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Set up your own mailbox with or without concrete
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Installing a mailbox can be an easy job for most homeowners. To mount a mailbox on a post, check with your country or area’s mail regulations to see how tall your mailbox should be and how far it needs to be from the curb before getting started. If your area allows it, you can also install a wall-mounted mailbox or a mailbox slot for your door. Keep reading to learn everything you need to set up a new mailbox in just one afternoon!
Replacing a Mailbox Post
- Check local regulations for the height and location of your mailbox.
- Lift the old post and concrete with a shovel and remove them.
- Add 4 to 6 in (10 to 15 cm) of gravel into the hole.
- Place the post in the hole and ensure it meets height requirements.
- Pour a 50 pound (23 kg) bag of fast-setting concrete into the hole.
- Cover the concrete with water, mix, and let it sit for 4 to 6 hours.
Steps
Section 1 of 5:
Installing a Mailbox Post
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Contact an expert to locate your utilities if you’re digging a new hole. You may hit water pipes, power cables, or other important utilities while digging. Many countries offer a service that will mark the location of utilities in your yard. [1] X Research source Look for a service in your local area and make sure to dig away from the spaces they mark.
- If you’re replacing a post, you can just put the new post in the same spot as the old one. If you want to move it, get your utilities marked out.
- If you’re in the United States , call 811 to get your utilities marked out for free within 2 days. Once they are marked, you will have 10 days to install your mailbox post in a safe area.
- If you’re in the United Kingdom , use the service Linesearch Before U Dig (LSBUD) that will mark out the placement of utilities for free. Contact them through their website .
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Check your local regulations and mark the mailbox’s location. Your country or local government may have regulations on the height and distance from the curb at which your mailbox has to sit. [2] X Research source Make a small cross on the ground with spray paint to mark a location that meets your local requirements.
- United States Postal Service (USPS) Guidelines: Before installing or replacing your mailbox, contact your local post office to get their approval. The opening of your box must be 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) away from the curb, and 41 to 45 inches (100 to 110 cm) up from the surface of the road. [3] X Research source
- If you’re unsure about the regulations in your country or area, look at the height and placement of your neighbor's mailboxes for a guide on what yours should look like.
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Use a post digger to dig a hole around 20 in (51 cm) deep. A post hole digger is a tool designed for digging small yet deep holes. Use the post digger to make a hole in the location you marked until the hole is deep enough to hold the top of your post at the regulated height. [4] X Research source
- Throw the dirt you dig out of the hole onto a tarp to make it easier to clean up once you’ve finished installing your mailbox post.
- If you have an old mailbox post you want to replace, use a shovel to lift it and its concrete base up and out of the ground. Use the hole from the old post to install your new one.
- If you don’t want to buy a post digger, you may be able to rent one from your local hardware store.
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Add 4 to 6 in (10 to 15 cm) of gravel to the hole for drainage. Gravel, small stones, or something similar can allow water to drain and prevent the soil underneath from eroding. Pour 4 to 6 in (10 to 15 cm) of gravel into the bottom of your hole. [5] X Research source This leaves you with a 14 to 16 in (36 to 41 cm) deep hole.
- Gravel may be available from your local hardware store or nursery. You'll need about 10 to 30 lb (4.5 to 13.6 kg), depending on the gravel’s density and the size of your hole.
- If there's gravel in the hole from an old mailbox post you've removed, you might not need to add any more gravel as long as it sets your post at the right height.
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Place the post in the hole and check its height. Lift your mailbox post up and drop it into the hole so that it sits against the gravel. Use a tape measure to check that it is sitting at the right height above the curb, adding or removing gravel to adjust it as necessary.
- USPS Guidelines: Make sure the top of your mailbox post is 41 to 45 in (100 to 110 cm) above the ground when you place it inside the hole. [6] X Research source
- The best mailbox posts are made of wood or aluminum that can fall if a car hits them. [7] X Research source Most posts have 20 inches (51 cm) of extra length at the base so it can sit in the hole.
