Workplace Lockers UK: Staff Storage, Security, Compliance and Layout Guide

Locker layout and spacing should be planned around the people using the lockers, what they need to store and how the room works at its busiest time. A locker bank can fit perfectly against a wall and still perform badly if doors clash, aisles become congested, benches obstruct access or cleaners cannot reach the surrounding floor.

This guide brings together the main planning decisions for UK locker installations in workplaces, schools, colleges, universities, gyms, leisure centres, factories, warehouses, healthcare staff areas and commercial changing rooms. It covers user numbers, storage requirements, locker dimensions, tier configuration, aisle space, door clearance, bench position, cleaning access, traffic flow, installation and future maintenance.

For locker products, browse our commercial locker range. For a broader room-design approach, see our locker room design guide.

Quick answer: how should a locker area be planned?

Start with the users and the items being stored. Measure the complete usable room rather than only the available wall length. Then choose locker width, depth, height and tier configuration, position the locker banks, allow for open doors and standing users, plan benches and circulation routes, and check cleaning, access, security and installation requirements before ordering.

The strongest layout is not necessarily the one with the greatest number of locker doors. It is the arrangement that provides enough storage while remaining usable when several people are accessing lockers at the same time.

Why locker layout and spacing matter

Lockers do not work in isolation. They sit within a wider environment containing entrances, walkways, benches, changing areas, walls, doors, windows, radiators, sockets, pipework and other building features.

Good layout planning can help:

• users reach their lockers comfortably;
• locker doors open without clashing;
• people pass through the area without unnecessary bottlenecks;
• benches support rather than obstruct changing activity;
• cleaners reach floors and surrounding surfaces;
• locker banks suffer less accidental damage;
• staff supervise and maintain the installation more easily;
• future changes or expansion remain practical.

Poor spacing often produces the opposite result. Doors knock against benches, users stand in circulation routes, bags gather in aisles and difficult-to-reach spaces become harder to clean.

Start with how the lockers will actually be used

Before drawing locker positions, establish how the area works in real life.

• How many people need storage?
• How many will use the lockers at the same time?
• Are lockers permanently assigned, shared or used for short periods?
• Will users arrive steadily or in groups?
• What will they carry into the area?
• Do they need to change clothing or footwear?
• Will benches be required?
• Do cleaners or maintenance staff need trolley access?
• Will visitors or contractors use the same locker area?
• Does the room form part of a through-route to showers, toilets, exits or other facilities?

A layout that works for ten office users arriving at different times may not work for ten pupils, gym members or shift workers arriving simultaneously.

Locker planning framework

Use the following sequence before selecting or ordering lockers.

1. Identify the users

Staff, pupils, students, visitors, contractors, gym members and shift workers use lockers differently. Permanent users may suit assigned lockers, while visitors or flexible workers may need shared or public-use storage.

User type influences the number of compartments, the lock system, compartment size and where lockers should be positioned.

2. Define what will be stored

The contents determine the useful locker size. Typical requirements include:

• coats and clothing;
• handbags and backpacks;
• school bags and books;
• uniforms and workwear;
• PPE and boots;
• sports kit and towels;
• phones and small valuables;
• laptops and portable devices;
• tools or specialist work equipment.

Do not increase the number of compartments by choosing more tiers if the resulting compartments are too small for what users actually need to store.

3. Establish peak occupancy

Plan around the busiest realistic period rather than average use. This is particularly important in:

• schools between lessons;
• factories at shift changes;
• gyms before and after classes;
• offices around normal start and finish times;
• sports facilities before and after organised sessions.

A room may feel spacious when empty but become unusable when doors are open, benches are occupied and users are carrying bags or clothing.

4. Measure the complete room

Measure the room width, length and available height, then record everything that reduces usable space.

• doors and the direction in which they open;
• windows and low sills;
• radiators and heaters;
• columns and structural projections;
• pipework and service ducts;
• electrical sockets and switches;
• steps or changes in floor level;
• benches and other furniture;
• access panels and maintenance points;
• routes to exits and other facilities.

Do not calculate locker capacity from wall length alone. The working space in front of the lockers is just as important as the space occupied by the cabinet.

For tight rooms, see our minimum space for lockers guide.

How many lockers do you need?

