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Metal Prices Are Up — Here’s Your Better Option: Metal vs. Laminate vs. Phenolic

As global tariffs drive up the price of raw materials, many organizations are rethinking their locker material choices. Historically, metal has been the go-to option for locker rooms, athletic facilities, and commercial spaces—but with rising costs and long-term maintenance concerns, is it still the best investment?

That’s why we’re breaking down your options with a clear comparison of Metal, Laminate, and Phenolic lockers—so you can make a smarter, more sustainable choice for your next project.

Durability: Who Stands Stronger?

  • Metal: Prone to scratching, denting, and rust, metal lockers often don’t hold up well under heavy use or in moisture-rich environments.
  • Laminate: A much more resilient choice, laminate is resistant to scratches, dents, and rust—perfect for high-traffic areas.
  • Phenolic: The top performer in durability. Highly resistant to water, UV rays, and scratches, plus it’s anti-microbial, making it ideal for wellness, healthcare, and high-humidity environments.

Winner: Phenolic (for superior durability in tough environments)
Best Value: Laminate (great durability with cost-conscious appeal)

Customization: Match Your Brand

  • Metal: Offers limited customization, often restricted to basic colors and finishes.
  • Laminate: Highly customizable with a vast selection of finishes, colors, and textures to suit any aesthetic or brand identity.
  • Phenolic: Equally highly customizable, with refined finishes and design versatility.

Winner: Laminate & Phenolic (both allow you to elevate your space with design-driven options)

Maintenance: Simplify Your Routine

  • Metal: Requires frequent maintenance, especially if exposed to wear or humidity.
  • Laminate: Low-maintenance and easy to clean—just wipe down to remove spills or smudges. Plus, individual doors or panels are easy to replace if needed.
  • Phenolic: The ultimate in low maintenance. Easiest to clean and care for, with minimal upkeep required over time.

Winner: Phenolic (effortless maintenance = peace of mind)

Cost: Long-Term Value Matters

  • Metal: While the initial price may be lower, costs add up quickly with repairs, replacements, and upkeep.
  • Laminate: A cost-effective choice that balances affordability and durability—especially smart for long-term use.
  • Phenolic: Comes at a higher initial investment, but pays off in durability and long-term savings.

Best Budget Balance: Laminate
Premium Investment: Phenolic

Environmental Impact: Choose Sustainability

  • Metal: Least eco-friendly, with a higher environmental footprint in production and disposal.
  • Laminate: Made from pre-consumer recycled content, laminate lockers are a sustainable option without sacrificing performance.
  • Phenolic: Also eco-friendly, crafted with recycled materials to support greener building initiatives.

Winner: Laminate & Phenolic (ideal for environmentally conscious projects)

The Smarter Choice Starts Here

With material prices on the rise and expectations for durability, design, and sustainability higher than ever, it’s time to explore locker solutions that work smarter, harder, and longer.

Laminate and phenolic lockers offer the modern features today’s facilities demand—from lower maintenance and greater customization to a smaller environmental footprint and better long-term value.

Whether you’re outfitting a training facility, employee break room, gym, or spa, Hollman’s laminate and phenolic solutions provide a future-ready alternative that elevates the user experience—and protects your investment.

Ready to upgrade? Contact our team today

Visit our website at Hollman.com

Discover Hollman Lockers

EXPLORE ESSENTIALS COLLECTION

The essentials collection consists of Hollman’s most popular configurations, models, and materials curated together to cut lead times, guaranteeing your lockers delivered between 4-6 weeks upon order approval.

    Hollman Workspace Lockers

    EXPLORE WORKSPACES

    When a workspace needs to put in overtime, Hollman leverages 40+ years of manufacturing expertise to transform traditional spaces into innovative environments with lockers that add agility.

      DISCOVER SMART LOCKERS

      With Hollman’s Smart Lockers each locker can be configured to the needs of every working zone in your building with a variety of configurations, materials, and the security solution that allows you to assign temporary or mixed-used.

        Why Champion Teams Choose Hollman

        When it comes to creating outstanding locker rooms for collegiate athletic programs, Hollman stands at the forefront. From the football field to the basketball court, champion teams trust Hollman to deliver lockers that reflect their winning spirit. But what truly sets Hollman apart? Our unparalleled durability, innovative customization options, deep expertise, and ability to bring any creative locker room vision to life. No matter the sport or division, discover why Hollman remains the trusted choice for champions everywhere.

