The Best Mailboxes

Mailbox Regulations

In accordance with the United States Postal Service laws granted in the United States, each mailbox has to have an official U.S. Postmaster General Seal of Approval. Before you buy a mailbox, it’s important that someone double checks to make sure the seal is noticeable and to fully understand the correct positioning of the mailbox so mail couriers can legally drop off mail at the address registered.

Positioning of a Mailbox

According to the law, curbside mailboxes are to be placed 45 to 55 inches from the ground, this way mail couriers can place mail without leaving their trucks. The mailbox should also be 6 to 8 inches from the edge of the curb to make mail delivery easier.
To provide yourself with a sturdier mailbox, if you have a mount mailbox, place the post roughly 24 inches into the ground.
Mailboxes that are wall mounted should be attached to the outside of the building that is within access to mail couriers. To help delivery couriers more effectively, your wall mount mailbox should also be placed 4 feet from the ground.

Mailbox Identification Regulations

Upon setting up your mailbox, you should also make sure your street number is visible on it. Of course, if you live alone and your house number is visible, this step isn’t always necessary, but it is recommended. In addition, if numbers don’t come with your mailbox, you can pick up new numbers at your local hardware store. Always keep in mind, however, that the numbers you pick should appropriately fit your selected mailbox.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Mailbox

Common questions to ask yourself when buying a mailbox are:
How many people will be accessing this mailbox?
How much mail will I be receiving?
Should I look for a weatherproofed mailbox for inclement weather conditions?
How many people live around me, do I need a multi-family mailbox?
What type of mailbox should I purchase?
How sturdy should my mailbox be? And what material should it be made from?
Are there other features I should be looking for?

Different Types of Mailboxes

There are five unique types of mailboxes for you to choose from. Below, we will review the distinguishing features of each style and their unique benefits.

Post Mounted

This is probably the mailbox design that comes to mind when you think of a mailbox. These boxes a freestanding on a post. They are usually places at the end of a driveway or along the curb. This type of mailbox is usually more common in rural areas where mailmen and women do not leave their trucks to deliver mail.
Advantages:
- Available in many different designs, materials, and colors
- Adds personality to your house

Wall Mounted

These mailboxes are mounted right on the exterior wall of a house. Wall mounted boxes are more common in urban areas where mail carriers travel by foot.
Advantages:
- Better protection against weather
- Mailbox is located closer to house, so mail is easier to get

Column Mounted

Column mounted mailboxes are similar to post mounted mailboxes, however, instead of being on a simple post, these boxes are installed into columns. These mailboxes make a statement and add a touch of elegance to your home. They also tend to last much longer.
Advantages:
- Sturdy and durable
- Formal design

Multi Family

If you live in a home with more than one apartment, you will probably want to get a multi family mailbox. These mailboxes are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes and can be either post mounted or wall mounted. Most often they come with a lock.
Advantages:
- Lots of design choices
- Great for homes with lots of people living in them

Mail Slots

Though not technically a mailbox, a simple mail slot may be the best option for you. Mail carriers can simply put the mail through the slot and directly into your house.
Advantages:
- Convenient
- Traditional design

Mailbox Materials

There are four main options when it comes to mailbox materials.
- Aluminum: This is the lightest of the four materials. Aluminum is also rust resistant, just make sure your box is weather treated.
- Steel: Similar to aluminum, steel is also resistant to rust. However, steel is more durable and stronger than aluminum.
- Brass: A brass mailbox will add a touch of character and style to your house. However, it requires a lot of maintenance and must be polished frequently.
- Plastic: Plastic is highly durable and does not need much maintenance. In areas where high temperatures are common, however, plastic mailboxes should be avoided.
You should also take into account the finish on the mailbox. Most manufacturers will apply some sort of a finish on the mailbox to protect them from the elements and increase their usability.
- Powder Coated: These mailboxes are covered with a specially applied layer of paint. This coating can protect a mailbox for many years. This method is mainly used on metal mailboxes.
- Clear Lacquer: This finish is only used on brass and copper mailboxes. However, this coating will start to fade over time and will become less effective. Owners of this type of mailbox will need to reapply the lacquer in order to protect their mailbox against the elements.

Additional Features

There are some added features that you may find beneficial to have in your mailbox.
- Lock: A locking function will help to keep your mail private and ensure nobody else can access your personal information. This can be a very good feature to have, especially if you live in a well-populated area.
- Newspaper Holder: Some mailboxes include a slot specifically for newspapers. This extra compartment can prevent your mailbox from overflowing or any important letters from being squished.
- Rear Opening: Some mailboxes can open at either end. This makes getting your mail easier.
- Personalization: You may choose to add your name or address to your mailbox. Doing so will prevent any of your mail being delivered to the wrong house and having somebody else’s mail delivered to your house.
- Design: Nowadays there are tons of mailbox designs, some much less conventional than others. You can add a touch of personality to your mailbox by customizing its design.

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This page about Mailbox was composed by V. Tobies and published by Alternative.me.
It was last updated on 2024-04-26 08:17:35 and has been viewed 2671 times.