How to Make a Brick Mailbox

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

A brick mailbox will provide a strong, durable fixture to your property. Knowing which tools and supplies to use and how to get the job done will allow you to build your own brick mailbox. The following is a guide on how to make a brick mailbox.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. [1]
    • Research local building codes for any requirements that apply to your project.
    • Contact your local post office to ensure that your planned mailbox will meet their requirements.
    • Dig out the base of the mailbox and remove it.
    • If the mailbox has a concrete base, remove the concrete.
    Advertisement
  3. [2]
    • Dig an 8 inch (20.32 cm) hole.
    • The hole should be slightly wider than the mailbox that you plan to build.
    • Use a trowel to smooth out the concrete.
    • Use a level to ensure that the concrete is level.
    • Be sure to level out the concrete within 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, the concrete will become unworkable.
    • Allow the concrete to sit for 7 days.
    • This will be the footing of the mailbox.
  5. [3]
    • Use a trowel.
    • Mark out an area for 2 8x8x16 inch (20.32x20.32x40.64 cm) cinder blocks to lay.
    • These should be laid perpendicular to the first set.
    • Press them into place.
  11. [4]
    • Lay the first brick into the mortar.
    • For the remaining bricks, add mortar with a joint tool to 1 end of each brick and press it against the last brick that you applied.
    • Do this until you have a full layer of bricks around the cider blocks.
    • Use a level to ensure that the bricks are level.
    • Make any necessary adjustments.
    • Repeat this entire step until you have completely surrounded the cider blocks with bricks. Each brick should be offset from the 1 beneath it in order to stagger the joints.
  12. [5]
    • Using mortar between each brick and on the top of the structure, lay bricks vertically in back and on the sides of the mailbox.
    • Apply mortar to the top of the mailbox and lay bricks horizontally across it, using mortar between each brick. You may make multiple layers if you would like the height of the mailbox to be higher.
    • Ensure that the back, sides, and top of the mailbox are fully covered with bricks.
    • Fill in any open spaces (other than the mailbox itself) with mortar.
    • This can be purchased at a home-improvement store.
    • Apply mortar to the top row of bricks on the mailbox.
    • Apply the capstone to the mortar and press it in.
    • Wait several hours after you have completed building the mailbox.
    • Use a heavy brush along the joints to wipe away excess mortar.
    17. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Where do I put the flag?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Place it where the carrier can see it easily as they approach the box.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Things You'll Need

      • Shovel
      • Concrete
      • Trowel
      • Mortar
      • Cinder blocks
      • Bricks
      • Joint tool
      • Level
      • Mailbox
      • Capstone (optional)
      • Brush (heavy)


      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Rent a Post Office Box
      How to
      Hang Something on Brick
      How to
      Nail Into Brick
      How to
      Build a Chimney
      How to
      Build a Brick Wall
      How to
      Hang on Stucco Without Drilling
      How To Sculpt Stone Like an Artist
      How to
      Stucco a House
      How to
      Drill Into Brick: Preparation, Tools, and Best Methods
      How to
      Make a Brick Kiln
      Guide to Building a Brick Column: Footing, Courses, & Capstone
      An Expert-Approved Guide to Cutting Brick like a Pro
      How to
      Drill Through Granite
      How to
      Remove Efflorescence from Brick
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l11f3o6tkng
      2. ↑ https://brickdr.com/brick-repair-services-2/brick-mailbox-design-repair/brick-mailbox-fundamentals/
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os-ssZHaXv8
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBdWR6ysypg
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBdWR6ysypg

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 69,856 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement