You may need to install or change a new mailbox post every few years. Mailbox posts are constantly exposed to the elements and will weather over time. When it's time to replace it, you'll need a guide on how to install a mailbox if you don't already know how. Whatever your situation, we've researched the issue and found some answers.
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If you are installing a new mailbox or replacing an old one, here are all the steps you need to know:
- Buy a new post office and a new mailbox. If you already have a mailbox installed, remove it.
- If you are installing a new mailbox entry, locate Utilities.
- Dig a 20 inch deep hole with a post excavator.
- Fill it with gravel.
- Check the height of the post post by placing it in your chosen area.
- Concrete the spot and cover it with water.
- Let the concrete sit for 4-6 hours.
- Attach the mailbox post and fill the hole with soil.
If you have the right tools, installing a mailbox post is pretty easy. All you need is a tape measure, post excavator, bubble level, concrete powder and of course a mailbox and post! Read on for an in-depth look at installing a mailbox.
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- Steps to install a new mailbox item
- Buy a new post and mailbox
- Remove your current mailbox item
- Locate Utilities before installing a new mailbox entry
- Dig a 20 inch deep hole with a post digger
- Fill the hole with gravel
- Place the post in the hole to check the height
- Add concrete to the hole and cover it with water
- Allow the concrete to set for 4-6 hours
- Attach the mailbox post and fill the hole with dirt
- Installation of a mailbox post without concrete
- How many concrete bags do you need for a mailbox post?
- On which side of the driveway is the mailbox located?
- How long does it take to install a mailbox item?
- How much does it cost to install a mailbox post?
- Last snack
Steps to install a new mailbox item
Buy a new post and mailbox
When shopping for a new mailbox, keep in mind that most are mounted on a 4"x4" post, while some mailboxes have more complicated hardware. If you're just replacing mailbox mail, make sure you get something that will work with your current mailbox.
Almost all mailboxes come in threessizes: Standard (T1), Large (T2) and Extra Large (T3). Novelty mailbox sizes may vary. Choose the size and style of mailbox that best suits your needs.
Remove your current mailbox item
To remove the mailbox you'll need to dig around the area with your shovel, and if your shovel blade hits concrete you'll need to dig a wider hole around the base of the post. After this process, pour some water in and around the area to soften it a bit.
Then wiggle the mailbox post until you're sure you can pull the box out of the ground. You can use levers like scrap wood or a jack to help you with the task.
If you want some ideas what mailboxes you can have,see our post here.
Locate Utilities before installing a new mailbox entry
As you dig around in your yard, remember that chances are you'll come across a water pipe, power cable, or other important itemUtilities. Be careful as you might hit them if you have an accident while shoveling.
Look for services in your area to locate the utilities in your yard and mark their location to make sure you don't hit them when installing a mailbox post.
Dig a 20 inch deep hole with a post digger
Click here to see this post excavator on Amazon.
Post excavators help dig small holes that need to go deep. You should be able to find one at your local hardware store. Use the post excavator to dig a hole at the marked spot.
While digging, you can dump the dirt onto a tarp for easier cleanup later. Make sure the hole you dug is at least 20 inches deep.
Fill the hole with gravel
You can put gravel, small stones or something similar to fill the hole. These help ensure that the bottom of the hole has proper drainage. You should make sure you fill in enough to cover about 4 inches of space and leave a hole 16 inches deep. You can find gravel at either your local hardware store or a local nursery.
The amount of gravel you need depends on its density and the size and depth of your hole. In general, you'll need about 10 to 30 pounds of it. If you already have gravel that you removed from your previous mailbox, there shouldn't be a need to add more.
Place the post in the hole to check the height
After you finish all the above steps, you need to take the mailbox and place it on the spot you made. This step is important to ensure it's the perfect height. You can use a tape measure to check the length.
If there is a problem, you can add or remove gravel accordingly. Normally mailboxes are about 20 inches high.
Add concrete to the hole and cover it with water
Pour concrete powder into the spot, leaving about 4 to 5 inches of space at the top. You need to start by keeping the mailbox as level as possible. After that, start pouring the powder.
You can continue after making final adjustments. Use a level to check whether the post is straight or not by placing it parallel to the post. You can then pour in water to make the concrete powder become concrete.
Allow the concrete to set for 4-6 hours
After you finish pouring the water, let the post sit for about 4-6 hours. You must ensure that the post remains stable for this period of time. There should be a few excess pieces of wood on each side of the post for added stability. This way it keeps the mail stable for you.
Attach the mailbox post and fill the hole with dirt
When the concrete is ready, cover it with soil, making sure to keep it flat so it sits evenly on the ground. Mount the mailbox with a mounting bracket and screws. Check the mailbox one last time and see if it opens and closes smoothly.
Installation of a mailbox post without concrete
If you want to install a mailbox post without the hassle of digging and pouring concrete, a few tools can help.
Click here to see this anchor on Amazon.
It helps you place a standard 4x4 inch mailbox post in places without support. All you have to do is screw the anchor into the ground with a truss, then attach the mailbox post to the bracket with the screws provided.
With the No-Dig ground anchor you can mount the mailbox post in winter. Also, it can help when digging holes or pouring concrete is difficult.
How many concrete bags do you need for a mailbox post?
You will need about 60 pounds of dry concrete to erect a mailbox post. Check the bags for their weight when buying them from the store. Get over 60 pounds of concrete to be on the safe side. But before you buy concrete bags, make sure you don't have dry concrete in your garage or storage from previous projects.
On which side of the driveway is the mailbox located?
ThatUnited States Postal Service(USPS) recommends placing the mailbox on the right side of the street. Check USPS guidelines before you begin installing a mailbox post in your yard. This way you can avoid having to remove it and start over.
If the mailbox is surface mounted, the door needs to be about 6 to 8 inches from the curb. Also, it needs to be 41 to 45 inches off the ground. Check theguidelinesthoroughly and ensure you comply with them. We go deeper into this topic.You can view our post here.
How long does it take to install a mailbox item?
By following the steps above, installing a mailbox post is a simple task that you can complete in just a day. You will need some time for the concrete to set and set, but the installation itself takes no more than a couple of hours put together. You can quickly complete this project over the weekend.
How much does it cost to install a mailbox post?
To install a mailbox, you can get a cheap oneestimatefür etwa 46 bis 125 US-Dollar, während die höheren Schätzungen von 135 bis 435 US-Dollar reichen. Legen Sie ein Budget fest, bevor Sie mit der Arbeit an diesem Projekt beginnen, und halten Sie sich dann daran, wenn Sie weitermachen. Postfächer und Posts variieren in Größe, Qualität und Stil. Die Preise ändern sich entsprechend diesen Faktoren. Auch die Kosten für das Material, mit dem Sie die Briefkastenpost montieren, können variieren.
Last snack
Make sure you always wear safety gear while working to avoid injury. You can rent the safety equipment cheaply at the hardware store. That is, if you don't want to buy them. It's better to be on the safe side.
Installing a mailbox can increase the appeal of your home by adding that finishing touch. We hope these steps help you to install a mailbox post yourself in your garden. Good luck and happy mailing!