How to Install a Mailbox Post and Mailbox
Step-by-Step Instructions on Installing a
Mailbox Post and Mailbox
By Mark J. Donovan
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Every so often, particularly
after a bad winter, I need to replace our mailbox and mailbox post.
Unfortunately snow plows occasionally wind up side swiping it with their
plows, and if not all out taking the mailbox and post out, at least
inflicting enough damage so that the mailbox and mailbox post are heavily
damaged.
So this weekend was one of those
times where I replaced the old mailbox post and mailbox.
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This time I chose, however, to use a
pre-fabricated cedar mailbox post instead of the traditional pressure treated
type. The cedar mailbox post looked better and I am hopeful it will last longer.
Described below are the instructions
for installing a new mailbox post and mailbox.
Required
Mailbox Post and Mailbox Material
To begin the process of
installing a new mailbox post and mailbox, visit your local home improvement
store and buy a pre-fabricated 4x4 mailbox post and mailbox. Note that there
are several different size mailboxes to choose from. Also pick up two 50lb
bags of Quikrete redi-mix concrete. You will also need a ¾” thick board to
mount the mailbox to. Finally you will need some screws, a couple of 1” x 3”
x 6’ boards, and a couple of wooden stakes to secure the mailbox post while
it is setting up. |
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Required Tools
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Screw Gun
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Level
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Shovel
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Hammer
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Large Bucket
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Tape Measure
Removing Old Mailbox
The first step in installing a new
mailbox post and mailbox involves removing the old mailbox post.
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It is best to dig out around the
mailbox post several inches and then push the post back and forth to loosen it
up.
Then pull and drag the mailbox post
out of the ground. This can be difficult to do and a second person may be
necessary if the mailbox is set in concrete.
Once you have the old mailbox post
out of the hole the real fun begins.
Required Mailbox Height and Setback
Regulations
The United States Post Office has
specific regulations on the height and placement relative to the road. In
general the height of the bottom of the mailbox relative to the ground should be
41” to 45” high and the mailbox door should set back from the road 6-8 inches.
It is best to check with your local postmaster, however, for your particular
local requirements.
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Installing the New Mailbox Post
With the old mailbox post, and
associated concrete, removed from the ground, clear out the hole so that the
hole is approximately 24” in depth. The width of the hole should be
approximately 12” in diameter.
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Place and center the new mailbox post
into the hole.
Next fasten the top end of one of the
1”x3”s to the side of the mailbox post with a screw. The board should attach to
the post approximately 3’ off the ground. Attach the second 1”x3” board to the
adjacent side of the mailbox post in a similar manner. If done properly the two
boards should sit perpendicular to one another and can be used to position the
mailbox perfectly vertical.
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Use your level to make sure the
mailbox post is perfectly level. Once level pound in a stake near each 1”x3”
board and fasten each board to its relative stake using a screw and a screw gun.
Again, just prior to installing each screw, confirm that the mailbox post is
indeed perfectly vertical.
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Now pour a 50lb bag of Quikrete
concrete mix into the hole and add 1 gallon of water. Using your shovel mix the
concrete and water until it is fairly well blended. Pour in the second bag of
Quickrete concrete mix and another gallon of water and mix again using your
shovel.
Let the mailbox post setup over a 24
hour period. In the meantime, assemble the mailbox and label it accordingly with
your street number and your name.
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Next, measure and cut the ¾” thick
board so that it fits nicely into the bottom side of the mailbox.
After the mailbox post has set up,
install the mailbox mounting board to the arm of the mailbox post, making sure
you have it properly centered. Use several screws to make sure it is solidly
mounted to the mailbox post arm.
Next attach the mailbox to the
mailbox mounting board using 1 5/8” deck screws.
Back fill around the mailbox post
with topsoil, reseed with grass and water, and with that your new mailbox post
and mailbox are ready for use.
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- How to Install a
Mailbox and Mailbox Post -
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