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What are the different types of mailboxes and which type should I purchase?
Home » Outdoor Decor » Mailboxes » What are the different types of mailboxes and which type should I purchase?According to the postal creed, neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow, will stop the mail. What can stop the mail, however, is a home without a proper receptacle. Don’t worry, though; despite the fact that they have to meet federal requirements, mailboxes appear in all shapes and sizes:
• Type: There are four basic types of mailboxes: curbside, wall mount, post office boxes, and mail slots.
o Curbside, or post mount, mailboxes are placed along the side of the road, and the postal worker reaches them from the truck. These mailboxes are especially common in rural and suburban areas.
o Wall mount letterboxes are common in urban areas; the homeowner installs a small box near the front door, into which the postal worker inserts mail.
o Post office boxes are popular with businesses, but they also are good for individuals who want added privacy or who regularly move and want a permanent address at which they can receive mail.
o Mail slots are openings in the door to a house; the postal worker inserts the mail from outside, and the letters fall to the floor just inside the door.
• Material: Traditional curbside mailboxes should be made of material durable enough to handle rain and wind, but they can also contribute to the character of your home.
o Galvanized steel mailboxes are heavy-duty and rust-resistant. Varieties range from standard to heavy, and heavy-plated steel models are especially strong.
o Aluminum mailboxes also do not rust, and they are especially popular in coastal areas.
o Brass mailboxes add a touch of class to your home, but they need continual care to keep them in good shape.
o Cedar mailboxes lend a natural quality to your home, but make sure you regularly apply sealant to keep them from weathering.
o Plastic mailboxes are relatively inexpensive and do not rust, however, some plastics are thin, so closely examine the model you want to buy to make sure it is adequately thick.
• Style: In addition to selecting a certain material, you can give your mailbox a distinctive appearance through its shape, size, color, and security.
o The shape of your mailbox can be traditional, contemporary, or a blend. Traditional mailboxes have the familiar “saddle” look while contemporary mailboxes have a number of non-traditional shapes.
o The size of your mailbox must meet federal requirements as a small, large, or extra large receptacle (see “Frequently Asked Questions” for more information).
o If you want to add a splash of color, paint your mailbox. You can use any color, but make sure the paint you use will stand up to the elements.
o If privacy is important to you, consider a mail receptacle with a lock. These models allow postal workers to drop in letters, but the box cannot be opened without the key.
Pick your mailboxes based on where you live and what your preferences are. In urban areas and apartment complexes, for example, you will probably not have the option of using a curbside mailbox. If you can use a curbside mailbox, however, you can purchase one at any number of hardware stores, home improvement warehouses, and general retailers, or you can build a custom model yourself. Economical mailboxes cost less than twenty dollars, but top of the line decorative models can cost much more. Before you buy or use any mailbox, however, make sure that it meets with postal service requirements.
Related Mailboxes Articles
- What are the different types of mailboxes and which type should I purchase?
- How do I install a mailbox?
- Frequently Asked Questions