If you run a busy warehouse, manufacturing plant or commercial workspace, you’ll know just how important it is to keep things organised. Industrial lockers play a crucial role in that, offering secure, reliable storage for both staff and equipment. But choosing the right locker setup isn’t just about picking a metal box with a lock on it. It’s about making smart decisions that improve safety, save space and support the way your team works.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to consider, the types of lockers available, and how to match your workplace needs with the right setup.


Why Locker Choice Matters

When lockers are poorly chosen, you feel the effects quickly. Oversized lockers take up valuable floor space. Undersized ones frustrate users and create clutter. And if you skip security or ventilation features, you could be risking health, safety or even tool theft.
Instead, thinking through your actual workplace needs, from the people using them to the environment they’re in, helps you choose a solution that adds value every day.


Start With the User

The first step in selecting the right lockers is understanding who will be using them.
For employees, the focus is often on durability and ease of use, secure compartments, simple key or digital locks, and enough room for personal items and gear. Public users, on the other hand, require a different approach. If your lockers are customer-facing in retail, hospitality or leisure environments, then you’ll need more robust construction, added security, and often coin-return or digital access systems that work without supervision.
Age and physical ability also play a role. Full-height lockers work well for adults, but children or users with mobility needs benefit from shorter designs and easier-to-operate locking systems. If you’re installing lockers in schools, sports centres or family-friendly spaces, it’s worth taking this into account.
Another key consideration is frequency of use. Permanent lockers (one per person) suit fixed teams and long-term storage. But if you’re operating shift-based work or shared environments, a dynamic system, where users pick an available locker for short-term use, could save both space and budget.

Premium Mini Box Locker Colours


Choosing the Right Material for the Job

Lockers might look simple on the surface, but the materials they’re made from have a huge impact on performance.
Steel remains the go-to for high-traffic, heavy-use environments. It’s strong, vandal-resistant, and holds up well over time. That said, in areas prone to damp or moisture, uncoated steel can rust, so you’ll want to make sure any metal lockers have the right finish or protection for the environment.
If water, chlorine, or chemicals are a concern, think swimming pools, food prep zones, or cleaning stations, then plastic lockers are often the better fit. Fully waterproof, rust-proof and quieter in use, they’re built to withstand wet conditions and rough treatment.
And for spaces where aesthetics matter just as much as practicality, laminate lockers offer a more polished look without compromising on durability. With wood-effect finishes or bright colours, they’re ideal for schools, offices, or customer-facing areas where design plays a role.


Need to Charge Devices or Tools? There’s a Locker for That

As workplaces become more tech-reliant, secure charging becomes a new locker essential.
Charging lockers are designed with built-in power sockets or USB points inside individual compartments, so devices, tools or radios can stay secure while charging. These are particularly useful in construction sites, warehouses, and workshops where power tools and devices are used across shifts.
Safety is built in too: look for lockers with RCD protection, ventilation to prevent overheating, and compartment layouts that suit your equipment sizes.


Ventilation and Hygiene: Don’t Overlook It

In environments where lockers store damp workwear, PPE or kit that’s regularly used and reused, airflow is vital.
Mesh or ventilated lockers help prevent moisture build-up and nasty smells, while still offering security. They’re a popular choice in food processing, outdoor workspaces, or any high-humidity area where hygiene and visibility are just as important as locking things away.
And if hygiene is a major concern, consider sloping tops and lockers raised on legs, these simple tweaks make cleaning easier and discourage clutter from being stored on top.


Thinking About Second-Hand?

Used or refurbished lockers can offer excellent value, especially if you’re buying in bulk or outfitting a large site. While you may need to compromise on matching colours or configurations, the savings can be significant. And because these lockers have already stood the test of time, you can feel confident in their durability.
Just make sure you inspect or request details on locking mechanisms and finishes, you’ll want to ensure everything is still fit for purpose.

