Sometimes, a mailbox is more than just a box for receiving your mail. It is a means
by which you can further express your individuality or show off the uniqueness of
your home. The right mailbox can not only serve as a tasteful accent to your home,
but can actually increase your home's curb appeal. After all, your mailbox is one
of the first things that visitors to your home see when they arrive. Wouldn't you
like that first impression to make a positive statement about your home?
Luckily, consumers have a large selection of mailboxes to choose from that will
allow them to truly find the right complement to their home. So, whether your
style leans toward art nouveau, decorative, themed, traditional or contemporary,
you will not walk away disappointed because the selection for mailbox designs is
vast!
Mailbox Basics
What type of mailbox you will choose will depend largely upon how your mail is delivered.
Is your mail delivered to your door by a mail carrier that walks the route? Does
your mail arrive via the mail truck which pulls up next to the box and places the
mail inside? Residential mailboxes typically come in three type categories. There
are post mounted mailboxes which are installed at the curb in front of your home.
Wall mounted mailboxes are usually installed by the front entry door of the home,
and free standing units require no poles or walls. These can be used either indoors
or outdoors with a decorative surrounding casing.
How to Select a Mailbox
Some people may be wondering just what exactly do you need
to know about picking out a receptacle for your mail? There can't be that many factors
to consider, right? Well, not exactly. Surprisingly, there are several things to ponder, including the
following:
Style
The style of your home will influence your mailbox choice. Mailboxes generally fall
into two broad categories as defined by the actual shape of the mailbox. They are
the traditional and contemporary style. Some mailboxes are a blend of both styles.
To start searching for your mailbox, determine what style of home you have. For
example, is your home a traditional Victorian or a Southwest Contemporary?
Material
Mailboxes are fashioned from a variety of materials. Galvanized steel, alumnium,
plastic, brass and cedar are the top material types used. There are several gauges
of steel ranging from standard to heavy duty. Heavy duty steel is rust resistant
and can make your mailbox virtually indestructible. Alumnium will also not rust
and is low maintenance. These types of mailboxes are particularly popular in coastal
areas. Plastic mailboxes also range from a standard thickness to a double-walled
plastic that is extremely durable. Plastic mailboxes are also rust proof.
Brass offers a touch of elegance and, if cared for correctly, can last for years.
Cedar provides a more rustic look, but requires regular maintenance. If sealants
are not applied on a regular basis, cedar will have a rather weathered look over
time.
Size
Mailboxes come in a wide selection of sizes. Obviously, the size or capacity you
choose for your mailbox will depend upon how much mail you receive daily. Post-mounted
mailboxes are found in standard, large and extra-large sizes. Wall mounted mailboxes
will range in size from small to extra large.
Color and Finish
Mailboxes can come painted using a flat, semi-gloss or high gloss textured paint.
Several novelty and decorative mailbox manufacturers offer vivid mailboxes that
almost look like painted canvasses of art. Whether you are after a one-color, simple styled
mailbox or a distinctive decorative piece, choose a color and finish to complement
your home.
Other Features to Consider
With identify theft becoming more prevalent, many consumers feel more comfortable
investing in a mailbox that has a locking feature. There are several mailboxes that
come with everything from a simple key lock to a fully-digitized keypad lock.
If you live on a busy street and do not like the idea of stepping into that street
to retrieve your mail, there are mailboxes that feature rear as well as front access.
That way, you can retrieve your mail whatever way is convenient.
If you are a big newspaper reader and receive it through the mail or via a newspaper
delivery person who actually puts it in your mailbox, consider a mailbox that has
an additional storage slot for newspapers. Not only is it convenient, but may spare
your paper from becoming your dog's chew toy or soaking wet from a rain storm.
Rules & Regulations
Finally, regardless of which mailbox you settle on, be sure
that it meets the guidelines set by the United States Postal Services (USPS). First,
know that you are required to contact your local post office before installing a
curb-side mailbox to ensure correct placement and height. Generally, mail boxes
are installed at a height of 41 to 45 inches from the road surface to the inside floor
of the mail box or point of mail entry (locked designs) and are set back 6 to 8 inches
from the front face of the curb or road edge to the mailbox door. A mail carrier
can actually refuse to deliver mail if you select a "non-approved" mailbox. Always be sure to check that the mailbox you choose is USPS-approved. It should
state this clearly somewhere on the mailbox packaging.
