If you’re looking to replace your old mailbox, the good news is that it’s relatively easy to do. If you order a new mailbox online using a company like Budget Mailboxes, you should be able to assemble it yourself no problem with just some basic tools, DIY skills, and good old-fashioned elbow grease.
So here we present our 5 steps for replacing your mailbox with ease!
1. Find a suitable replacement mailbox
Using websites like Budget Mailboxes, you should be able to find a new private mailbox that looks and feels the part. You can get mailboxes with added security features like locks and flaps, as well as more traditional mailboxes that you see kurbside on many suburban homes. Make sure that your replacement mailbox meets federal guidelines, and if you live in an area with an HOA, make sure that the aesthetic of the mailbox matches the HOA guidelines too.
2. Get the right-sized post
Federal guidelines dictate that your mailbox should be 42 inches off the ground, but you need a post longer than this which you can dig into the ground to keep it stable. We’d recommend getting a 60-inch post and burying it 18 inches underground to root the post, leaving a 42-inch-high post standing strong. If you want to paint your post to fit a certain color scheme or aesthetic, then now is the time to do so. You only need to paint the part of the post that’s above ground (obviously) but some people prefer to pre-paint their post and then put it in the ground afterward. Either way is fine.
3. Dig a hole and put the post in
Once you’ve dug a hole for the post (preferably at least 18 inches deep) you want to fill the hole with gravel and quick-setting concrete. Once you’ve got the concrete and gravel in there, put the post in straight away so that the concrete can set around the base and hold it in place for even the strongest of storms! Once the concrete has set and the post is secure, consider covering over the concrete with soil/grass to make it more visually appealing. Also make sure to double-check that your post is indeed 42 inches high from the ground.
4. Mount your new mailbox
Once the concrete has fully set and the post is in place, it’s time to mount your new mailbox! When you get a new mailbox, it should come with the hardware necessary to put it all together. This is usually a set of screws or brackets to hold the box in place. Every mailbox is different here, but if you’ve got some basic tools (hammer, screwdriver, spare screws) and basic DIY tools, you should be able to follow the instructions and mount your new mailbox to the post.
5. Finishing touches
If you plan on painting your mailbox to give a certain aesthetic or meet the HOA guidelines in your area, now is the time to do so. Lots of people paint their mailboxes to match the facade of their home and boost their home’s overall kerb appeal. This is also a great time to indicate your house number on the mailbox. Whether you’re planning to paint the numbers on or use adhesive stickers, make sure that the numbers are large, bright, and easy to see at a glance. You want to make the mail person’s job as easy as possible!
We hope you enjoyed our guide to mounting mailboxes in 5 easy steps. Whether you’re making a new mailbox from scratch or buying one online, these 5 simple steps should help you on your DIY journey!
