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Your mailbox might seem like a small detail, but it's one of the first things people notice about your home. It's also something you interact with nearly every day. Whether you're putting up a new mailbox or replacing an old one, choosing between post-mounted and wall-mounted styles affects more than just curb appeal.
In this brief article brought to you by then professional handymen at Mr. Handyman, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your property. We’ll consider aesthetics as well as function, maintenance, and even local regulations.
Post-mounted mailboxes are the classic style you see throughout Texas neighborhoods. The mailbox sits on top of a post – usually made of wood or metal – that's planted in the ground at the edge of your property. These are found typically near the curb or at the end of your driveway.
The biggest advantage of post-mounted boxes is it’s compatible with standard mail delivery. Your mail carrier drives up, reaches out the window, and delivers mail without leaving the vehicle. In fact, the post keeps the mailbox at the right height (41-45 inches from the ground to the bottom of the mailbox) for easy carrier access.
Post-mounted boxes also offer personalization options. You can choose decorative posts, add house numbers, include newspaper holders, or build elaborate bases that become landscape features. They're also easier to replace if damaged.
With that said, the downside is that post-mounted mailboxes constantly face weather exposure; Sun fades them, rain rusts them, and wind batters them. They're also vulnerable to damage from vehicles, lawn equipment, and vandalism. Luckily, mailbox repair is quick and affordable thanks to Mr. Handyman.
Wall-mounted mailboxes attach directly to your home's exterior. They’re usually found beside the front door or on a porch column. Typically more compact than post-mounted versions, wall-mounted mailboxes come in styles ranging from simple metal boxes to decorative designs that complement your home's architecture.
What’s inconvenient for the mail carrier, here, is advantageous for the homeowner. You grab your mail without leaving your porch. They're also more protected from the elements. Mounted under an overhang or on a covered porch, they avoid the worst of sun, rain, and wind exposure.
Security is another benefit. It's harder for someone to steal mail from your front door than from an unattended curbside box. Also, wall-mounted means no post to repair, no grass to trim around, no worries about cars hitting them.
As for the disadvantages, many mail carriers won’t walk to your wall-mounted mailbox if curbside delivery is the standard. You need to confirm with your local post office that door delivery is available.
Moreover, installation is more involved since you're drilling into your home's exterior. Poor installation can damage siding, create water intrusion points, or look unprofessional.
The decision is not just a matter of picking your favorite of the two. Believe it or not, mailbox installation has rules.
For instance, The United States Postal Service has specific regulations about placement, height, and accessibility. For post-mounted boxes, they must be 41-45 inches high and 6-8 inches back from the curb. Wall-mounted boxes need to be 41-45 inches from the ground to the bottom of the box.
If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association, check their guidelines. Many HOAs have strict requirements about mailbox styles, colors, and placement.
If you’re on a mission to upgrade your property’s curb appeal, comfort and convenience, or even security, then consider bringing aboard a trained and experienced handyman in Irving, TX. The pros at Mr. Handyman have you covered with everything from a mailbox repair to a new deck installation.
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