The number of lockers depends on the number of simultaneous users and the allocation method, not necessarily the total number of people employed by or registered with the organisation.

Consider:

• maximum simultaneous occupancy;
• whether lockers are permanently assigned;
• whether different shifts overlap;
• whether shared lockers can be released between users;
• visitor or contractor demand;
• spare capacity for new users;
• compartments temporarily unavailable for maintenance.

For example, a workplace with 100 employees may not require 100 lockers if considerably fewer people are present at one time and a managed shared-use system is appropriate. Conversely, a school changing room may need enough compartments for a complete group arriving together.

For a fuller calculation method, use our locker capacity planning guide.

Choose the right locker configuration

Locker configuration is the number and shape of storage compartments within each vertical locker unit.

Configuration	Typical use	Main planning consideration
Single-tier	Coats, uniforms, large bags and workwear	Large storage volume per user but fewer users per locker footprint
Two-tier	Bags, clothing and general staff storage	Balances capacity with useful compartment size
Three-tier	Bags, books and medium personal items	Higher capacity with reduced compartment height
Four-tier	Smaller bags and personal belongings	Good capacity where hanging space is not required
Six-tier or multi-door	Small personal items and visitor storage	High compartment count but limited storage volume
Z lockers	Workwear and hanging storage	Can provide hanging space while increasing user density

The correct configuration should be selected from the contents first and room capacity second, rather than maximising door count without considering usability.

Locker depth and projection

Locker depth is the front-to-back dimension of the cabinet. Projection is the real amount of room occupied once the locker, open door, user and any nearby bench are considered.

Common locker depths include approximately 300 mm, 450 mm and 600 mm, although individual ranges vary. Shallower lockers can preserve movement space. Deeper lockers can provide more useful storage for coats, uniforms, PPE and larger bags.

Depth consideration	Effect on the room
Deeper locker body	Reduces the remaining floor area in front of the locker bank
Wide locker door	Projects further into the working area when open
Protruding lock or handle	Can matter in narrow circulation routes
Bench in front of lockers	Adds another occupied zone to the locker projection
Opposing locker banks	Both rows project into the same central space

For detailed depth planning, see our locker depth and projection guide.

Plan aisles around real use

Aisle width is the clear movement space between locker runs, benches, walls or other fixed features. It should be assessed while the lockers are being used, not only when every door is closed.

Consider:

• people standing directly in front of lockers;
• locker doors projecting into the aisle;
• bags or equipment being handled;
• people passing behind other users;
• opposing rows being used at the same time;
• seated users on benches;
• peak-time congestion;
• trolleys or cleaning equipment where relevant.

Where lockers face each other, the central aisle normally needs to accommodate activity on both sides. A layout that only allows one side to be used comfortably at a time can create avoidable congestion.

For the detailed aisle assessment, use our locker aisle width guide.

Aisle width and door clearance are different measurements

These two requirements are related but should not be confused.

• Aisle width is the usable route through the room.
• Door clearance is the space required for a locker door to open and for a user to access the compartment.

A room can appear to have a generous aisle until several doors are opened. Wide single-tier doors can occupy more of the movement zone than smaller multi-tier doors, while benches and users reduce the remaining route further.

Check door swing against walls, benches, opposite lockers, room doors and users. For the detailed check, see our locker door clearance guide.

Bench placement should be part of the first layout

Benches should not be added after every locker position has already been fixed. They alter how people move, sit, stand, change clothing and open locker doors.

When including benches:

• allow locker doors to open without striking the bench;
• allow seated users to remain clear of opening doors;
• preserve a useful passing route;
• keep entrances and exits clear;
• avoid creating narrow dead ends;
• allow cleaners to reach the surrounding floor;
• consider where bags and footwear will be placed while users change.

A central bench can work well in a wide changing room, while wall-side or localised seating may be more appropriate in narrower spaces. The room proportions and user behaviour should determine the arrangement.

Single-sided and double-sided locker layouts

The shape of the room often determines whether lockers should run around the perimeter or form central banks.

Layout	Advantage	Main check
Single run along one wall	Simple layout and clear central space	Users should not block the principal route
Perimeter locker runs	Uses several walls while keeping the centre open	Check corners and inward-opening room doors
Opposing locker runs	High capacity in rectangular rooms	Allow enough central space for both sides to operate
Double-sided central bank	Can use large rooms efficiently	Provide usable circulation on both sides and around the ends
Separate locker zones	Can spread peak demand and separate user groups	Keep allocation and supervision straightforward

For location-specific decisions, see our locker placement guide.

