Are you currently in the market for storage lockers but aren’t sure which material would be best for you? It can be a bit of a tossup, as both metal and plastic lockers are well-built and capable of handling most jobs. But each type has its own distinct advantages, making this a case-by-case decision in determining which one is better.
The model of storage locker we’re likely familiar with is the metal storage locker, the one that most schools in America are still equipped with and likely will be for some time. It’s no surprise that schools still use them – the metal is absolutely stronger than plastic, capable of taking kicks, slams, and hits that schoolkids will give them throughout the course of their lifetime. And once metal storage lockers take enough hits, they’re a snap to just repaint to hide a good amount of the damage they’ve been exposed to. These points alone are very strong factors towards using metal for locker storage.
These are not metal’s only advantages either. Modern styles of lockers are made with rounded edges that help prevent kids (or grownups) from hurting themselves, which is a factor that plastic typically has in its corner. Finally, if you’re looking for something larger than a locker, like a shed or something you can store storage boxes in, metal is actually you’re only option in many American stores.
However, plastic storage lockers have their own set of unique advantages as well. Plastic is, pound for pound, cheaper than metal, and so the lockers will cost less than their metal counterparts. They’re also rust resistant, and so although they’re not very easy to paint, chances are you won’t have to unless they take significant damage (however, plastic is unable to absorb damage as easily as metal. A strong hit to metal will probably bend it. The same to plastic will break it clearly in two.) The plastic parts, if they require assembly on your part, will usually hit together a little easier than with metal, and you won’t have to worry about them squeaking if they’re not on correctly. And plastic is somewhat lighter than metal, so if you need to move the locker often keep that in mind. The lockers still are heavy though – this isn’t light as a feature sterilite, so it won’t necessarily be an easy job to carry it around your yard.
The metal and plastic storage locker each have their advantages and disadvantages, to the point that there’s no one recommendation I could make. Consider what they have going for them, and choose based on your own needs.
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