Mailbox Buying Guide
Explore which style mailbox is best for your mail needs and your property.
The first step in buying a mailbox is to determine what purpose your mailbox will need to fulfil, be it as simple as collecting mail for one person, or as advanced as offering a hidden newspaper door. How about a lock to keep private information safe? There are endless mailbox options so be sure to carefully consider your needs. Once you have determined what features fit your needs, you will be better prepared to make an educated buying decision.
Things to consider:
- How many people will receive mail to this mailbox?
- Will you be posting your mailbox at the end of your driveway or attaching it to your home?
- How much mail do you often receive?
- Are you in need of a multi-family mailbox?
- What type of weather, on average, will your mailbox face?
You will want to consider the special features available on some mailbox types, mailbox materials, and styles to determine which one is right for you and your home.
Materials
- Steel : Although steel tends to be extremely durable and resistant to rust, you may need to have it treated for extra protection against wet weather.
- (https://www.wayfair.ca/outdoor/sb1/aluminum-mailboxes-c1784937-a4362~11631.html)
- (https://www.wayfair.ca/outdoor/sb1/plastic-mailboxes-c1784937-a4362~11633.html)
- Brass : Adds character and a more formal look, but will also require constant polish and shine to avoid patina—a green-coloured buildup caused by exposure to air and moisture.
Features
* Locking : Secure your mail with a locking option to ensure no one else is accessing your information.
- Rear Access : For easy retrieval, choose a mailbox that opens from behind.
- Newspaper Holder : To avoid an overflowing mailbox or squished envelopes, choose one with a separate holder for bulky newspapers.
- Personalized : Adding your name to the mailbox will help ensure you do not get someone else's mail, plus it also adds personality to an otherwise mundane home feature.
Designs
Wall-mounted mailboxes attach directly to the outside wall of your home and are frequently found in more urban settings where the homes are closer together and a mail carrier is on foot.
Benefits:
- Easy mail retrieval
- Possible awning or overhang protection from the elements
Post-mounted mailboxes are freestanding and generally sit at the end of a driveway or along a curb. They are common in more rural neighbourhoods where the mail carrier comes by vehicle and may not be permitted to leave their vehicle.
Benefits:* Adds character to your property's entryway. * There is a plethora of colours, materials, and styles to choose from.
As a more formal version of the post-mounted design, column-mounted mailboxes tend to make a significant style statement and last longer.
Benefits:* Better chances of surviving plow damage in the snowy winter months. * Very formal and more permanent.
Mail slots are a great way to simplify how you get your mail. Although increasingly less common, they still offer old-school, traditional charm. Check with your local United States Post Office to ensure your mail carrier is on foot or can leave their vehicle to deliver.
Benefits:* Seamless, traditional design.* Great for urban homes where mail is delivered on foot.
Multi-family mailboxes come in a variety of shapes and styles. Many apartment buildings and business offices use these wall-recessed boxes, which are complete with directories built right in. Other multi-family looks include multiple post-mounted mailboxes like this classic mailbox post.
Benefits:
- Adds character to your property's entryway.
- There are a plethora of colours, materials, and styles to choose from.
Mail vaults are perfect for accepting package deliveries when you are not home. Mail vaults offer peace of mind knowing that your parcel deliveries are no longer missed or will go missing. Mail vaults also keep your deliveries safe once they arrive.
Benefits:
- Safely receives and stores parcels while you are away.* Often features a vacation stopper so you don't receive packages while you are away.
