School lockers are an important part of the overall school environment. Not only do they provide a place for children to hold their books and other important items, they also provide a sense of belonging in a crowded and sometimes overwhelming place.
When it comes for schools to upgrade old lockers with new ones, it’s important for them to understand what’s available in order to choose something that’s not only functional but also provides what students need for the years they’ll be at school. In this article, we’ll discuss how schools can choose the right type of lockers for students when upgrading old ones or installing new ones for the first time.
The Locker Location and Size
Locker location is important to understand the type of lockers which need to be installed. Lockers can be used in different locations such as:
- Classrooms
- Hallways
- School gyms
- Locker rooms
Not only does the location matter, but so does the size of the area, as it will dictate the size of the lockers which can be installed. School lockers for example come in:
- Single tier options
- Double tier options
- Triple tier options
- Ventilated lockers
- Heavy duty lockers
All these options have numerous heights and widths. Many professional locker providers like Schoollockers Locker company or those similar often sell a variety of options, which can accommodate most locations within the school.
The Material
Depending on the provider the school purchases from, there’s a number of material options which could prove useful. The two most popular choices are:
- Steel or other metal: Steel and metal lockers offer a strong and durable design which allows for them to withstand heavy wear and tear which can be inflicted across the years. They’re more popular with schools due to their strength. Steel and metal lockers are ideal for areas which may be prone to dampness such as gym rooms.
- Wood: Wooden lockers provide a great look but can be more prone to breaking depending on the wood type used. Hardwood lockers provide more durability and can withstand the everyday wear and tear students put on them. However wooden lockers aren’t suitable for areas where dampness may exist. Wooden lockers are suitable for hallways or classrooms.
Both options offer a great solution for schools. Depending on the location and use of them will determine whether schools buy steel or wood options.
The Locking System
Lockers offer a number of different locking systems. These are:
- Combination locks offer security by use of a combination code.
- Padlock lockers are sometimes used but can be hard for the student to continuously unlock and remove the padlock each time they want to get into their locker.
- Three-point latches are used on some lockers to help secure the locker better but also offer easy opening by the student.
- Digital locks can also be installed, but it’s important to consider a power source and whether students will be able to access their lockers if blackouts occur.
It’s important for schools to ensure whatever locker they install provides adequate security for the student’s items to prevent theft or an invasion of privacy. It can also help promote more productivity from students in the long run.
Endnote
Parents want to choose schools which provide safety, security, and a great education. When it comes to lockers, schools need to take a few things into consideration to ensure the lockers which are installed are the right choice for years to come. Lockers are a great long term investment for any school who is considering them as a new option for students.