        Built to Last: The Durability You Can Rely On

        Athletic environments demand toughness. From bustling locker rooms filled with high-energy athletes to long-term wear and tear, durability is non-negotiable. Hollman lockers are crafted with premium materials like phenolic laminate ensuring they withstand heavy use season after season.

        Many of our lockers are equipped with:

        • Moisture-resistant materials designed to withstand sweaty uniforms, damp environments, and even celebratory champagne showers with ease.
        • Impact-resistant surfaces to handle everyday wear with ease.
        • State-of-the-art ventilation systems designed to keep lockers, uniforms, cleats, and equipment fresh and odor-free.

        Our commitment to durability allows teams to invest in premium lockers without worrying about frequent replacements or maintenance.

        Customization Designed for Your Team’s Unique Needs

        Every championship team is unique, and their locker rooms should reflect their character and pride. Hollman specializes in creating custom locker solutions tailored to your vision. We empower you to create storage solutions that combine champion-level style with the practicality your team needs to succeed.

        Some customizable features include:

        • Team Branding: Showcase your team’s colors, logos, and slogans proudly through custom finishes and graphics.
        • Integrated Technology: Add charging stations, smart locks, or digital nameplates for a modern, connected locker room.
        • Functional Designs: Configure layouts to maximize storage space with compartments for personal items, equipment, and uniforms.

        Whether you envision sleek and modern designs or a bold statement locker room filled with team spirit, we have the creative tools to bring your ideas to life.

        Expertise That Comes from Working with Winners: Trusted by Champions

        For decades, Hollman has been a trusted partner for major collegiate and professional sports teams across the country. We understand what it takes to design locker rooms that inspire athletes while enhancing functionality.

        From brainstorming to installation, we provide a dedicated team of experts who specialize in athletic facilities. Don’t just take our word for it. Hollman lockers have been integral to the success of some of the most accomplished athletic teams in the country including: The Ohio State University Football, Houston Astros Training Facility, LA Lakers, The Texas Rangers, University of Michigan Football, University of Tennessee Baseball, University of Maryland Women’s Lacrosse, and more.

        Innovation That Inspires Excellence

        Athletics are constantly evolving, and locker rooms must follow suit. Hollman is committed to staying ahead of the curve, providing cutting-edge features that meet the demands of modern athletes.

        Innovative offerings include:

        • Smart Lock Technology: Secure, keyless access that enhances both convenience and functionality.
        • Sustainable Materials: Locker designs built with eco-friendly materials, aligned with our commitment to sustainability.
        • Personalized Locker Lighting: Highlight individual spaces with custom LED lighting configurations.

        By combining form and function, our designs support athletes at the highest level while enhancing their performance preparation.

        Build Your Championship Locker Room Today

        A well-designed locker room isn’t just about storage; it’s about creating a space that inspires athletes, builds team unity, and represents the program’s values. At Hollman, we take pride in turning ideas into reality, ensuring every detail contributes to a winning atmosphere.

        Are you ready to elevate your locker room experience? Contact us today to learn more about how Hollman lockers can help take your team to the next level.

        Learn more about Hollman’s Athletic Solutions

        Visit our website at Hollman.com

        Discover Hollman Lockers

        EXPLORE ESSENTIALS COLLECTION

        The essentials collection consists of Hollman’s most popular configurations, models, and materials curated together to cut lead times, guaranteeing your lockers delivered between 4-6 weeks upon order approval.

          Hollman Workspace Lockers

          EXPLORE WORKSPACES

          When a workspace needs to put in overtime, Hollman leverages 40+ years of manufacturing expertise to transform traditional spaces into innovative environments with lockers that add agility.

            DISCOVER SMART LOCKERS

            With Hollman’s Smart Lockers each locker can be configured to the needs of every working zone in your building with a variety of configurations, materials, and the security solution that allows you to assign temporary or mixed-used.

              March Madness Ready: A Peak Inside Basketball Locker Rooms

              As the excitement of March Madness takes over, we’re taking a closer look at a space that plays a crucial role in every team’s success—the locker room. Modern basketball locker rooms are designed to inspire, motivate, enhance performance, and build team camaraderie. These spaces are just as vital as the court itself, fostering a winning mindset and strengthening team unity.

