Do-it-yourself Brick Mailbox

Step 5: Step 5 completing the top

This step will require the cutting of some bricks. We show bricks being "broken" to the correct length with a brick hammer, this is something that takes practice, you can try it but be prepared to break a lot of bricks into unusable pieces. Even and experienced mason will lose some. If you don't have enough brick or are worried about losing too many you should rent a brick saw from a contractor supply. Talk to the folks there and they can show you how to use it properly. Follow all safety instructions. Measure the distance from the outside edge of the column to your mailbox and reduce that measurement by 3/4 inch (the width of the mud joint between the brick and the mailbox) cut bricks as needed to finish out your last couple of courses. When you have reached the top of the mailbox, continue with your final course over the top of the mailbox to incorporate it into your column of brick. Finish out your mailbox by adding the top. Add one line of brick front to back down the center along the line of the mailbox, then add brick around those hanging them off the edge approx 1 1/2". Fill in the top holes with mortar and smooth to a finish with your trowel. Now you will need to finish all the joints using a jointer. Fill in any holes in your joints with more mortar now. Use the jointer on each vertical joint and then each horizontal joint (on the horizontal be sure to joint from the outside edges in toward the center, so you don't knock your mortar out of the joints at the end) Now use a brush at a 45* angle, brush the entire column gently, using a diagonal sweeping motion, and then rejoint to smooth and rough spots. Push the screws of the mailbox flag into a mortar joint before it sets up. Allow to set for at least a full day before use. Enjoy your new mailbox.

Comments

[noprotein]

Very very good instructable. Care was obviously shown for safety, aesthetics, and quality. I'm extremely impressed. Not to mention, the number and purpose of pictures was great. I'm handy but not experienced and although I won't be attempting this anytime soon, I may recommend it to my parents =)

Regardless, for a tech/language junkie, this was a fun and informative read!

[matt harper]

I've always lacked the confidence to tackle anything like this, but after seeing your step by step guide, I'm going to have a go!! if this project is successful, Id like to tackle a piazza oven, do you know of any web sites that have a similar step by step guide?

[Vintiquities]

I've never seen another masonry tutorial. It's a pretty protected trade. Please remember when you do your project (if you can't get it all done in a day, joint all the seams you have finished that day! It's very important that you do this, once they set up you can't finish them out nicely) Thanks for the comment and good luck! Leave a comment with any questions you may have and we'll try to get back to you quickly.

[zuulthedestroyer]

Did u get postmasters consent?

[marciei]

The pictures and directions are great. My mailbox was stolen three times. I have not worked with brick before, but grew up watching my dad make BQ pits and walls at our cabin. After reading your instructions, I am prepared to make the brick purchase. I will have to buy a few of the tools. You were very kind to post your skill of brick mailbox creating. Thank you. I will send you a picture when I am done.

[Vintiquities]

I think you will be pleased with the result and save a lot of money in the process! Please make sure you follow all the steps, many are there for safety as well as cosmetics. (i.e. level and plum) Hope it all goes well for you. If you have any questions, shoot us a message and we'll try to help as best we can. And we would love to see pics of yours when you get done. Good Luck!

[drpeeb]

Looks great! I want to make 6' hi driveway entrance columns and have two 20" x 20" pads already. I assume with that height I need to fill the center as you did? I need space in the middle for electrical wiring and a couple of electrical boxes on the outside. I guess I could run the wires thru 8"x8"x16" standard cement blocks in the column centers?

[MacGyver1138]

This is an excellent instructable, with very helpful pictures all along. I may try to make one of these for my mom after seeing such an easy to follow guide.

[Vintiquities]

Hey thanks for the comment. You are welcome to contact us at any time with any questions if you are going to build one yourself. I think we did a pretty good job showing how to do it. My husband does make it look easy but it is a lot of work, although it's well worth it in savings. He built this one in a day but If you have to stop in the middle of it and do the rest the next day be sure to finish out all the joints with the jointer and brush before stopping. You can't finish them if the mud has set up already.