If you are part of a neighborhood homeowners association, live in a subdivision
with specific standards and rules, or face community deed restrictions, be sure
to check with those sources as well. Many have their own restrictions on types of
mailboxes that can be used. Rural homeowners may also be subject to local governmental
restrictions, state laws and federal highway regulations. The American Association
of State Highway & Transportation Officials and the Federal Highway Administration
Office of Highway Safety may be able to provide more information on the subject.
Top Selling/Rated Brands/Products
Traditional
If you are a fan of traditional-style mailboxes, you may enjoy checking out the
following products. Colony Metalsmith's
Traditional Horizontal House Mount Mailbox offers consumers the ability
to mix and match their mailbox finish with the Lid and Rack finish. It comes with
a newspaper/magazine rack, and allows you to add a lock or emblem to the box if
so desired. The manufacturer also applies a protective coating to the mailbox to
help retard the effects of the elements. Special Lite's
Traditional Curbside Mailbox with Paper Tube has a universal appeal with
its smooth geometric style accent and simple decorative braid. If you like copper
products, Plow & Hearth's
Traditional Copper Mailbox made of Turkish copper will definitely prove
appealing. Prefer a truly durable mailbox made of steel? Colony's
Traditional Roadside Steel Mailbox fits the bill with its sleek black matte
finish which will prove to be an attractive accent to any home.
Contemporary
Contemporary homeowners may enjoy Special Lite's
Contemporary Horizontal Residential mailbox which is made of copper and comes
with a newspaper/magazine rack. If you prefer to go vertical, the wall mounted
Contemporary Vertical Residential in hand rubbed bronze should meet your
needs. For those looking more curbside, the
Coronado Mailbox with Antique Copper Accents is worth a second look. This
steel mailbox was assembled using studs and nuts to eliminate unsightly rivets and
weld marks. The accent pieces are solid brass and plated in antique nickel.
Decorative
Okay, so may be you are looking for something that's a bit more decorative. No problem.
If you love flowers and floral designs then the
Special Lite's Floral Curbside, the
Pinecrest Cast Aluminum Mailbox - Floral Design or the
Durable Life Scroll Floral Wall Mount Mailbox may put a smile on
your face. Make an architectural statement with the
Mailbox / Post Light Combination Post, the Hinckley
Architectural Mailbox, or
The Peninsula which is constructed of brass and finished in a hand-polished
antique brass plating.
Free Standing
Free standing mailboxes are growing in popularity and come in a variety of unique
styles. If you travel a lot, these spacious boxes can save you a trip to the post
office to hold your mail. The
Step2 StoreMore Mailbox easily stores up to two weeks of mail (average amount),
including magazines and small packages. You can remove the interior floor to create
a 37 foot-tall center area for the increasing mail load. There's a door on both
sides for safe, easy access and a lockable, hinged, lower door panel. The
MailMaster® TrimLine Plus Mailbox is of slim design and constructed of heavy-duty
poly which is both durable and vandal resistant. There is also a molded-in newspaper
tube with rear flap and front and rear access to interior compartments. Never worry
about package theft again with the
Curbside Mail & Package Delivery Vault. This USPS Approved Delivery Vault
comes equipped With a full service locking letterbox, a unique security drop door
mechanism and a rear key locked storage compartment that prevents access to deposited
packages. Constructed from heavy duty 16 gauge galvanized steel with a durable powder
coated polyhammer black finish and stainless steel hinges, the Delivery Vault withstands
the elements and tampering. The Delivery Vault can be enhanced during installation
with decorative options to blend into architectural and landscaping themes.
Price Range
The price range for mailboxes is as varied as the styles and designs. Consumers
can find a standard wall mounted or curb side mailbox starting in the low $20 range.
There are several in this category made from a variety of materials including steel,
brass and cedar. In the $25 to $50 range, you will find a wider selection of standard
mailboxes. Many do offer additional features such as locking and customized name
and address plaques. The average consumer spends between $50 to $100 on their mailbox.
In this price range, consumers have more decorative choices from which to express
their own unique style. You can even find a free-standing, vault style mailbox for
around $55 to $60. If you also want to customize the pole mounting that your mailbox
will rest upon, then it is not unrealistic to expect to spend $100 to $250.
With literally thousands of mailboxes to choose from, you should have no problem
in finding the mailbox that is right for you and your home. That perfect mailbox
that can actually add value to you home by creating maximum curb appeal.
Top Manufacturers