              Basketball players rely on their footwear for performance, and modern locker room designs reflect this by incorporating specialized shoe storage solutions. Unlike other sports where shoulder pads or gloves are stored in basic compartments, basketball lockers often feature dedicated shelving and display areas for sneakers. These built-in displays not only keep shoes organized and easily accessible but also highlight the growing culture of sneaker appreciation in basketball. Many high-end locker rooms include ventilated compartments to help with airflow and odor control, ensuring that players’ gear stays fresh.

              Another standout feature in basketball locker rooms is the incorporation of branding, which reinforces team identity and school pride. From custom graphics to personalized player spaces, branding elements create a professional and inspiring atmosphere. A great example is the University of Michigan’s basketball locker room, where the iconic Jumpman (Jordan Brand) logo is prominently displayed. This not only highlights the team’s connection to one of basketball’s most legendary figures but also enhances recruiting appeal and solidifies the program’s elite status.

              Branding isn’t the only way basketball locker rooms create a sleek and professional look—design innovations also play a key role. One feature that enhances both cleanliness and visual appeal is the use of pocket doors that conceal lockers when closed. These sliding doors help maintain a polished, clutter-free environment, keeping gear and personal items neatly tucked away. Not only does this contribute to a cleaner aesthetic, but it also allows for a dramatic reveal effect, turning the locker room into a high-impact display when the doors are open.

              Hollman’s Essentials Collection offers a locker model tailored to meet the functional needs of basketball players: the Elevate+, designed for efficient gear storage, features multiple shelves and recessed contemporary doors, ensuring a clean and organized appearance.

              Ultimately, a well-designed basketball locker room is more than just a storage space—it’s a hub for motivation, preparation, and team bonding. Logos, color schemes, and illuminated displays don’t just add visual appeal; they transform the locker room into a statement of excellence, reinforcing team pride and making it clear that players are part of something bigger than just the game. From custom branding and innovative storage to sleek, functional design, these spaces shape a team’s culture and mindset. As the intensity of March Madness builds, the value of a top-tier locker room becomes undeniable—it’s where pre-game rituals fuel confidence, halftime adjustments spark comebacks, and championship dreams take shape.

              Learn more about Hollman’s Athletic Solutions

              Visit our website at Hollman.com

              Discover Hollman Lockers

              EXPLORE ESSENTIALS COLLECTION

              The essentials collection consists of Hollman’s most popular configurations, models, and materials curated together to cut lead times, guaranteeing your lockers delivered between 4-6 weeks upon order approval.

                Hollman Workspace Lockers

                EXPLORE WORKSPACES

                When a workspace needs to put in overtime, Hollman leverages 40+ years of manufacturing expertise to transform traditional spaces into innovative environments with lockers that add agility.

                  DISCOVER SMART LOCKERS

                  With Hollman’s Smart Lockers each locker can be configured to the needs of every working zone in your building with a variety of configurations, materials, and the security solution that allows you to assign temporary or mixed-used.

                    The Modern Locker Room: How Universities are Enhancing the Athlete Experience (and Beyond)

                    For many universities, the athletics program represents a prime source of revenue. To take advantage of this, they must be able to attract the best student athletes, along with their supporters. This has driven them to build out high-end athletics complexes designed to deliver top-tier experiences to not just the athletes, but also to their fellow students, friends, family, and sports fans.

                    As the war room of the sports world, the locker room is where athletes, coaches, and trainers gather to analyze past performance, strategize for the future, and of course, prepare for game day. Many will recall the collegiate locker room of yore as a dingy, dusty den of stinky socks and sweaty uniforms—but this is a thing of the past.

                    Today’s modern locker rooms are evolving into more luxurious accommodations that aim to address the needs and comfort of their occupants. To build team spirit, their bespoke designs showcase team branding, culture, core values, and history. For player well-being, they include things like ventilated lockers and moisture-resistant materials. And, their integrated tech tools help coaches and teams devise the tactics that will make them win. 

                    Digital signage is contributing to this VIP experience in a number of ways. As a central source of communications, it’s being used to:

                    • View, study, and analyze past plays
                    • Communicate strategies
                    • Deliver live updates on game day
                    • Showcase and celebrate the achievements of individual athletes and the entire team
                    • Display game and practice schedules, directories, and other key info
                    • Greet visiting teams with welcome messaging and digital name plates
                    • Highlight outstanding achievements on a digital wall of fame

                    All of this is transforming the modern locker room into a hub of team building and motivation—a welcoming workplace that serves as a competitive advantage for universities; and for their athletes, helps to cultivate and nurture the winner’s mindset.

