The Ultimate DIY Mailbox Installation Guide

Today’s links: ely.how/episode49

Download The Ultimate DIY Mailbox Installation Guide

Today’s Plant: The revered, ephemeral tulip

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How to install a mailbox

Download the full step-by-step mailbox installation guide here!

Determine how sturdy you want your mailbox
The more sturdy
- More work
- More cost
- Less often
Quick and cheap, pre-built
- Less work
- Less longevity
- Stake-in, hammer-in a few years max
Standard Cedar Post
- Expect to last 5-10 years
DIY Pressure treated 4×4 post
- Expect to last 10-20 years
Understand your soil
- Sandy soil
  - Less rot issues
  - Less stability
- Clay soil
  - More rot
  - More sturdy base
- Shallow soil (bedrock, hardpan)
  - Tough anchoring – above ground may be necessary
- Cold climate
  - Frost heaving
USPS mailbox installation recommendations
- 6-8” back from curb
- 41-45” above street surface
- 24” max post depth
- Able to yield to vehicle collision
Expert tip: install after mail arrives on Saturday or before US holiday
My recommendation
- Build to last
How I reinstalled my mailbox
- Super cute video of my helper
- Get your utilities checked before digging (811)
- Remove old mailbox
  - Dig, jack, knock
  - Get all previous post and concrete removed
- Pressure treated 4×6
- Cut a shallow point on top of post (or a slant)
- Use galvanized screws to fasten
Materials for Mailbox Installation:
- One 4×6 vertical post
- One 4×6 horizontal mailbox support
- One 4×6 diagonal support
- Two T fasteners to attach horizontal support
- One 1×6 mailbox platform
- Crushed gravel 1/4” – 1/2”
- Prime subsoil part of post with exterior grade primer
- Finish aboveground post as desired
- Provide a temporary weather-tight box for mail
Mailbox Installation process
- Dig ~30” hole if possible, 1ft width
- Fill in 4-6” crushed gravel
- Pack in gravel with tamper or board
- Set post in place, plumb with level
  - I made a quick 2×4 holder to keep the post in place
- Use at least 1 bag of concrete premix
  - Mix the concrete before pouring for greatest strength
- Top with crushed gravel to 1” below soil surface
- Keep base of post free of soil at least 1”
- Attach mailbox after installing post
- Keep 2×4 holder in place 24-48hr to set concrete
- Enjoy your new box!

Today’s favorite plant

Tulip

Bulb
9-24” tall, 6-9” wide
April-may blooms
Any color but blue
USDA zone 3-8
Prefers medium moisture
Full sun
Potential problems if too wet
Tolerates clay, sandy soil

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