Decorative Residential Mailboxes - 6 Easy Installation Steps
by Scott Gray

Description: Tips for choosing and installing a decorative mailbox.

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When it comes to mailbox installation, many individuals are unsure of the correct steps needed to properly install their mailbox. Instead of paying big bucks to hire someone to install your mailbox, consider these easy tips to make mailbox installation a breeze. After all, most decorative residential mailboxes install the same way, regardless of their look.

The simplest type of mailbox to install is the wall mounted mailbox, which requires nothing more than a few screws to secure the box in place. If you have a tape measure, screw driver and a level you can have it mounted in no time. Mark where you would like the mailbox to be, then screw in a screw until it starts to hold the mailbox. Make sure it’s not too tight as you will want to move the box up or down. Take your level put it on the top of the box and move the mailbox up or down until the bubble in the level is in the middle. Take you pencil and make a line when level. Position the box on the line and then add the rest of the screws. Be sure to go back and tighten the first screw. To speed up the process use a Bosch cordless drill with a screw driver bit to screw in the screws.

The mailbox post requires a bit more in depth installation, but the task is certainly attainable. Here is a few steps to help you:

Step One – Purchase Your Mailbox

Although this may seem simple, you will probably be overwhelmed at the sheer number of options available in decorative mailboxes. Look at the exterior of your home in order to find a specific style, color, and material of mailbox that best fits into your design plan. In addition to finding high quality, beautiful mailboxes without having to leave the comfort of your own home, many of these mailboxes feature free shipping and all are available at incredible discounts.

Step Two – Dig Your Hole

For any post mounted mailbox installation, you will be required to dig a hole for the post. It is critical that you dig a hole large enough for the post in question. Typically, the hole should be at least two feet deep, although that depth may need to be increased depending on the type of soil in your area. You should also leave a small amount of space around the hole that you can later add concrete. To dig your hole, use a set of post hole diggers, which will allow you to dig a narrow but deep hole.

Step Three – Measure And Cut The Post

Once the hole is dug you will want to take a measurement of how deep the hole is and then add that to the height you want your mailbox to be and then cut the post to the total length. You can cut it with a hand saw if it wood or if it is metal you will need a hack saw. If you have a Makita miter saw you could use that to cut the post. This will save you time and you will get the perfect square cut.

Step Four – Add The Concrete

Your post will need to be kept firmly in place. For this reason, purchase a small bag of quick mixing concrete to achieve the stability that is needed. This concrete can be purchased from your local home improvement store and mixed in a bucket using water according to the directions on the package. Using a shovel, slowly fill the hole evenly around the post, ensuring that the post is kept straight at all times. If you allow the post of sit crooked, your mailbox will also sit crooked and may look odd. Fill the hole up with concrete until you reach approximately six inches from the top. At this point, allow the concrete to fully dry—typically overnight—and then cover the remaining six inches with dirt.

Step Five – Attach The Mailbox

Once the post is secure in place and the concrete has dried, attach the mailbox. You may need to follow the specific directions involving the specific mailbox installation, as some mailboxes simply slide over the post while others are attached directly to the post. You will need a screwdriver to compete the installation process to ensure that the cover the completely secure to the post.

Step Six – Add Any Finishing Elements

If you have any extra elements that need to be added, now is the time to complete your mailbox installation. One popular addition to mailboxes is a locking element that will keep your mail secure. These locking elements are quite easy to install and available to fit a wide variety of mailbox sizes and styles. These locking boxes work like sleeves that are screwed into the inside of the mailbox and allow the newly delivered mail to drop into the secured box. Other finishing elements include numbers or letters that allow you to personalize your mailbox. A great addition to any mailbox is a decorative flag that replaces the typical red flag that is raised to notify your mail carrier that outgoing mail is in the box. These decorative mailbox flags can be installed with a couple of screws in a matter of seconds.

About the Author:
Scott Gray is currently a home improvement handyman enthusiast and freelance writer who enjoys providing tips to consumers who are in the market for Bosch and Makita power tools.

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