                    Colleges that use one set of locker rooms for multiple teams can leverage digital signage to deliver personalized, branded communications targeted at who will be using the space at any given time. For example, on Friday night the content may be football-focused, while on Sunday morning it may be all about soccer. This gives all student athletes the same VIP experience, and sends the message that they are respected as the pros that many of them will become in the not-so-distant future.

                    Outside of the locker room, colleges and universities are using digital signage to extend the fan experience beyond the game itself. For Michigan State University’s Frances Cleaves Family Center, Carousel Digital Signage collaborated with Red Dot Digital Media and BrightSign to create an interactive experience for friends and family of the Spartan basketball team. Dubbed the “Wall of Fame,” two 75-inch Newline touch displays let visitors access information on past and present Spartans. At the University of Massachusetts Football Performance Center, home of the Minutemen, a Carousel Digital Signage-powered interactive kiosk allows fans to look up player and coach bios, statistics, major player and team accomplishments—and even trivia on the bands and mascots that have supported the Minutemen throughout their history.

                    As universities continue to enhance the experience they offer to both athletes and fans, they’re increasingly relying on digital signage. With Carousel, these institutions can easily develop and distribute dynamic, branded, and targeted messaging for everyone who participates in collegiate sports activities. When done right, this helps to foster a winner’s mindset among everyone—and who doesn’t want to think like a winner?

                    Author: Carolyn Heinze

                    Visit our website at Hollman.com

                    Discover Hollman Lockers

                    EXPLORE ESSENTIALS COLLECTION

                    The essentials collection consists of Hollman’s most popular configurations, models, and materials curated together to cut lead times, guaranteeing your lockers delivered between 4-6 weeks upon order approval.

                      Hollman Workspace Lockers

                      EXPLORE WORKSPACES

                      When a workspace needs to put in overtime, Hollman leverages 40+ years of manufacturing expertise to transform traditional spaces into innovative environments with lockers that add agility.

                        DISCOVER SMART LOCKERS

                        With Hollman’s Smart Lockers each locker can be configured to the needs of every working zone in your building with a variety of configurations, materials, and the security solution that allows you to assign temporary or mixed-used.

                          Project Insight: Wake Forest University Men and Women’s Basketball

                          Wake Forest University’s Men and Women Basketball unveiled their newly constructed clubhouses with upgraded locker rooms by Hollman, Inc.

                          Wake Forest University unveiled their newly constructed Chris Paul Family Men’s Basketball and Dr. Caryl Guth Women’s Basketball Clubhouses this past September. The new Clubhouses’ expansions include upgraded locker rooms that are more than double their current club spaces. One of the primary goals of their clubhouse expansion was to create a locker room that was not only attractive to recruits but a more inclusive environment for current players.

                          Wake Forest University is no stranger to Hollman Lockers; already renovating multiple locker rooms through us. Wake Forest’s Associate Athletic Director, Craig Zakrzewski, and University Planning and Construction Sr. Project Manager, Jill Perry, visited Hollman’s headquarters in Irving, TX. The group included Walter Robbs Callahan & Pierce’s President, Ken McDaniel, and Vannoy & Sons Construction Company, Inc.’s General Contractor, Jon-Michael Broyles.

                          Their visitation included a manufacturing tour and a review of the mock-ups for the Men and Women’s future lockers with our athletics team. By doing this, Wake Forest could see Hollman’s full manufacturing capabilities as well as discover concepts that were later added to their design. With this hands-on approach, the members could get a vision of what the locker room could be and work with our experts to make changes, adaptations, and additions to ensure the lockers fulfill student-athlete needs.

                          The lockers are comprised of primarily black Nanolam and Solid Surface materials with the Acrylic Pocket Doors that are back painted with the school’s “Demon Deacon” and “Wake Forest” verbiage displayed across the lockers as added team spirit. The teams did not mess around when it came to customization pieces that truly lit up the room – literally. The lockers include RGB LED lighting displayed throughout the locker including continuous toe-kick lighting underneath the locker and backlit acrylic shelves that can be seen when the locker interior is exposed. 

