How to Build a Mailbox

Whether you are building a mailbox to match a new house, or replacing an existing mailbox, you can incorporate the standard tunnel-shaped container into a curbside creation of your own. Follow these steps.

Things You'll Need

• Post
• 2 side posts or an extended arm post
• Mailbox
• Shovel or post hole digger
• Gravel
• Concrete

Instructions

Build the Support

1. Choose a post of pressure treated lumber or metal. Wooden posts should not exceed 4 x 4 inches. Steep pipe posts should measure 2 inches in diameter.

2. Set your mailbox on a horizontal piece of wood. Attach this to the post. The size of the box determines the size of your horizontal piece of wood.

3. Bolt a pair of boards to the post set at 45-degree angles. Attach the boards to each side of the post and to the bottom of the horizontal board. This adds stability to the support.

Buy or Construct the Box

1. Contact your postmaster to review the US Postal Service guidelines. Your new mailbox will need approval.

2. Incorporate a standard-size, preconstructed metal mail container, or build your own to the approved measurements. Your mailbox container should have a top, bottom, sides, back and a hinged door in the front.

3. Put the box number or house number in a contrasting color on one side of the box. For ease of visibility, the number should be at least 1 inch high.

Install the Mailbox

1. Decide on the position of mailbox. The roadside face of the box must be 6 to 8 inches from the edge of the shoulder or from the face of the curb. For gravel roads, more distance is required from the edge of the graveled portion of the roadway.

2. Dig a hole about 2-feet deep and no wider than necessary. A clam shell post hole-digger will make digging easier.

3. Bury the post in the ground and anchor it with concrete or stones in a bed of gravel. Put a 6-inch layer of gravel at bottom. The mailbox must be installed at least 42 inches from the ground.

4. Prepare concrete and pour in around the post.

5. Use a level to get the post square and let the concrete set overnight.

6. Fill the hole with soil and firmly press down.

7. Attach the mailbox to the base. Set the mailbox in position with screws and secure it to the board. Don't forget to attach a signal flag to the side of the box.

Tips & Warnings

• The ideal post bends or falls away when struck by a vehicle.

• An extended arm post with a free-swinging suspended mailbox is recommended in areas requiring snow removal.

• Check local guidelines for additional policies on mailbox placement. State and local authorities may have further regulations.

• Your mailbox should be on the right side of the road in the direction of traffic.