How to Build a Brick Mailbox

A brick mailbox not only adds beauty to the outside appearance of your home, it also provides a much more secure way of receiving your mail. You don't have to be a brick mason in order to build a brick mailbox--just follow the below steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mailbox
• Wood stakes
• Shovel
• Wheelbarrow
• Concrete mix
• 1-by-4 foot boards
• Hammer drill
• Bricks and mortar
• Circular saw with masonry blade
• Flat steel bars
• Caulk

Frame

1. Plan the size of your mailbox to be sure that it meets U.S. Postal Service regulations. This is usually 41 to 45 inches high and 6 to 8 inches from the curb. Measure out four stakes evenly in a square to mark the outline for a concrete pad when you build a brick mailbox.

2. Dig a square hole that is 6 inches deep. Use your shovel to pack the dirt down firmly to get it ready for the concrete. Make sure your stakes at each corner are level with each other.

3. Use a wheelbarrow to mix your concrete in, following package directions. Using a hoe, stir the concrete and mix it well. Shovel the concrete into the hole you've dug and spread it evenly. Allow it to set up overnight.

4. Build a frame for another concrete pad as you build your brick mailbox. This second pad will be smaller than the first. (The first pad serves as a footing for the bricks.) Nail together 1-by-4s to make your frame 20-by-20 inches.

5. Stack wood pieces one on top of another until you have the right height for your pad. Lay slats perpendicular to reinforce the frame so it will hold the weight of the concrete.

6. Place your wood frame in the center of the concrete pad. Pour concrete into the frame and spread it evenly. Again, allow the concrete to set up overnight.

7. Remove the wood frame and you'll have a pedestal to place your mailbox on. Position your mailbox and use a hammer drill to drill holes for your mailbox anchors. Set your anchors flush to your concrete pad and use a socket wrench to tighten the anchors as you build your brick mailbox.

Brick

8. Fit your bricks around the mailbox, but don't set them yet. Do a practice run and stack them to calculate how many it will take.

9. Mix your mortar and pour a layer onto your first concrete pad. Start laying bricks, making sure that your mortar curves into the spaces between and fills each joint.

10. Create a rowlock when you reach the mailbox door. Cut the bricks to fit by using a circular saw fitted with masonry blades. Angle the rowlock slightly forward in order for rainwater to roll off.

11. Work to the top of the mailbox. Use flat steel bars to lay the bricks on. This is so that the weight of the bricks is on the steel bars and not the top of your mailbox.

12. Allow the mortar to set overnight. Use caulk to fill the gaps between the mailbox and the brick around inside edges.