SynC · SynC Standards

Plastic Lockers

Rev1
IssuedJun 18, 2026

Revision history

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1 Scope

NOTE This standard governs the supply, fabrication, and installation of solid plastic lockers constructed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or compact solid phenolic panels for use in wet, humid, corrosive, or high-abuse environments. (1.1)
NOTE Solid plastic lockers are specified where steel and laminate lockers fail prematurely. (1.2)
NOTE In aquatic, pool, spa, and shower-adjacent environments, chlorinated and humid air corrodes painted steel and delaminates wood-core or particleboard lockers within a few service seasons. Homogeneous solid plastic carries its color through the full panel thickness, will not rust, peel, or swell, and is the durable answer for these spaces. (1.2.1)
NOTE HDPE and compact solid phenolic are two distinct products with different strengths; both are covered here so a single project can specify each where it fits. (1.3)
NOTE HDPE offers superior impact resistance and is fully moisture-proof through the body, making it the default for pool decks and heavy-use municipal facilities. (1.3.1)
NOTE Compact solid phenolic offers higher panel rigidity, a thinner profile, and a wider color and woodgrain finish palette, making it common in upscale spa, country club, and VIP locker rooms. (1.3.2)
NOTE Provide all lockers, frames, doors, shelving, hanging rods, hardware, locks, fillers, end and finished panels, bases, sloped tops, integrated benches, and anchorage as a complete installed system. (1.4)
NOTE Metal lockers of steel or aluminum construction are specified under Metal Lockers and are not part of this standard. (1.5.1)
NOTE Toilet compartment partitions and urinal screens are specified under Toilet Compartments even when fabricated from the same HDPE or phenolic panel stock. (1.5.2)
NOTE Toilet-room accessories such as grab bars, mirrors, and dispensers are specified under Toilet Accessories. (1.5.3)
NOTE Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems serving the locker room — HVAC, exhaust ventilation, and drainage — are outside this standard and are coordinated with the respective trade sections. (1.5.4)
NOTE Locker-room entry signage and wayfinding are specified under Exterior Signage and are not furnished under this standard. (1.5.5)
NOTE Wire-mesh, laminate-faced, and wood lockers are separate product types and are not addressed here. (1.5.6)

2 Referenced Standards

2.1 Materials, fabrication, and installation shall comply with the latest adopted edition of each of the following unless a specific edition is cited.
2.2 Where referenced standards or codes conflict, the more stringent requirement shall govern unless the Architect or Engineer of Record directs otherwise in writing.
Standard Title
ASTM D4976 Polyethylene Plastics Molding and Extrusion Materials
ASTM E2149 Determining the Antimicrobial Activity of Antimicrobial Agents Under Dynamic Contact Conditions
ANSI/ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities (Sections 803, 903)
ADA 2010 Standards ADA Standards for Accessible Design (28 CFR Part 36)
IBC International Building Code
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code

3 Submittals

NOTE Action submittals (3.1)
NOTE Action submittals establish the products, dimensions, and finishes for review before fabrication and procurement. (3.1.1)
3.1.2 The Contractor shall submit the following action submittals for review and approval before fabrication:
  • Product data for each locker type, including material composition, panel thicknesses, hardware, locks, and warranty terms.
  • Shop drawings showing locker elevations, plan layouts, dimensioned bank widths, filler and end-panel locations, base and top details, anchorage, and bench layouts.
  • Samples of each specified material in the selected color and finish, minimum 75 mm × 75 mm.
  • A color and finish schedule identifying the selection for each locker room and locker group.
  • A lock and keying schedule identifying lock type, keying system, and master-key hierarchy.
Action submittals requiredcheckbox
Product data (materials, hardware, warranty)
Shop drawings (elevations, plans, anchorage)
Material and color samples
Color and finish schedule
Lock and keying schedule
NOTE Informational submittals (3.2)
NOTE Informational submittals substantiate performance claims and accessibility compliance that cannot be confirmed from product data alone. (3.2.1)
3.2.2 The Contractor shall submit the following informational submittals:
  • Antimicrobial test report per ASTM E2149 where antimicrobial hardware or surfaces are specified.
  • Recycled-content certification stating pre-consumer recycled HDPE percentage where sustainability documentation is required.
  • Accessibility compliance data demonstrating that accessible lockers and benches meet ANSI/ICC A117.1 and the ADA 2010 Standards.
  • Manufacturer's written confirmation of wet-area suitability for the specified product, including phenolic edge-sealing where applicable.
Informational submittals requiredcheckbox
Antimicrobial test report (ASTM E2149)
Recycled-content certification
Accessibility compliance data
Wet-area suitability confirmation
NOTE Closeout submittals (3.3)
NOTE Closeout submittals give the Owner the records needed to operate, re-key, and maintain the lockers over their service life. (3.3.1)
3.3.2 The Contractor shall submit the following closeout submittals before final acceptance:
  • Operation and maintenance data, including cleaning agents approved for solid plastic surfaces.
  • Final keying schedule and master keys, with the quantity of keys and combination-change tools transferred to the Owner.
  • Executed warranty documents.
Closeout submittals requiredcheckbox
Operation and maintenance data
Final keying schedule and keys
Executed warranty documents

