How to Install a Wall Mount Mailbox

May 7, 2021

You need to choose the best installation location for your mailbox so that your mail carrier can efficiently deliver your parcels. You also need to assemble and install your wall-mount mailboxes correctly and need to consider the type of wall-mounted mailbox you want.

Luckily, the process to install a wall-mount mailbox only requires eight simple steps. You can easily install your mailbox in one afternoon without much difficulty. However, before you get started, you should examine the manufacturer's instructions or review the guidance on the product website for model-specific installation tips to guarantee proper attachment.

How to Install a Wall Mount Mailbox

Preparing to Install Wall-Mount Mailboxes

Your wall-mount mailbox will look great and last for years – as long you install it correctly. Before you start drilling holes and hanging the mailbox, take a moment to gather your materials and tools and – most importantly – get the official okay of your local postmaster.

Materials

Unlike a mailbox post, you won't need to worry about digging a hole, pouring concrete, or any other labor-intensive tasks. Wall-mounted mailboxes sometimes even come with all the materials necessary to hang the unit, saving you a trip to the store.

That said, mistakes happen. Compare your mailbox plans or the website information for details on the type and number of materials provided, and ensure that your kit contains:

  • Mounting hardware, such as a mounting bracket or support beams

  • Screws, fasteners, or bolts

  • Your wall-mounted mailbox

Examine each piece before you begin to check for dents, scratches, warped parts, or missing hardware.

Tools

After you've inspected your materials, it's time to gather your tools. You'll want to keep your tools near the mailbox installation site for easy access.

To get started, you'll need a:

  • Drill

  • Masonry or rock bit, if you're drilling into a brick or concrete wall

  • Level

  • Tape measure

  • Chalk, a pencil, or a marker

That said, some people prefer to leave mailbox installation to the pros. Contact a contractor or mailbox expert for guidance and effortless installation without worrying about complicated instructions.

Check with Your Local US Postal Service Postmaster

You're nearly ready to mount your mailbox! But first, contact your local postmaster. The USPS does not provide national mailbox location guidelines. Instead, your postmaster will determine the best policies for homeowners and businesses in your community.

Visit your local post office, or give the postmaster a call. You will need to alert that office of your wall-mounted box's installation and get permission to switch from a curbside box to a wall-mounted one beside your building's door or inside in a foyer.

If you choose to add a lock, you may also need to provide the USPS with a key. This step can prove helpful if you ever find yourself locked out of your mailbox.

You can count on your postmaster to act as an expert guide, providing you with regulations and placement rules for your area. Consulting your postmaster can save you time and energy. Your local post office will have strict regulations regarding wall-mounted mailboxes. If you accidentally breach the rules, your mail carrier may not be able to deliver your mail.

Measure the Height

A wall-mount mailbox is a quick office or home improvement project that will instantly boost your curb appeal. While you should position your box for easy access, you should also consider your postal carrier before installing a wall-mounted mailbox.

Measure the mailbox height before drilling to ensure that both you and your mail delivery person can reach it. For example, if you plan to install your mailbox on your office's porch near the front door, consider any stairs, decorative plants, statues, or furniture. You will likely step out of your building to retrieve your mail, but your postal carrier will approach the mailbox from the opposite side.

Choose a reasonable height for your mailbox, with space between your door and any windows around it. Typically, you should aim for a 41" - 45" mailbox height above the porch, sidewalk, or road surface to match post-mount length regulations.

Mark the Wall

After measuring for height:

  • Place your wall-mount mailbox against the wall.

  • Adjust its location as desired.

  • After determining the ideal placement, mark the location of each mounting hole to guide your drill.

  • Use your level to make sure that the top of your mailbox isn't crooked.

Drill Holes

Set your mailbox aside and grab your drill. You won't need to drill very far into the wall to install most wall-mount mailboxes but check your mailbox installation guidelines first.

Place your drill bit against the marks you made in the previous step, and slowly begin to drill holes for the screws.

Secure Mounting Hardware

Your wall-mount mailbox may have come with the tools necessary to hang it on your home or business. However, you may need to purchase some tools and hardware at your local store in some cases.

Take a look at your mailbox installation instructions before purchasing mounts, brackets, screws, or other things to complete your project. The siding on your home or office building – such as vinyl, concrete, or brick – will determine the necessary tools.

After securing the correct pieces, follow the manufacturer's guidelines for attaching them to the wall.

Hang the Wall Mount Mailbox

After you've hung the mounting pieces, it's time for the final step. Drill a screw into each bracket hole. Only drive in the tip of the screws to ensure that the top, side, and bottom of the mailbox are level.

Once you've checked that your mailbox is level, finishing drilling in the screws. If something is preventing your mailbox from lying flush against your wall, you may need to loosen the screws and clear the installation site of debris.

If you didn't order a customized wall-mount mailbox, you could finish the installation and add house numbers, your street address, or your desired name along the bottom of the mailbox. You'll enhance your home or business while making it easy for your mail carrier to locate your address.

Other Wall Mount Mailbox FAQs

Where should I place a wall-mounted mailbox?

Wall-mount mailboxes work best on flat surfaces like walls, patios, or columns. While you may have a few options, your local USPS branch likely has regulations you'll need to follow.

To ensure you follow these rules, contact your post office before putting your mailbox on display. An improperly hung mailbox can result in delivery delays or returns.

Additionally, let your post office know when you've replaced your post mailbox unit with a wall-hanging mailbox unit. Then, be sure to provide your postal worker with the box's location.

Remember that you should position wall-mounted mailboxes for easy access for both you and your postal carrier. Further, take care to avoid any hazards like animals, icy steps, vehicles, or toys that might get in the way of mail delivery before you choose a location to install a wall-mount mailbox.

A well-situated mailbox should avoid things that could potentially harm a USPS employee or delay them from reaching your door. You would do well to place your mailbox in a conspicuous location that they can easily approach. Also, carefully follow the instructions and use the tools included with your purchase to ensure the durability of your mountable mailbox.

Can I put my wall mailbox anywhere?

You can install a wall-mount mailbox anywhere – as long as you receive prior post office approval. They will have determined the best location for mailboxes based on regional recommendations from the Federal Highway Administration and the safety of postal carriers who deliver your mail.

Wherever you install a mailbox, ensure that your postal carrier has ample space to approach the mailbox and insert mail safely. Aim to meet the average mailbox post height of 41" - 45" from the concrete surface of your home or business.

Disregarding regulations or height requirements, or putting your mailbox somewhere out of sight, could result in added hassle for both you and the carrier. If you've installed it without permission, you may find yourself having to move your mailbox.

If you have any concerns about the placement of your mailbox or want to move your boxes from a post to a wall mount, please consult with your local post office. For information about buying mailbox units, contact our specialists at Budget Mailboxes by calling us at 866-707-0008. We sell mailboxes of all types and can answer any questions you may have.

Related: installing cluster mailboxes can seem complicated to first-time users. Read this article to learn how to install a cluster mailbox.

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