- Make your own mailbox post by cutting a 4 by 4 in (10 by 10 cm) piece of wood to 65 inches (170 cm) in length. Cut a 1 by 6 in (2.5 by 15.2 cm) piece so it slides under the mailbox and attach it to the top of the post with wood screws. [8] X Research source
- Make sure your chosen mailbox post is weather-treated so that it won’t rot or disintegrate over time. Purchase waterproof wood or waterproof the wood yourself.
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Pour a bag of fast-setting concrete mix into the hole. Holding the mailbox post level, pour the concrete powder evenly around the post. Allow about 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) of space at the top so you can cover the area with soil. Check that your post is level and make any final adjustments before moving on. [9] X Research source
- Concrete mix should be available at your local hardware store. You'll need roughly 50 pounds (23 kg), depending on the size and depth of your hole.
- Get someone else to hold the post while you pour the concrete around it.
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Cover the concrete with up to 1 US gal (3.8 L) water and mix. Check the manufacturer's instructions on the back of your mix to find out how much water is needed (most use less than 1 US gal (3.8 L)) and pour it evenly over the powder. Mix the concrete with a stick to make sure the powder comes into full contact with the water. [10] X Research source
- This is the last chance you’ll have to adjust your mailbox post before it is cemented into the ground. Use a level on all sides of the post to make sure it is even.
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Leave the concrete to harden completely for 4 to 6 hours. The concrete will set after 20 to 40 minutes, but it usually takes at least 4 hours to fully harden. [11] X Research source Make sure the post is steady and secure, and that it won't be disturbed for at least a day before leaving it to set.
- For extra stability, lean a few pieces of excess timber on each side of the post to hold it steady while the concrete dries.
- It may help to leave a sign on the post to reduce the chance that it gets knocked off center as it dries. Contact your mail carrier to make sure they don't disturb it.
- Most concrete mixes take 4 to 6 hours, but some may take longer. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended drying time.
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Alternatively, use a metal post stake to mount your mailbox. To install a mailbox post without concrete, insert a piece of wood into a metal post stake and pound it into the ground with a rubber mallet. Remove the wood and insert your mailbox post. [12] X Research source Check to make sure the post is level, then tighten the bolts at the top of the post stake with a socket wrench. [13] X Research source
- Setting a mailbox in concrete can make your mailbox last longer without as much long-term maintenance, but this method can save you installation time.
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Fill the hole with dirt and attach your mailbox. Once the concrete has hardened completely, cover the concrete with dirt and gently flatten it with your foot so that it sits evenly with the rest of the ground. Set the mailbox on top of the post and drill wood screws into the 4 holes on the sides. [14] X Research source
- If your post is metal, mark where the holes are on the side of the box on the post, screw in the brackets that came with your post so the holes line up with the marks, then drill the screws into the sides of the box. [15] X Research source
- Mailboxes and mailbox kits may be available at your local hardware store. Some of them may even come with a mailbox post ready to install.
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Section 2 of 5:
Installing a Wall-Mounted Mailbox
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Hold the mailbox against the wall and mark the screw holes. Choose an area near your home’s main entrance where your mail carrier can easily see your mail box. Place the box’s mounting bracket or the box itself (if there is no bracket) against the wall. Mark the location of each screw. [16] X Research source
- Some wall-mounted boxes may come with templates to mark the locations of the screw holes.
- USPS Guidelines: Mounted mailboxes do not have to be approved by the Postmaster General (PMG). However, if you’re replacing a curbside mailbox with a wall-mounted box, make sure to get your postmaster’s permission to do so. [17] X Research source
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Drill pilot holes into the wall and install any mounting hardware. Drill pilot holes into the marks for each screw using a 3 ⁄ 16 in (0.48 cm) drill bit. Insert masonry anchors into the holes if the wall is made of brick or masonry. [18] X Research source
- Before gently tapping the anchors into the wall, clean the dust out of the holes with a shop vacuum. [19] X Research source
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Place the bracket or box over the holes and screw it in. Place the mounting bracket or the mailbox itself over the pilot holes and use a drill and the provided screws to attach it to the wall. If you’re using a mounting bracket, slide the mailbox into place. [20] X Research source
- If you’re replacing a mailbox that left exposed holes, fill them with an exterior grade filler . Use a paintbrush and outdoor-grade acrylic paint to blend the holes into the wall.
