If you want to replace your old mailbox, the good news is that it's relatively easy. If you order a new mailbox online through a company like Budget Mailboxes, you should be able to easily assemble it yourself using just a few basic tools, DIY skills, and good old-fashioned elbow grease.
Here we present our 5 steps to easily replace your mailbox!
1. Find a suitable replacement mailbox
If you use websites like Budget Mailboxes, you should be able to find a new private mailbox that looks and feels like it. You can get mailboxes with additional security features like locks and flaps, as well as more traditional mailboxes that you see kurbside in many suburban homes. Make sure that your replacement mailbox complies with federal guidelines. If you live in an area with a HOA, make sure that the aesthetics of the mailbox also meet the HOA guidelines.
2. Get the right post
According to federal guidelines, your mailbox should be 42 inches above the floor. However, you need a longer post that you can dig into the ground to keep it stable. We recommend buying a 60-inch post and burying 18 inches underground to root the post so that a 42-inch post remains strong. If you want to paint your post according to a specific color scheme or aesthetic, now is the time to do it. You just need to paint the part of the post that is (obviously) above the ground, but some people prefer to prepackage their post and then put it in the ground. Both options are fine.
3. Dig a hole and insert the post
Once you've dug a hole for the post (preferably at least 18 inches deep), you'll want to fill the hole with gravel and quick-setting concrete. As soon as you have the concrete and gravel there, insert the post immediately so that the concrete can lay around the base and hold it in place even during the heaviest storms! When the concrete has hardened and the post is secure, you should cover the concrete with soil / grass to make it more visually appealing. Also make sure your post is actually 42 inches above the ground.
4. Mount your new mailbox
Once the concrete is fully cured and the post is attached, it's time to assemble your new mailbox! When you receive a new mailbox, it should come with the hardware you need to assemble it. This is usually a set of screws or brackets to hold the box in place. Every mailbox is different here. However, if you have some basic tools (hammer, screwdriver, spare screws) and basic DIY tools, you should be able to follow the instructions and attach your new mailbox to the post office.
5. Fine tuning
If you plan to paint your mailbox to achieve a specific aesthetic, or if you want to meet the HOA guidelines in your area, now is the time to do so. Many people paint their mailboxes to match the facade of their home and increase the general attractiveness of their home. This is also a good time to put your house number in the mailbox. Make sure the numbers are large, bright, and easily visible at a glance, whether you want to paint the numbers or use self-adhesive stickers. You want to make the post person's work as easy as possible!
We hope you enjoyed our guide to assembling mailboxes in 5 easy steps. Whether you are creating a new mailbox from scratch or buying it online, these 5 simple steps should help you on your DIY trip!
