Mailbox Posts

Let the Mailbox Posts possibilities be your guide to choosing a post that will suit your needs perfectly. Pair a decorative post with attractive garden pots, planters, and flower boxes to make the most of your curb-side property. Whether you need something sleek and modern, classic and traditional, or casual and rustic, we have the outdoor mailbox post for you.

Q1: What are the two primary material options for Mailbox Posts, and what are their maintenance differences?

A: Mailbox posts are most commonly made of wood or specialized metals/composites.

1. Wood (Cedar, Treated Pine): Offers a traditional, warm aesthetic. Requires moderate maintenance: It must be sealed, painted, or stained every few years to prevent rot, weathering, and insect damage. Wood posts are susceptible to damage from ground moisture.

2. Vinyl/Composite or Metal (Aluminum): Provides a modern, clean, and highly durable look.

3. Requires minimal maintenance: These materials are inherently resistant to rot, rust, and pests. Aluminum posts are rustproof, while vinyl posts only require occasional cleaning. They offer superior longevity with less effort.

Q2: What is the required depth and technique for setting a Mailbox Post to ensure stability?

A: Proper installation is crucial for stability against wind, weather, and occasional impact.

1. Depth Requirement: A mailbox post, which typically weighs [10-20 pounds], should be set to a depth of 2 to 3 feet (24 to 36 inches) below ground level. This depth is necessary to achieve stability against high winds and the cantilevered weight of the mailbox. Concrete Setting: The post should be secured in a concrete footing. The hole should be wider at the bottom (bell shape) to prevent the post from being pulled out of the ground by frost heave.

2. Height Regulation: US Postal Service regulations require the bottom of the mailbox itself to be set 41 to 45 inches above the street surface.

Q3: What critical structural consideration must be made when installing a wooden Mailbox Post?

A: Protecting the wood from ground-level moisture is the key to preventing premature failure.

1. Rot Zone: The most vulnerable area is the section of the post just above and below the soil line, where moisture is trapped. Even pressure-treated wood will eventually rot here.

2. Gravel Base: When setting the post in the concrete footing, ensure the bottom of the post rests on a few inches of gravel or crushed stone. It allows water to drain away from the very base of the post, preventing contact with standing water.

3. Protection: The top of the post should be protected with a decorative post cap to prevent water from soaking into the end grain, where wood absorbs the most moisture.

Q4: Are there specialized features for Mailbox Posts designed to handle vehicle impact (e.g., from snow plows)?

A: Yes, there are specific designs aimed at mitigating impact damage.

1. Breakaway Posts: Some designs are mandated by local codes in high snow-plow areas. These posts are engineered with a weakened point or hinged base that allows the mailbox to detach cleanly upon impact, minimizing damage to both the post and the vehicle/plow.

2. Recessed Mounting: For heavy-duty steel or aluminum posts, the mailbox arm is often designed to be deep-set into the post, helping prevent it from shearing off easily.

3. Aesthetics: Look for designs with large support arms or decorative scrolls that can handle the weight of heavy mail and packages without sagging.