How to Make Cluster Mailboxes

Assemble a stand to cluster mailboxes for easier mail delivery.

Cluster mailboxes are often used in rural areas where homes are spaced some distance apart. The use of cluster mailboxes allows a mail carrier to access several mailboxes in one location and reduces the amount of drive time needed to access several separate boxes. Read the guidelines set forth by the United States Postal Service before you install cluster mailboxes.

Things You'll Need

• Post hole diggers
• Tamp
• Level
• Gravel
• 2 wood posts, 4 inches by 4 inches
• 2 wood posts, 2 inches by 4 inches
• Wooden board, 1 inch by 6 inches
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Saw
• Screws
• Cordless drill with driver bit

Instructions

1. Choose a location to install the cluster mailboxes that is on the right side of the road in the direction the mail carrier travels.

2. Determine the width for the cluster mailboxes based on the number of boxes to be mounted.

3. Dig two holes 8 to 10 inches back from the edge of the road. Use post hole diggers to dig the holes at least 30 inches deep. Place a wood post that is 4 inches by 4 inches in each hole and alternate soil and gravel in layers around the posts. Level the posts and pack the soil firmly around the posts with a tamp.

4. Measure the posts with a tape measure and mark a point 41 inches up from the ground.

5. Measure the distance between the two posts from the outside edge of one post to the outside edge of the other post. Transfer the measurement to the 2 wood posts that are 2 inches by 4 inches and cut them to length with a saw.

6. Position one of the cut 2-by-4s so it stretches between both upright posts. Turn the 2-by-4 so the 4-inch side is flat against the 4-by-4s. Attach the 2-by-4 to the 4-by-4s with wood screws and a drill with driver. Repeat the process with the second 2-by-4 on the back side of the 4-by-4s.

7. Cut the board that is 1 foot by 6 inches into 15-inch long pieces with a saw. Cut one 15-inch length for each mailbox to be installed.

8. Place the 15-inch pieces of wood on top of the two 2-by-4s between the upright posts. Position the short lengths of wood evenly across the 2-by-4s or place them closer together to leave room for the addition of more boxes in the future.

9. Attach the 15-inch lengths of wood to the 2-by-4s with wood screws and a drill with driver.

10. Place a mailbox on one of the installed 15-inch long pieces of wood and slide it forward so it is within 8 to 10 inches of the road edge. Insert small screws through the holes on the lower side edges of the mailbox to secure it to the wood. Repeat for more boxes to create a mailbox cluster.

References

• US Postal Service: Rural Mailbox Regulations
• Ask the Builder: Post Installation