your budget, both short- and long-term
- The expected wear and tear
- The student age group and behavioural considerations
The right lockers should offer years of durable, secure, and low-maintenance storage. They support the smooth daily operation of your school. They also enhance the student experience.
Ready to Choose the Best High School Lockers?
At Total Locker Service, we supply both steel and plastic lockers designed specifically for educational environments. We’ll help you assess your school’s needs, provide site-specific recommendations, and install lockers that are built to last.
Contact us on 01284 749211 or visit www.total-locker-service.com to request a consultation or quote.