Locker Picture


One Size Doesn’t Fit All

It’s not just about how many lockers you need, it’s about how they’re laid out.
The standard height for most industrial lockers is 1800mm, with widths ranging between 300mm and 450mm. Depths usually come in at 300mm, 380mm or 450mm. But inside, there’s a lot of flexibility.
Single-tier lockers offer full-length space for hanging clothes or storing larger items. Multi-tier lockers (two, three, four, or six doors per unit) are more compact, ideal for storing smaller items like wallets, boots or lunch boxes, especially when space is tight.
Need to maximise a small room? Z-lockers allow two people to share one upright unit without losing vertical space. Or consider cube lockers, smaller, stackable units that can be arranged however suits your floor plan.


Specialised Storage for Gear and Uniforms

Some roles require more than a simple shelf and rail. If your team works with contaminated clothing or specialist equipment, look into clean and dirty lockers, these have built-in dividers to separate personal clothing from workwear, and often include hat shelves or dedicated compartments for safety gear.
It’s little details like this that keep workplaces compliant and employees safe, while making sure everyone’s gear stays organised.
Locking Systems: It’s All About Access
From basic cam locks to digital and smart access options, locking systems have evolved.
Cam locks are cost-effective and simple, often with master key override options, great for staff-only areas.
Digital locks remove the need for keys entirely and offer thousands of combinations, a smart solution for high-turnover environments.
Coin-operated locks are ideal for public spaces, with return or retain functions depending on whether you want to offer free use or generate revenue.
Need tighter control? Smart systems allow access via fobs, cards, or smartphones, with full audit trails and centralised management, ideal for large facilities or multi-site operations.


Tailor Your Lockers to Your Brand

It’s not just what’s inside that counts, how your lockers look can make a difference too.
Whether you’re going for subtle or bold, there are countless options: powder-coated RAL colours, woodgrain laminates, and even custom graphics or logos. Branding your storage creates consistency across your facility, and adds a touch of professionalism to staff or customer areas.


Built for the Long Haul

Locker investment isn’t something you want to repeat every year. So if your environment involves water, chemicals or extreme use, go for high-grade materials.
Stainless steel lockers (especially Grade 304) offer the highest corrosion resistance and are built for wet areas like leisure centres or cleaning stations.
Galvanised finishes and moisture-resistant components extend the life of standard steel lockers in tougher settings.
Aluminium lockers, while lightweight, still provide strength and are ideal in places like swimming pools.

Express Lockers


Final Thoughts: The Right Lockers Pay for Themselves

Good storage doesn’t just protect belongings. It supports your team, improves efficiency, and helps meet health and safety standards. With the right lockers in place, you create a more organised, secure and productive workplace.
So whether you’re fitting out a new facility or upgrading tired old units, take the time to assess what your team really needs. Think user-first. Plan for the environment. And don’t be afraid to customise.
Need help with layout, sizing or materials? Our team of locker specialists is happy to help. Just get in touch, we’ll help you build a solution that works just as hard as your people do.


Frequently asked questions about Industrial Lockers

What are the main types of industrial lockers available?

The main types include metal lockers, plastic and laminate lockers, charging lockers for device storage, and ventilated or mesh lockers for damp environments.


How do I choose the right size and layout for the locker?

Start with how much space you have, how many users you’re catering for, and what’s being stored. Taller single-tier lockers work for full-length items, while multi-tier or cube lockers suit smaller personal storage needs.


What about locker security?

Basic key locks are great for internal staff. Digital locks and coin-operated systems work well in public or high-traffic spaces. You can also explore smart access options with electronic tracking.


Can lockers be customised to suit our brand?

Yes, choose from powder-coated colours, woodgrain laminates, or even have your logo applied. Branding helps create a more unified look across your workspace.


Do you offer lockers suitable for wet or humid areas?

Absolutely. Plastic and stainless steel lockers are ideal for these conditions. We also offer galvanised steel options with moisture-resistant components for added durability.