4 Quality Assurance

4.1 The manufacturer shall be a firm regularly engaged in the production of solid plastic lockers of the type specified with a documented record of comparable installations.
4.2 The installer shall be the manufacturer or a manufacturer-trained and approved firm.
4.3 A single manufacturer shall furnish all lockers of a given material type to ensure uniform color, panel thickness, and hardware across the project.
NOTE Source quality control (4.4)
NOTE Holding all lockers of one material to a single source prevents the visible color and gloss mismatch that occurs when homogeneous-color panels are sourced from different production lots or makers. (4.4.1)
4.4.2 Where both HDPE and phenolic lockers occur on the same project, each material may be furnished by a different manufacturer, but each material type shall remain single-source.
NOTE Mock-ups (4.5)
NOTE A mock-up lets the Owner confirm color, finish, hardware feel, and lock operation before the full order is released. (4.5.1)
4.5.2 Where required by the Architect, the Contractor shall provide one full-height locker assembly of each specified type as a mock-up for review.
4.5.3 Approved mock-ups may remain as part of the permanent installation if undamaged.

5 Materials

NOTE HDPE panels (5.1)
5.1.1 HDPE locker components shall be fabricated from homogeneous high-density polyethylene complying with ASTM D4976, with color extending uniformly through the full panel thickness.
5.1.2 HDPE panels shall require no painting, sealing, or surface coating and shall not delaminate, rust, swell, or support mildew growth.
5.1.3 HDPE body panels and shelves shall be 10 mm (3/8 in.) nominal thickness minimum.
5.1.4 HDPE doors shall be 13 mm (1/2 in.) nominal thickness minimum.
NOTE Phenolic panels (5.2)
5.2.1 Compact solid phenolic panels shall be manufactured from cellulose fibers impregnated with thermosetting phenolic resin under heat and pressure, with an integral decorative surface and a homogeneous core.
5.2.2 Phenolic sides and backs shall be 8 mm (5/16 in.) nominal thickness minimum.
5.2.3 Phenolic doors and sloped tops shall be 12 mm (1/2 in.) nominal thickness minimum.
5.2.4 Exposed phenolic edges shall be machined smooth and sealed per the manufacturer's wet-area recommendation.
NOTE Phenolic edge sealing (5.2.5)
NOTE Compact solid phenolic is highly moisture-resistant on its faces, but unsealed machined edges can wick water over time in continuously wet rooms. Specifying and verifying edge treatment is what keeps phenolic from absorbing moisture at cut lines. (5.2.5.1)
NOTE Material type (5.3)
NOTE The choice between HDPE and phenolic is the first decision for any plastic-locker package, and it changes panel thickness, hardware, finish options, and cost. Select per the application and the Owner's program. (5.3.1)
Locker material typeradio
HDPE (high-density polyethylene)
Compact solid phenolic
HDPE body / shelf panel thicknessradio
10 (3/8 in.)
13 (1/2 in.)
HDPE door panel thicknessradio
10 (3/8 in.)
13 (1/2 in.)
Recycled HDPE content (pre-consumer)range
%
030
NOTE Recycled content for sustainability (5.3.2)
NOTE Several HDPE locker lines incorporate up to 30 percent pre-consumer recycled content. Specify a target percentage and require certification only where LEED or other sustainability documentation depends on it; otherwise leave it at the default. (5.3.2.1)

