Mailbox Project

This is the instructable on how to build my mailbox. I have included some images of materials and supplies you will need in order to build this. I have also put the supplies and equipment lists in the supplies list below.

Supplies

Mailbox Parts List

¾”x6”x6’ cedar boards (5) 4”x4”x6’ pressure treated fence post Standard U.S. Mailbox 5/16” 5” lag bolts Galvanized washers 1 ½” inside corner braces 6’’x1 ⅝” Phillips galvanized screws (76) 50 lb bag of concrete mix (4) Mailbox Numbers

Equipment Needed List Craftsman 19.2V cordless Power Drill Ryobi Power Drill Ryobi 10” Table Saw Ratchet Wrench with ½” socket 3/16” 6 inch Irwin Drill Bit Woodworking Clamps

Step 1: Step 1: Putting Mailbox Base Together

The first thing you will want to do is put the base of the mailbox together. I have laid out the 5/16" lag bolts across the top of the post to show where I am putting the bolts. Wood clamps help keep the wood in place when drilling the pilot holes with the Irwin drill bit, and putting the lag bolts in with the wrench.

Step 2: Step 2: Put Wood Panels on Mailbox Base

After you put the base together, it's time to put the panels on the base. Use a saw to cut the fence post into 21 inch segments. Then, make two 7" segments for the top of the fence post. If you want to make a pointed design with the top piece of wood, you can. If not, don't worry about it. Then, use a 1" spacer block to space the planks of wood evenly along the posts. Finally, you drill your holes and screw the planks into the fence post. Now, you have a mailbox post that is sturdy and can be put into the ground.

Step 3: Step 3: Planting the Mailbox Base Into the Ground

First, you have to call the city in order to start digging holes in you yard. Alliant Energy came to my house and marked where the gas and water lines were in the front yard. After this was done, the first step was to dig a hole that is 14" deep and have a space of grass that is 17" between the fence post and the curb. After I dug the hole, I put bags of concrete into the hole with the mailbox post, and let it dry overnight.

Step 4: Step 4: Putting Mailbox Onto the Base

After the concrete was done drying, I made a 7.5" plank of wood for my mailbox to sit on, on top of the base. I drilled the plank of wood into the top of the base, and put the mailbox on top of it, and screwed the mailbox onto the plank of wood. Now, you have a mailbox!

Comments

[dadobson61]

Do you have a list of dimensions for each cut?

[dlebryk]

Nicely written instructions. Classic design. I see this all over rural roads. The difference - especially if you live on country roads - they tend to run the slats all the way up to the top of the mailbox on the side facing the traffic direction. That tends to protect the mailbox from all kinds of damage. They also don't put slats on the opposite side - just one.

You can expect your design mailbox to last for a really long time.

[ToddW_00]

That is good and sturdy but if you're anywhere that gets significant snow take warning: the snowplow coming by constantly will slowly push the whole thing over due to the heavy force of the snow being pushed against the broad side. If you do get a lot of snow I recommend not putting on the bottom three boards. You want the snow to basically pass through.

[dlebryk]

About the snow - no worries. We live in Southwestern Michigan, tons of snow. Just about every country road and two lane highway, I see exactly this mail box, everywhere. Snow plows won't knock them down, even on roads with 55 MPH speed limits. No need to remove any slats.

In fact one modification I see a lot - slats up to the top of the mailbox. That way nobody can go by with a baseball bat and ruin the mailbox. You have to put your house number on the slats though.

[Ahlonnae]

Great!!

[mdeloor]

I REALLY like the look of your new mail box! I'm guessing that you are going to paint or stain it? I'd love to know how you're going to finish it! Could you please post a finished picture when it's all done?

One thing that I would see me doing with your already great idea is to turn this into flower boxes on the lower part of the post. It wouldn't take much to add the additional wood at the bottom of the side slats to create the boxes. I'd likely use cedar wood, for it's duribility to moistue and weather. You would have to adjust the height of each "box" to allow enough room for your hands when planting things, and open space for them to bloom out of.

Depending on how much sun or shade, or combo, the mailbox/post/planter would get, this would look stunning!

Good on ya for remembering to add the house number / address to both sides of the mailbox in nice BIG numbers!

Hope you don't mind me playing with your original idea!

Kindest regards,
Mary-Ann

[Multi-Medium Master]

That does look very sturdy but doesn't look modern. If it is modern I would love to see what inspired it as I am very fond of a modern look. but great design, i just wouldn't call it modern

[Penolopy Bulnick]

That came out really nice and it looks very sturdy!