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Section 3 of 5:
Installing a Door Slot Mailbox
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Purchase a mail slot that meets your local regulations. Some countries and areas have restrictions for the size and type of mail slot you can install in your door. Check with the postal service in your area to see what their rules are. [21] X Research source
- USPS Guidelines: The opening of the mailbox must be at least 1.5 by 7 in (3.8 by 17.8 cm). Horizontal slots need to have a flap hinged at the top, while vertical slots need to have a hinge on the opposite side of the door’s hinges. [22] X Research source
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Place the template for your slot on the door and mark the corners. Most mail slots come with a paper template to mark its place on the door. Place the template at the regulated height, use a level to make sure it’s straight, and mark each corner with a pencil. Remove the template and use a straight edge to connect the marks. [23] X Research source
- If the door is too dark to see pencil marks, line the area with blue painter’s tape and then mark the corners of the slot.
- If your mail slot didn’t come with a template, place the slot itself on the door.
- USPS Guidelines: The bottom of the slot must be 30 in (76 cm) above the floor. [24] X Research source
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Drill a hole in each corner and use a jigsaw to cut the opening. Drill pilot holes just inside each corner of the marked-out mail slot. Attach a 3 ⁄ 8 in (0.95 cm) drill bit and drill through the pilot holes to make them wider. [25] X Research source Use a jigsaw to cut along each line that makes up a side of the mail slot. [26] X Research source
- Sand down the open edges of the slot after you cut the piece out so each side is even.
- Make sure the drill goes straight into and through the door.
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Place the mail slot into the opening and screw it in place. Place the mail slot inside the hole in the door and make sure the flap opens freely. Mark the holes in each corner of the mailbox and drill pilot holes. [27] X Research source Place the mail slot back in the opening and drill the provided screws in each corner. [28] X Research source
- Repeat this process for the face plate that sits on the inside of the door.
- For greater privacy, install a mail slot hood on the inside of your door to prevent others from being able to see into your home. [29] X Research source
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Section 4 of 5:
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Add your house number to the mailbox according to local regulations. Attach numbers to the post or side of your mailbox facing the street so the mail person will know which house is yours. Consult your local regulations to see how large the numbers need to be and where you need to mount them.
- USPS Guidelines: Put your apartment or house number on the mailbox. Use numbers that are 1 in (2.5 cm) tall and in contrasting colors from the box. [30] X Research source
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Plant flowers around your mailbox to hide the base of your post. To hide the base of your mailbox, plant flowers or other plants in the dirt around it. Add compost to the soil, follow the instructions for your flowers to dig holes around your mailbox, and sow the seeds or plant the flowers. [31] X Research source
- Add mulch to your plants to slow soil evaporation and reduce weeds.
- During the holidays, decorate your mailbox with bows, lights, baubles, or fake Christmas garlands.
- You can also hang up decorations for other holidays, like small hearts for Valentine’s Day or plastic skeletons for Halloween.