6 Locker Construction and Configuration

NOTE Tier configuration (6.1)
NOTE Tier configuration sets how many compartments stack within one vertical column and is driven by what users must store. Full-height wardrobe tiers suit gear and street clothes; box tiers suit day-use small-item storage. (6.1.1)
6.1.2 Each locker column shall be furnished in the tier configuration scheduled for its locker room.
Tier configurationselect
Single-tier (full-height wardrobe)
Double-tier
Triple-tier
Four-tier
Five-tier
Six-tier
Z-tier (staggered)
NOTE Z-tier configuration (6.1.3)
NOTE The Z-tier arrangement staggers one full-height and two half-height compartments within a single column so that hanging space and box storage share one footprint. It maximizes density where users have mixed storage needs. The configuration is available from multiple manufacturers under various trade names. (6.1.3.1)
NOTE Nominal dimensions (6.2)
NOTE Locker width, depth, and height are nominal module dimensions; the installed bank width is the sum of the modules plus end and filler panels. The defaults below represent the common athletic and aquatic full-gear case. (6.2.1)
Nominal locker widthselect
9
12
15
18
Nominal locker depthselect
12
15
18
21
Single-tier overall height (above base/bench)radio
60
72
NOTE Locker height versus overall bank height (6.2.2)
NOTE "Locker height" is the clear opening of a compartment; "overall height" adds the base or plinth and any sloped top, typically 75 mm to 150 mm (3 in. to 6 in.) above the nominal locker height. Confirm ceiling clearance against the overall height, not the compartment height. (6.2.2.1)
NOTE Doors and frames (6.3)
NOTE The door and frame system carries the daily abuse in a locker room — slamming, leaning, prying — so its construction is selected for the environment. (6.3.1)
6.3.2 Doors shall be solid plastic of the specified material, full-width, and shall not warp, sag, or pull through their hinge fasteners under normal use.
NOTE Frame type (6.3.3)
NOTE Frameless construction presents a clean solid-plastic face and is common for HDPE pool-deck lockers, while an extruded aluminum frame adds rigidity and a defined reveal for panel-infill doors. Select per durability and appearance needs. (6.3.3.1)
Door and frame styleradio
Frameless full-width solid plastic door
Extruded aluminum frame with solid plastic panel infill
NOTE Hinges (6.4)
NOTE Continuous full-height extruded aluminum hinges distribute door load along the full edge and are the most durable choice for heavy-use wet areas; butt hinges are acceptable for lighter-duty installations. (6.4.1)
6.4.2 Hinges shall be corrosion-resistant and shall be fastened with stainless steel fasteners.
Hinge typeradio
Continuous full-height extruded aluminum
Butt hinges (concealed)
NOTE Ventilation (6.5)
NOTE Solid plastic bodies are most often furnished with solid backs and sides, but some occupancies require air circulation through the compartment. (6.5.1)
6.5.2 Where ventilation is required by the Owner's program or by health or occupational regulations, lockers shall be furnished with perforated panels or an open-mesh bottom shelf.
Ventilationradio
Solid back and sides (no ventilation)
Perforated door or panels
Open-mesh bottom shelf
NOTE Ventilation for food-service and healthcare lockers (6.5.3)
NOTE Occupational and public-health requirements may mandate ventilated lockers for food-service and healthcare staff. A fully solid plastic locker with no perforation may not comply; provide perforated panels or an open-bottom shelf where those requirements apply. (6.5.3.1)
NOTE Sloped tops (6.6)
NOTE Flat-top lockers in public facilities collect dust, debris, and unauthorized stored items. Sloped tops shed both, but they add cost and must be ordered with the lockers — they cannot be added later. Specify them where the Owner's program requires them. (6.6.1)
Sloped topsradio
Sloped tops
Flat tops
NOTE Interior fittings (6.7)
6.7.1 Single-tier wardrobe lockers shall be furnished with a top shelf and a coat rod or hooks.
6.7.2 Box and multi-tier lockers shall be furnished with hooks unless a shelf is scheduled.
NOTE Color and finish (6.8)
NOTE Because solid plastic color is homogeneous through the panel, scratches and gouges do not expose a different substrate and the locker never needs repainting. Standard palette colors are stocked; custom colors are available at a lead-time premium. (6.8.1)
NOTE Non-stock color lead time (6.8.2)
NOTE Custom HDPE colors can add 8 to 12 weeks to the manufacturing lead time. Identify any non-stock color selection early and flag it in the procurement schedule so it does not delay the project. (6.8.2.1)
Color selectionradio
Standard stock color
Custom (non-stock) color