Plan cleaning access from the start

Cleaning is one of the clearest tests of whether a locker layout works in practice. Areas that cannot be reached easily can collect dust, dirt and moisture over time.

A practical layout should consider:

• access to floor surfaces around locker banks;
• how cleaners reach corners and wall junctions;
• whether benches create inaccessible strips of floor;
• whether plinths, stands or support frames suit the cleaning regime;
• how wet footwear or damp kit affects the area;
• whether cleaning equipment can move through the principal routes.

The appropriate locker base depends on the environment and locker range. The important point is to consider cleaning before installation rather than discovering inaccessible areas after the locker banks are fixed in position.

Locker layout affects durability

A cramped layout can increase wear even when the lockers themselves are robust.

Repeated damage is more likely where:

• doors strike benches, walls or neighbouring doors;
• users squeeze between narrow locker runs;
• bags and equipment scrape along locker fronts;
• people have to push doors or other users aside;
• cleaning equipment repeatedly contacts locker edges;
• high traffic is concentrated through a narrow pinch point.

Providing adequate working space can therefore reduce accidental damage as well as improving the user experience.

Traffic flow and peak-time congestion

Locker rooms are dynamic spaces. People enter, stop at lockers, change clothes, use benches, collect equipment and leave. The most effective layout supports this sequence without forcing all activity into one narrow route.

Review:

• where people enter and leave;
• whether the same doorway handles opposing traffic;
• where users naturally stop or queue;
• whether locker banks create blind corners;
• where benches encourage people to gather;
• whether lockers near doors cause obstructions;
• whether several user groups arrive simultaneously.

In a busy installation, sacrificing a small amount of theoretical locker capacity to improve circulation can make the room substantially more practical.

For deeper traffic-flow planning, see our locker room traffic flow guide.

Accessibility should be included in the original plan

Accessible locker provision should be considered during the initial layout rather than added to whatever space remains afterwards.

Depending on the project and users, this can affect:

• locker position and reach;
• clear approach space;
• turning and manoeuvring room;
• aisle design;
• door and lock usability;
• bench or seating position;
• routes from entrances to the lockers.

Project-specific accessibility requirements should be checked against the applicable building, workplace and client requirements. For a more detailed locker-specific overview, see our accessible locker spacing guide.

Ventilation and airflow

Locker layout can influence how well air moves around a room, particularly in changing facilities where damp clothing, footwear and towels are common.

Even ventilated locker doors depend on the wider room environment. Avoid creating unnecessary enclosed corners or densely packed banks that make cleaning and air movement harder.

Consider:

• the room’s existing ventilation system;
• wet and dry activity zones;
• spacing around walls and building services;
• where damp clothing or footwear is likely to be stored;
• whether the locker design is suitable for the intended environment.

Locker spacing cannot replace an adequate building ventilation system, but the layout should not unnecessarily work against it.

Choose the lock system before finalising the order

Lock choice affects security, user management and sometimes the physical projection of the locker.

Common approaches include:

• keyed locks for straightforward assigned storage;
• padlock fittings where users provide or manage padlocks;
• mechanical combination locks where user keys are undesirable;
• coin or token systems for some leisure applications;
• digital or RFID locks for keyless and managed access.

The correct system depends on whether lockers are assigned or shared, user turnover, management resources and the environment. Large handles, hasps, padlocks and some electronic locks can also project further from the locker face and should be considered in very tight routes.

For the detailed comparison, see our locker locking systems guide or browse our locker locks.

Security and locker position

Security is affected by more than the lock. Position, visibility, lighting, access to the room and the way keys or credentials are controlled can all influence the security of a locker installation.

Where appropriate:

• avoid unnecessarily isolated locker positions;
• provide suitable lighting;
• keep access routes clear;
• consider who can enter staff-only or restricted locker areas;
• avoid layouts that make damaged or tampered lockers difficult to see;
• provide maintenance access so faults can be dealt with promptly.

For the wider subject, see our locker security guide.

