Guide to Storage Lockers

Scouting for storage lockers

Storage lockers are sold directly by manufacturers and by distributors who carry multiple brands. Scout what's available on the locker market by visiting their web sites.

I recommend: See the selection of metal lockers and other types made by Penco, Hallowell and Lyon.  Distributors of storage lockers include Big Dog Warehouse and Locker Supply which has a handy guide to buying lockers on its site. And don't miss the advice on being a wary customer from Big Dog.

Picking the right locker style and materials

Select your storage lockers based on the number of people and space available (will lockers stand in a locker room or hang on a wall over a coat rack?)... how much stuff will go in the storage lockers (room to hang a coat or just for shoes?)...how much ventilation for the clothing inside (for gym lockers)...how much wear the lockers will have to take (kids slamming school lockers, for instance)...how wet the environment (outdoors or by a pool?)...how high the security...and how upscale the look (factory or country club locker room?).

I recommend: Storage lockers are basically metal boxes in standard sizes and you're deciding how many individual lockers you want to divide them into - Locker Supply shows you the configurations available.  For heavy duty metal lockers, Penco makes athletic lockers with 14-gauge steel doors.  To deal with damp and the threat of rust, try corrosion resistant coatings for metal lockers from Hallowell or plastic lockers from Locker Solutions.  Security in storage lockers runs from built-in combination locks up to electronic locks controlled by a central computer, from Penco.  And for the upscale health club locker room, see wood-grained lockers from Salsbury Industries.

Ordering and shipping storage lockers

For the best price and delivery, plan ahead. Locker vendors keep some popular sizes and colors of metal lockers in stock for good deals and quick delivery; everything else is made to order and you'll wait two to 10 weeks. Avoid their busy period, summer time, when the orders for school lockers pile in. Order your metal lockers knocked down instead of assembled and save big on shipping.

I recommend: Take a look at the quick ship options from Hallowell, ASI Lockers and CLD Handling Systems.  Big Dog claims it will beat any price quote on identical storage lockers from a competitor.

Assembling and installing storage lockers

Storage lockers share common walls so assembly is basically mounting the end pieces, then the middle pieces. But a shipment of metal lockers is a heavy, bulky load, and you'll need the people, equipment and clearance room to get it in place. Ask your vendor if installation is included and, if not, you might want to hire an experienced local crew to unload and assemble your lockers.

I recommend:  Take a look at some basic instructions on installing metal lockers from ASI Lockers and some installation service terms from Gilmore-Kramer.