                          The Men and Women’s lockers include 43’ inch commercial cloud-based displays above each locker, ideal for player personalization and team graphics. Behind the concealing doors, players can find interior hanging space that includes a ventilation slot to drop down drying time, three shelves for easy access storage, a lockable shelf accented with gold felt liner and a wireless charging station. 

                          The key difference between the two locker rooms is the lower section of the locker where the soft-closing cleat drawer is placed. It was determined that the men’s team required more space in the drawer for storage while the women’s team opted for a seating option. The women’s locker includes integrated seating with marine-grade vinyl cushions; the drawer is conveniently located underneath and can be accessed through the cushion. 

                          With the clubhouses complete, the student-athletes are fully equipped for their upcoming season and through Hollman’s design efforts, both teams have a locker room that is made for lasting impressions and team celebrations. 

                          Project Details

                          Explore Athletics

                          When you want to make an impression on high-performing athletes and top recruits, start with the locker room. Hollman creates custom space built on your team’s history, culture and core values.

                            Discover Nanolam

                            For a high-performance anti-microbial solution look no further than our nanolam lockers. The velvety smooth surface also resists fingerprints, smudges, and streaks, and keeps mold and bacteria from growing. In fact, it reduces the incidence of staph bacteria by 99.79 percent.

                              Check Out Our Gallery

                              To see what sets Hollman above the rest, check out our latest projects!

                                Project Insights: Michigan State University Munn Ice Arena

                                Munn Ice Arena renovations give Spartan Hockey a world-class arena with the help of Hollman Lockers

                                Home of Michigan State University’s Spartan Hockey team, Munn Ice Arena, has completed its largest renovation to date. After breaking ground in 2019, the renovation was halted due to the pandemic, now four years later, the hockey facility has gotten its much needed facelift. 

                                When it came to the locker room renovations for the Spartans, one of the primary drives of the restoration was to create a space for the players to bond and to promote fellowship. Not only was space within the locker room necessary, but the lockers themselves needed to handle the large and heavy equipment involved with hockey.

                                Hollman came into the picture, presenting a locker that was designed for MSU based on current player habits and needs. Having the locker room located in an ice arena, it was important to ensure the lockers were durable against the environment. The main component of the lockers were created with black Phenolic, a notoriously durable and water-resistant material; while the integrated benches were made with marine-grade vinyl cushions constructed to withstand water. Using these products will guarantee the lockers stay pristine even with heavy use. 

                                Along with durability, the lockers were strategically designed to shelf and hang the necessary pieces of gear without overloading the unit. In general, hockey requires a lot of gear for protective purposes, meaning the design needed to be able to categorize a large volume. 

                                Each locker includes three tiers of shelving made to hold helmets, all pads, gloves, and personal items. Below each integrated seat is a lift-up piece for additional storage. One of the unique features of the model is the face-mounted custom skate hooks placed on the lower portion of the locker, designed to keep skates obscured and localized in front of the lower ventilation system to help reduce dry time and bacterial growth. 

                                “The thought process to have a changing area where each guy has their own space to put their stuff in so we can keep our locker room orderly, and that’s one thing we talked about as a group. Its super important to us to be a steward of that space…we can say thank you but I think the way you take care of it is the best way to show you appreciate it so that place is going be spotless”, Adam Nightingale, MSU Hockey Head Coach.

                                Renovations to Munn Ice Arena were completed this past September, just in time for the Spartan’s regular season. With the facility’s upgrades and the help of Hollman, alums and players are sure to be proud for years to come. 

                                Locker Details:

                                • Black Phenolic material
                                • Marine Grade Vinyl Cushions
                                • Aluminum Magnetic Radius Trim
                                • Solid Surface bench edge
                                • Face mounted skate hooks
                                • Solid Surface hooks
                                • Lift up radius bench
                                • LED lighting

                                Sources: Lansing State Journal, The State News

                                Project Details

                                Explore Athletics

                                When you want to make an impression on high-performing athletes and top recruits, start with the locker room. Hollman creates custom space built on your team’s history, culture and core values.

                                  Discover Phenolic

                                  Hollman phenolic lockers are built to withstand wet environments, heavy use, and tough conditions. The waterproof and moisture repellent qualities of phenolic material make it the ideal choice for wet and humid settings.

                                    Check Out Our Gallery

                                    To see what sets Hollman above the rest, check out our latest projects!