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Mailbox Post Requirements and Mounting Your Mailbox

When I took my custom mailbox to the postal service for approval, the postmaster handed me a form that details how a mailbox should be installed. Believe it or not, there are more requirements for the placement of the mailbox than the mailbox itself.

US Mailbox Regulations:

  • The mailbox must have a flag and a door to open and close and keep the mail dry.
  • Rural box number (or house number) must be painted on the box in numerals not less than one inch.
  • Post must be neat and adequate strength and size.
  • Approach to box should be hard level surface (gravel, cinders, stone.)
  • Boxes must be placed to conform with state laws and highway regulations.
  • Extend box beyond end of post. Attach board holding box to post with screws or double head nails, permitting easy removal if necessary to adjust box height.
  • Box must be in good condition (door should be able to open and close; flag should be able to go up and down; no rust deterioration or holes; and box should be level.)

Mailbox Post Placement:

Put a roadside mailbox where a carrier can reach inside without leaving the truck. That means positioning it about 41” to 45” from the road height to the bottom of the mailbox and back about 6” to 8” from the curb.

Whenever possible, the box must be located so that the carrier’s vehicle is off pavement when delivering the mail.

 

Installing the Custom Mailbox:

Because you rarely have just a blank post, take the time to clean it with some soap and water (sufficient cleanser to remove dried bird poop. Ewww.) Then slap a fresh coat of paint on it.

Rest the mailbox onto the post. Center it side-to-side and pull it forward so it slightly extends the end of the post. When it is positioned perfectly, draw a line onto the bottom of the mailbox around the post.

Remove the mailbox and drill four pilot holes into the bottom of the mailbox inside the pencil lines.

Use rust proof screws like these coated exterior screws:

Insert the screws into each pre-drilled hole. Then drive or hand screw them into the post.

To further prevent from rust (and to just make it look good) paint the screw heads.

And now your mailbox is installed!

And ready for a package or two.

If you are installing a regular mailbox, most of them have holes in the bottom of the sides.


They should be screwed into a block of wood that has been previously nailed or screwed into the post.

And now I have a mailbox wish for  you: May you have more greeting cards and love notes than bills!

Have a great weekend!

5 replies
  1. Roxanne Given
    Roxanne Given says:

    Can you share who designed and made/built and painted your mailbox? Does the carpenter have a website? Will they create other styles? Thanks.

    Reply
  2. Genevieve
    Genevieve says:

    Link exchange is nothing ellse but it is simply placing the other person’s website link on your page at proper
    place and other persson will also do similar for you.

    Reply

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