Plan delivery and installation before ordering

A workable room layout is only part of the project. The lockers must also reach the installation location and be positioned correctly.

Before confirming an order, check:

• external delivery access;
• door widths into the building;
• corridors and tight turns;
• stairs and lift dimensions;
• room entrances;
• floor levels and condition;
• wall construction where relevant to the installation;
• stands, plinths or support frames;
• whether lockers will be supplied individually or nested;
• whether the room must remain in use during the work.

Schools, factories, offices and leisure facilities may need phased installation to keep part of the storage or changing area operational.

Locker installation and fixing

The final installation method depends on the locker range, site conditions and manufacturer’s instructions. Locker banks may need to be joined, levelled, supported, restrained or fixed as specified for the particular product and location.

Before installation:

• confirm the final layout against the room dimensions;
• check the floor and walls for unexpected conditions;
• confirm that doors open in the intended direction;
• keep building access panels and services reachable;
• check that planned aisles have not been reduced by site changes;
• confirm bench positions before fixing locker banks permanently.

Do not assume that one fixing method is suitable for every locker installation.

Plan numbering, allocation and future maintenance

A locker project continues after installation. Consider how the system will be managed throughout its useful life.

• How will lockers be numbered?
• How will users be allocated lockers?
• How will spare or master keys be controlled?
• How will shared lockers be released for new users?
• Can maintenance staff reach locks, hinges and fixings?
• Can a damaged locker be taken out of service without disrupting an entire bank?
• Is there spare capacity while individual compartments are being repaired?
• Can additional lockers be added later if demand grows?

Leaving some flexibility can be considerably easier than redesigning a room after every available wall and aisle has been filled.

Locker layout priorities by environment

Environment	Main planning issues	Useful approach
Schools and colleges	High user numbers, group arrivals, bags, supervision and durability	Clear routes, suitable compartment sizes and layouts that avoid congestion between lessons
Offices and hybrid workplaces	Changing attendance, bags, personal items and appearance	Plan around peak occupancy rather than total headcount and consider shared-use storage where appropriate
Factories and warehouses	Shift changes, uniforms, PPE, boots and heavy daily use	Allow for bulky belongings, benches and concentrated shift-change traffic
Gyms and leisure centres	Bags, benches, short-stay users, wet clothing and cleaning	Provide generous practical circulation and integrate lockers with changing activity
Healthcare staff areas	Shift patterns, uniforms and dependable staff access	Keep routes clear and make cleaning and maintenance straightforward
Universities	Large changing populations and mixed storage requirements	Consider allocation model, peak periods and clear locker identification
Small rooms	Limited floor area	Prioritise useful movement space over maximum locker count

For staff-specific planning, see our workplace locker layout guide. For commercial products, see our workplace lockers and school lockers.

Common locker layout and planning mistakes

• Choosing lockers before measuring the complete usable room.
• Calculating capacity from wall length alone.
• Planning aisles with every locker door closed.
• Ignoring open-door projection.
• Adding benches after the locker layout has been fixed.
• Maximising locker quantity at the expense of circulation.
• Using too many tiers for the items being stored.
• Choosing lockers that are deeper than the room can comfortably accommodate.
• Ignoring bags, coats, PPE and other belongings in the movement space.
• Planning for average use instead of peak occupancy.
• Blocking doors, windows, radiators, sockets or maintenance access.
• Creating corners and gaps that are difficult to clean.
• Failing to consider accessibility during the initial design.
• Ignoring delivery and installation access.
• Choosing locks after the locker order has already been finalised.
• Leaving no spare capacity for future users or maintenance.

Step-by-step locker layout planning process

1. List the users. Record who needs storage and how many people may use the area simultaneously.
2. List the contents. Define what each user needs to store.
3. Choose the allocation method. Decide whether lockers are assigned, shared or short-term.
4. Measure the room. Record the complete dimensions and all fixed obstructions.
5. Select a practical locker configuration. Choose compartment size before maximising door count.
6. Choose an appropriate depth. Balance storage capacity with remaining movement space.
7. Plot the closed locker footprint. Position initial locker banks on the room plan.
8. Add door swing. Show the space occupied when locker doors are open.
9. Add users. Allow people to stand at the lockers and handle their belongings.
10. Add benches. Include their full footprint before assessing the route.
11. Check aisles and traffic. Test the layout during expected peak activity.
12. Check cleaning and maintenance. Make sure floors, locks and building services can still be reached.
13. Check accessibility. Include any project-specific approach, reach and circulation requirements.
14. Select the lock system. Match it to the user and allocation model.
15. Check delivery and installation. Confirm the lockers can physically reach and be installed in the room.
16. Review future management. Plan numbering, keys, shared-use reset, maintenance and spare capacity.

