A mailbox can be a great addition to a home, but some people don’t realize the many different types of mailboxes available until they go searching for one. Mailbox posts are an essential part of any mailbox or post-mounted mailbox plan, and knowing how to install them will ensure that your mailbox looks nice and is protected from vandalism.

Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Aro... Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Around

On average, mailbox posts are about 2 feet long and 6 inches in diameter. Most mailboxes require at least a 6×6 inch hole to be dug, with an additional 4-6 inches of depth for the post itself. You can bury the post up to 8 inches into the ground to ensure that no one will dig it up.

Step 1 – Measure The Hole

Start by measuring your existing mailbox’s footprint on your lawn or garden area where you want to install the new mailbox. This will give you an idea of how big you need to make the hole in order for your new mailbox to fit properly within it. If reusing an old mailbox, just measure around it instead of digging out any dirt until your new mailbox fits.

Step 2 – Mark The Hole

Mark where your hole will be in the ground by using either a stake or an old post that is lying around. If you are just building this for fun, you can use almost anything that has enough mass to hold up the mailbox while you’re digging the hole. Just make sure it’s not something that may potentially damage your new mailbox when it’s put into place! Also make sure not to mark within 2 feet of any existing utilities, such as water mains, power lines, phone lines and natural gas lines. Digging near these objects can result in serious injury or even death if done improperly.

Step 3 – Dig The Hole

Use the shovel to begin digging the hole. Start with a small trench and gradually dig deeper as you go along to make it easier on yourself. Be sure to take some time so that you don’t have to rent a backhoe from the local hardware store, which can be very expensive.

Step 4 – Insert The Post

Once your hole is deep enough, tie one end of the rope around the mailbox post and slowly place it into the hole until it’s lifted level with the ground. If using an old post, simply set it in place. While still holding up your post or stake, use either stakes or pieces of wood (or whatever you used to mark the location) to secure them in place until they cannot be budged by hand any further. After you’re finished, fill in your hole and tamp the dirt down firmly to prevent erosion and settle the post into place.

That’s all there is to it! Installing a mailbox post can be done with very basic tools and items that most people will already have around their house or garage. The project itself won’t take you more than half an hour, depending on how deep the hole needs to be dug for your particular application.