7 Hardware and Locks

NOTE Lockers are shipped without locks unless locks are explicitly specified; an unspecified lock leaves the Owner with hardware they cannot use. The lock type, keying system, and master-key hierarchy shall be stated on the order. (7.1)
7.2 The Contractor shall furnish the lock type and keying system scheduled below for every locker.
NOTE Lock type (7.3)
NOTE The lock choice balances user convenience, key control, and the Owner's ability to override. Built-in combination and key locks integrate with the door; a padlock hasp lets users supply their own padlocks. (7.3.1)
Lock typeradio
Built-in combination lock (dial)
Built-in combination lock (digital)
Built-in key lock
Padlock hasp only
Keying systemradio
Keyed alike
Keyed different
Master-keyed
NOTE Master keying (7.3.2)
NOTE A master-key hierarchy lets facility staff open any locker for cleaning, abandoned-property recovery, or emergencies while users retain individual keys or combinations. Define the hierarchy in the keying schedule. (7.3.2.1)
NOTE Antimicrobial treatment (7.4)
NOTE Antimicrobial additives in handles and high-touch surfaces are sometimes required in healthcare and food-service applications. When specified, the efficacy claim must be substantiated by test data, not taken on the manufacturer's word. (7.4.1)
7.4.2 Where antimicrobial hardware is specified, treated handle and touch components shall achieve an antimicrobial efficacy rating of 4.0 or greater per ASTM E2149.
7.4.3 Where antimicrobial hardware is specified, the manufacturer shall submit the ASTM E2149 test report with the informational submittals.
Antimicrobial hardware treatmentradio
Required (ASTM E2149 rating ≥ 4.0)
Not required
NOTE Fasteners (7.5)
NOTE Pool-chemical and humid environments destroy plain or zinc-plated fasteners quickly, and a corroded fastener can fail a door or stain a panel. Stainless steel is the minimum for any wet-area fastener. (7.5.1)
7.5.2 All exposed fasteners shall be 304 stainless steel minimum, and 316 stainless steel where continuously exposed to pool chemicals or salt air.
7.5.3 Exposed fasteners at accessible locations shall be tamper-resistant hex or spanner drive.

8 Accessibility

NOTE Accessible lockers and benches are a code requirement, not an option, and their dimensions are fixed by ANSI/ICC A117.1 and the ADA 2010 Standards. The clauses below apply to the lockers and benches designated accessible. (8.1)
8.2 Accessible lockers shall have the lowest usable shelf no lower than 380 mm (15 in.) above the finished floor and the highest usable component no higher than 1220 mm (48 in.) above the finished floor.
8.3 A clear floor space of not less than 760 mm × 1220 mm (30 in. × 48 in.) shall be provided at each accessible locker.
8.4 The number of accessible lockers shall be provided as required by the applicable accessibility provisions and shall be dispersed among locker types.
NOTE Accessible benches (8.5)
NOTE Accessible bench dimensions are governed by ANSI/ICC A117.1 Section 903 and the ADA 2010 Standards. The seat height, depth, and length below are mandatory minimums for benches serving accessible locker rooms. (8.5.1)
8.5.2 Accessible bench seat height shall be 430 mm to 480 mm (17 in. to 19 in.) above the finished floor.
8.5.3 Accessible bench seat depth shall be 510 mm to 610 mm (20 in. to 24 in.).
8.5.4 Accessible bench seat length shall be not less than 1220 mm (48 in.).
8.5.5 Where an accessible bench has a back support, the bench shall be wall-anchored to structural backing.