Locker layout planning checklist

• Confirm the total number of potential users.
• Confirm peak simultaneous occupancy.
• Decide whether lockers are assigned or shared.
• List the items that users will store.
• Measure room length, width and height.
• Mark doors, windows, columns, radiators and services.
• Choose suitable locker width, depth and height.
• Select a tier configuration that fits the stored items.
• Check locker projection when doors are open.
• Allow standing space for users.
• Check aisle space separately from door clearance.
• Add benches before finalising the layout.
• Check traffic at peak periods.
• Check cleaning access.
• Consider ventilation and wet-use conditions where relevant.
• Include accessibility requirements from the beginning.
• Choose the lock and allocation method.
• Check delivery and installation access.
• Plan numbering and future maintenance.
• Allow sensible spare capacity where appropriate.

Related locker planning guides

• Locker room design guide
• Locker aisle width guide
• Locker door clearance guide
• Locker depth and projection guide
• Minimum space for lockers guide
• Locker capacity planning guide
• Locker placement guide
• Locker room traffic flow guide
• Accessible locker spacing guide
• Workplace locker layout guide

Locker layout and spacing FAQs

What is the best way to plan a locker layout?

Start with the number of simultaneous users and what they need to store. Measure the complete room, choose suitable locker dimensions and configuration, then allow for open doors, users, aisles, benches, cleaning and installation before finalising the quantity of lockers.

How much space do lockers need?

The required space is more than the closed locker depth. A practical layout must also allow locker doors to open, users to stand at the compartments and people to move through the area. Benches, opposing locker runs and peak user numbers can increase the space required.

Is locker aisle width the same as locker door clearance?

No. Aisle width is the usable route through the locker area. Door clearance is the space needed for the locker door to open and for a user to access the compartment. Both should be checked separately before installation.

Should benches be planned before lockers are installed?

Yes. Benches affect door opening, standing space, circulation and cleaning access. They should be included in the room plan before locker banks and aisle widths are finalised.

Are more locker tiers always better?

No. More tiers increase the number of compartments in the same footprint, but each compartment becomes smaller. The correct number of tiers depends on what users need to store, so compartment usability should be checked before maximising locker capacity.

How do you calculate how many lockers are needed?

Start with the maximum number of people who need storage at the same time. Then consider whether lockers are assigned or shared, whether shifts overlap, visitor demand, maintenance downtime and sensible spare capacity. Total staff or membership numbers alone may not represent the actual requirement.

What locker depth should I choose?

Choose locker depth from the items being stored and the usable room space. Shallower lockers can preserve circulation in tight rooms, while deeper lockers can provide more useful storage for coats, uniforms, PPE and larger bags. Check the remaining working space after door swing and user access are included.

Should locker layouts be planned for peak use?

Yes. Locker areas should be tested against the busiest realistic period. Schools, gyms, factories and other sites where users arrive together can require substantially more usable circulation than a room with the same number of lockers used gradually throughout the day.

Does locker layout affect cleaning?

Yes. Locker and bench positions determine whether cleaners can reach floors, corners and surrounding surfaces. Cleaning access should be considered before lockers are installed so the final layout does not create inaccessible gaps or awkward dead spaces.

Should locker locks be chosen before the layout is finalised?

The lock system should be chosen before the order is finalised because it affects user management, security and maintenance. Some handles, hasps, padlocks and electronic locks also project further from the locker face and may matter in restricted spaces.

Planning a new locker area

The most useful starting information is the room size, number of users, expected peak occupancy and what users need to store. From there, locker dimensions, configuration, aisle requirements, benches and locking method can be compared against the available space.

Total Locker Service supplies commercial lockers, workplace lockers, school lockers and locker locking systems for installations throughout the UK.

For the next stage of a project, use the locker room design guide for wider room planning, the locker aisle width guide for circulation, and the locker door clearance guide for opening space.