Proper mailbox installation ensures reliable mail delivery and maintains a property's curb appeal.
Time 1 hour
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$50 – $150
Introduction
Master mailbox installation! Our step-by-step tutorial teaches you how to install a mailbox correctly, ensuring durability and compliance.
Tools Required
- Hammer drill
- Level
- Shop vac
Materials Required
- Mailbox
- Marker
- Masonry drill bit
- Masonry screws
There are plenty of reasons why you might want to attach a mailbox to your home. The most obvious is that it makes retrieving your mail more convenient than walking to your curb, especially in the winter! (However, if you have a curbside mailbox and want to replace it with a mounted mailbox, you must get permission from your mail carrier first.) If you already have a wall-mounted mailbox, you may consider an upgrade to boost your curb appeal or to accommodate more mail and packages.
Common exterior house materials include brick, stucco, wood, and vinyl. Every building material uses different methods with unique installation requirements, which will determine the materials needed and steps for the project.
- For a brick house, you’ll need to use a masonry drill bit and masonry screws to secure the mailbox.
- Installing a mailbox onto stucco is similar to the brick method and requires predrilling a hole with a masonry drill bit. You also need to add silicone into the predrilled hole, insert an anchor, and then fasten a concrete screw.
- When mounting a mailbox on wood siding, predrill and fasten a cedar surface mounting block with exterior screws. Then secure the mailbox to the mounting block with screws. You should always use exterior screws to prevent corrosion and rust, which can cause the screw to break eventually.
- Installation on vinyl siding requires using hooks specifically made for vinyl without causing damage since drilling through vinyl is not recommended.
Whatever the case may be, this project’s cost will vary depending on the type of mailbox purchased. I opted for a middle-of-the-road mailbox suitable for enduring Midwest weather. I had limited location options for placing the mailbox., but I tried to keep everything looking symmetrical by aligning the mailbox underneath the house numbers.
Project step-by-step (7)
Step 1
Choose the location
Depending on your location, the United States Postal Service (USPS) and some HOAs have mandatory guidelines for mailbox placement, which can be found on the USPS website. Once you are familiar with these guidelines, choose a location near your main entrance that is easy for the mail carrier to find and access.
Step 2
Level the mailbox
Hold the mailbox at your desired installation location and use a level to confirm it is level on the wall.
Step 3
Mark the holes
Once the mailbox is level, mark the locations of the keyhole mounts with a marker or pencil that will be easy to see on the exterior material of your home.
Step 4
Drill the holes
Drill the holes for your fasteners. The depth and diameter of the hole is dependent on the screws or anchors you’re using. Be sure to drill with the exact size masonry drill bit specified for your anchors or screws, and drill slightly deeper than the length of the screw (approx. 1/2-inch) to allow space for brick chips and dust to go when the screw is inserted.
Use a hammer drill or a drill with a “hammer” setting to drill these. Wear safety glasses to shield yourself from flying debris and use a shop vac to vacuum out the holes before inserting the screws or anchors.
Pro tip: Use a permanent marker to mark the masonry drill bit at your desired depth.
Step 5
Fasten the screws
Use a drill to fasten the masonry screws in place and allow the screw heads to stick out slightly for the keyhole mount on the mailbox.
Step 6
Attach the mailbox
Attach the mailbox to the wall by aligning the keyhole mounts with the masonry screws and then slightly tighten the screws if necessary. Adding address numbers to the mailbox is optional. Before applying the numbers, clean the mailbox to ensure the numbers adhere well.
Step 7
FAQ
Can I use plastic anchors in exterior brick mortar?
It’s important to use anchors specifically designed for brick-and-mortar use. In some cases, you may be able to avoid using an anchor by using a masonry drill bit and masonry screw to hang something lightweight. However, it’s important to note that interior plastic anchors can degrade over time when used in exterior brick mortar, which can cause the screws to become loose.
What are the USPS guidelines for hanging a wall-mounted mailbox?
The mailbox should be spacious enough to accommodate a day’s worth of mail, including magazines and standard letter-sized envelopes. It should also be situated close to the main entrance and easily noticeable. If you plan to replace your curbside mailbox, seek approval from your local postmaster prior to installing a wall-mounted mailbox.
How do I attach a mailbox to vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding clips, like vinyl siding S hooks, can be used to hang mailboxes. It’s important to avoid drilling screws or holes into vinyl siding, as this can cause permanent damage and leave your home susceptible to the elements.
Originally Published: August 23, 2024
