How to Build Brick Mailboxes
Brick mailboxes are beautiful and make a bold statement. They take patience to create, and last a very long time. You also have the freedom to arrange the bricks to match the style of your home. Although bricks don’t weigh much by themselves, the weight adds up when you create your mailbox, so there is some important prep work. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Build a Brick Mailbox
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1
Talk with your local post office find out how high you should build the mailbox.
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2
"Call Before You Dig," to make sure there are no utility lines; electric lines, pipes, gas lines.
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3
You’ll want to install a frost wall to make sure your mailbox doesn’t tip or sink.
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4
Each community is different, but normally you will start by digging down 30 to 36 inches. The hole will usually be a six by six circle.
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5
Bellow out a couple inches to make it bigger on the bottom. That way it holds the weight of the bricks.
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6
Depending how big you want your mailbox, for example 12 by 12 inches or larger, dig out the footing. It should be about five and a half inches, square, and flush with the ground.
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7
Fill the 6 x 6 circle with concrete. Use concrete blocks in the 12 x 12 hole.
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8
Add rebar in the center to add stability.
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It may take up to 24 hours for your footing to dry.
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Now, you can start your brickwork.
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Mix up morter.
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Start stacking bricks in a pattern of your choice.
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You can only go so many courses up. The mortar may have dry overnight, depending on weather and humidity.
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Add the mailbox.
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Brick around the mailbox.
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It could take three days to one week depending on the weather. You may only be able to work on it for a few hours a day.
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Tips & Warnings
Look at pictures of other brick mailboxes to get an idea of what you want. Be creative.
Contact a bricklayer for extra information or for help.
