How to Install a Mailbox

While the expression may be cliche, we all know that first impressions are important. With that said, a mailbox is the first thing someone sees when he visits your home. When you are ready to put up your first mailbox, you'll want to know what you are doing.

Here's what you'll need:

A mailbox
A pre-made mailbox post from a home improvement store
A level
A post hole digger
Paint
Your House Numbers (stencil, or self-sticking)
A screwdriver
A drill
60 lb bag of quick drying cement
1' 1x6 board
8-10 drywall screws

The first step is to dig the hole in the right location. Check with your local post office to see where you can put up your new mailbox before starting to dig your hole. The hole for a standard mailbox post should be no more then three feet deep. Three feet will assure that your mailbox post will be sturdy enough to withstand strong winds and other unexpected events. That depth is also shallow enough that you may be able to replant the mailbox if necessary.

The next step will be to put the post into the hole. You will add the cement by intermittently packing the cement, adding the cement, and adding water. You might want to have someone hold the pole, though you could feasibly juggle the cement adjusting while holding the pole. Exhaust the entire 60 lb bag of cement. Use your level to ensure the mailbox is not at an unsightly angle. The cement should set in less then 40 minutes.

Next, you'll want to cover the rest of the hole with dirt; however, be sure you don't fully fill it, as you'll want to be able to paint your pole without dipping your paintbrush in the dirt. When filling the hole, leave 4-6 inches below dirt level.

Now, you can paint your pole with your desired color. When the paint is dry, you can assemble the mailbox. Most home improvement stores will have a variety of mailboxes, and they will come with instructions on how to assemble them.

To mount the mailbox on the pole, you'll need to cut the 1X6 to the length of the mailbox cavity under the mailbox. Then, mount that cut piece of wood to the mailbox post. Then you remount the mailbox, fully assembled with its hardware, onto the 1X6 which is now on the post. Drill holes into the 1X6 as it is on the mailbox, and screw the screws into it so it is attached to it.

Your mailbox is almost finished. The last thing you need to do is attach your street address numbers to your mailbox. You can purchase self-sticking numbers at the home improvement store, or you could get some number stencils, and use a different color paint to paint them to the post or to the mailbox.