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References
- ↑ https://call811.com/Before-You-Dig
- ↑ https://www.usps.com/manage/mailboxes.htm
- ↑ https://www.usps.com/manage/mailboxes.htm
- ↑ https://youtu.be/95d0wk1vZd4?t=93
- ↑ https://todayshomeowner.com/concrete/video/setting-posts-in-concrete-the-easy-way/
- ↑ https://www.usps.com/manage/mailboxes.htm
- ↑ https://www.usps.com/manage/mailboxes.htm
- ↑ https://youtu.be/8leUjoC80ik?t=26
- ↑ https://todayshomeowner.com/concrete/video/setting-posts-in-concrete-the-easy-way/
- ↑ https://todayshomeowner.com/concrete/video/setting-posts-in-concrete-the-easy-way/
- ↑ https://todayshomeowner.com/concrete/video/setting-posts-in-concrete-the-easy-way/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/8ZPZ881q3PA?t=49
- ↑ https://youtu.be/8ZPZ881q3PA?t=69
- ↑ https://youtu.be/8leUjoC80ik?t=60
- ↑ https://youtu.be/XfJ7DL0WVuU?t=171
- ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/outdoor-projects/how-to/a26660/how-to-mount-a-mailbox-to-the-side-of-your-home/
- ↑ https://www.usps.com/manage/mailboxes.htm
- ↑ https://www.whitehallproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AW_1074_Wall_Mailbox_3page_instruction_sheet-073020.pdf
- ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/outdoor-projects/how-to/a26660/how-to-mount-a-mailbox-to-the-side-of-your-home/
- ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/outdoor-projects/how-to/a26660/how-to-mount-a-mailbox-to-the-side-of-your-home/
- ↑ https://www.usps.com/manage/mailboxes.htm
- ↑ https://www.usps.com/manage/mailboxes.htm
- ↑ https://youtu.be/vNUtnFHiyGs?t=33
- ↑ https://www.usps.com/manage/mailboxes.htm
- ↑ https://youtu.be/vNUtnFHiyGs?t=96
- ↑ https://youtu.be/vNUtnFHiyGs?t=164
- ↑ https://youtu.be/vNUtnFHiyGs?t=357
- ↑ https://youtu.be/vNUtnFHiyGs?t=457
- ↑ https://www.usps.com/manage/mailboxes.htm
- ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Requirements-for-City-Delivery-Mail-Receptacles
- ↑ https://www.bhg.com/gardening/how-to-garden/how-to-plant-flowers/
- ↑ https://www.usps.com/manage/mailboxes.htm
Community Q&A
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QuestionCan you use a 6 inch wide plate for an 8 inch wide mailbox?DonaganTop AnswererYes, although an 8-inch plate would make a stronger mount.
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QuestionDo you have to use cement?DonaganTop AnswererNo, but a concrete base would give you a much sturdier and longer-lasting installation.
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QuestionWhat if the mailman does not approve of the mailbox I use?DonaganTop AnswererYou should secure the approval of your local postmaster before you mount a new mailbox. The postmaster has the right to disapprove of any proposed installation.
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Tips
- Plant flowers around your mailbox to further hide the concrete base and the base of your post.Thanks
- Schedule the project for a day when you don’t expect to get mail. That way, you'll have plenty of time to get a new mailbox post and mailbox installed before it needs to be used.Thanks
- Wear the proper safety equipment when digging holes, cutting wood, or using concrete. Safety goggles, gloves, and a ventilator mask help reduce the chance of injury.Thanks
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Things You’ll Need
Mailbox Post
- Mailbox post or a 4 by 4 in (10 by 10 cm) and a 1 by 6 in (2.5 by 15.2 cm) piece of wood
- Measuring tape
- Post hole digger
- Level
- Concrete powder
- Water
- Wood or metal screws
- Mailbox numbers
- Metal post stake (for installing a mailbox without concrete)
Wall-Mounted Mailbox
Door Slot Mailbox
- Drill
- Mail slot
- Jigsaw
- Pencil
- Mail slot hood (optional)
About This Article
Article Summary
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To install a mailbox post, you’ll need to dig a hole and secure your post with cement. Before you start digging, contact an expert to locate your utilities so you don’t accidentally hit a water pipe or power cable. In the US, you can call 811 to get yours marked for free. You should also check your local mailbox regulations. For example, the USPS requires your postbox to be 6 to 8 inches from the curb and 41 to 45 inches high. Once you’ve made your checks, use a post digger to dig a 20-inch deep hole. Fill the bottom 5 inches with gravel. Then, place your post in the hole and pour concrete powder around it, leaving 5 inches of space at the top. Cover the concrete with water, which will make it set. Finally, fill the hole with dirt and flatten it so it blends in with the ground. For more tips, including how to remove an old mailbox post, read on!
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