9 Benches

NOTE Benches are part of the locker package because they share the locker base detail and color, and because freestanding accessible benches need structural backing coordinated before finishes. (9.1)
NOTE Bench type (9.2)
NOTE A pedestal bench is integral with the locker base and aligns with the locker bank; a freestanding bench stands independently and can be placed in the aisle. Select per layout and accessibility needs. (9.2.1)
9.2.2 Freestanding benches with back supports shall be anchored to structural backing in the floor or wall as applicable.
Bench typeradio
Integrated pedestal bench (locker base)
Freestanding bench
Freestanding ADA bench with back support
Bench seat depthselect
9
12
16
18
20
24
NOTE Backing for benches with back supports (9.2.3)
NOTE A freestanding bench with a back support transfers leaning loads into its attachment points and therefore needs blocking or structural backing in the wall or floor. Coordinate the backing with the framing contractor before finishes are installed, or the bench cannot be safely anchored. (9.2.3.1)

10 Installation

10.1 Install lockers plumb, level, and true to line, rigidly anchored, with uniform reveals between units and tight, even filler and end-panel joints.
10.2 Verify that the room is fully enclosed and that wet trades are complete before delivering lockers to the installation area.
NOTE Anchorage (10.3)
NOTE Anchorage method depends on the floor finish and the structural backing available. Floor-anchored installations bolt through the base into the slab; wall-anchored and base-channel systems suit specific layouts. Coordinate the method with the flooring and structural work. (10.3.1)
10.3.2 Lockers shall be anchored by the scheduled method to resist tipping and lateral load.
Anchorage methodradio
Floor-anchored (bolt-through base)
Wall-anchored
Base-channel system
NOTE Coordination with flooring (10.3.3)
NOTE Floor-anchored lockers bolt through the finished floor, so the anchor-bolt pattern must be set before tile or resilient flooring is installed, and the base-to-floor joint must be sealed. Coordinate the anchor layout with the flooring contractor and specify the base sealant on the order. (10.3.3.1)
10.3.4 The joint between the locker base and the finished floor shall be sealed with a continuous bead of mildew-resistant sealant to prevent moisture infiltration beneath the base.
NOTE Module coordination (10.4)
NOTE Plastic locker banks are modular and are sized from standard widths plus end and filler panels. Confirm that the assembled bank width fits the room dimension before the order is placed; field-cutting solid plastic to fix an oversized bank is slow, leaves raw edges, and looks like a defect. (10.4.1)
10.4.2 The Contractor shall verify field dimensions and reconcile the locker bank layout with the room before fabrication.
10.4.3 Filler panels and finished end panels of the same material and color shall close all gaps between locker banks and adjacent construction.
NOTE Aisle clearance (10.5)
10.5.1 Aisle width between facing locker banks shall be not less than 1525 mm (60 in.), and shall satisfy egress clearances required by NFPA 101 and the authority having jurisdiction.
10.5.2 The Contractor shall confirm final aisle and egress clearances with the authority having jurisdiction.

11 Cleaning and Protection

11.1 After installation, clean exposed locker surfaces with agents approved for solid plastic and remove all labels, dust, and construction debris.
11.2 Protect installed lockers from damage by other trades until Substantial Completion, and repair or replace any unit damaged before acceptance.

12 Warranty

12.1 The manufacturer shall warrant the lockers against defects in materials and workmanship for the periods scheduled below, in addition to any statutory rights of the Owner.
12.2 Phenolic lockers shall carry a written warranty of not less than 10 years against delamination and discoloration.
12.3 HDPE lockers shall carry a written warranty of not less than 10 years against defects in materials and workmanship.
HDPE locker warranty termradio
10
15
Phenolic locker warranty termradio
10
15

13 Spare Parts

13.1 The Contractor shall deliver spare hardware and keying materials to the Owner so that minor damage and re-keying can be handled without a special order.
13.2 The Contractor shall deliver spare locks, latches, and hinges of each type equal to two percent of the installed quantity, and not less than two of each, to the Owner.
13.3 The Contractor shall deliver all master keys, combination-change tools, and the final keying schedule to the Owner at closeout.
Spare hardware delivered (percent of installed quantity)range
%
05
Default: 2 %

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