Mailbox Buying Guide

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Most residential neighborhoods have either curbside or front door delivery. For curbside service, carriers drive up to post-mount mailboxes. Front door delivery is usually offered in neighborhoods where USPS mail carriers deliver on foot.

For front door delivery, there are wall-mount and slot mailboxes. Wall-mount mailboxes are a height that provides easy access for both carriers and residents. Mail slots are cut into the door or wall of a building.

Always look for an "approved by the US Postmaster General" stamp on any post mount or curbside mailbox you’re thinking of installing. This stamp assures mail carriers that the mailbox meets all the USPS regulations. If a box doesn’t feature the stamp, postal workers may refuse to deliver your mail.

Mailbox regulations apply for post mount mailboxes, wall-mount mailboxes, mailbox kits and parcel boxes alike.

• All mailbox dimensions and designs must be approved by the Postmaster General (PMG) before it can be sold. Look for the PMG’s seal before purchasing your mailbox to make sure it is an approved for delivery by the USPS.
• Address numbers or box numbers must be at least 1 inch tall, clear and easily readable.
• If your mailbox isn’t on the same street where you live, put your full address on it.

Tip: Consider using reflective stickers on your mailbox for better evening
visibility.

In areas where USPS carriers use vehicles to deliver the mail, there are rules for a post-mounted mailbox's height and distance from the curb.

• There must be 41 to 45 inches of height from the street up to the bottom of your mailbox door.
• The mailbox door must be 6 to 8 inches from the curb when closed.
• The mailbox must face outward and be placed on the right-hand side of the road.

Although standard wall-mount mailboxes don’t have postal regulations, those with door slots do.

• Mail slots must be at least 1.75 inches high by 10 inches wide.
• Horizontal door mail slots must have a flap that is hinged at the top and swings inward.
• Vertical mailbox slots must be hinged on the side opposite of where the door opens.
• Mail slots are to be installed a minimum of 30 inches from the bottom of any door.

Tip: Elderly and/or disabled customers in vehicle delivery areas, can apply for front door delivery from the USPS.

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Residential mailboxes come in four sizes: T1, T2, T3 and T4.

• A budget-friendly option, a T1 or small mailbox is about 6 inches wide, 19 inches deep and 8.5 inches high. It’s ideal for smaller households with minimal mail.
• A T2 mailbox is around 8 inches wide, 22.5 inches deep and 10.5 inches high. It works great if you have a medium-sized household with average mail amounts, larger envelopes and small packages.
• At 11 inches wide, 24 inches deep and 13.5 inches high, the T3 mailbox is a large mailbox that holds a large amount of mail. It works best for homes with several people.
• The T4 is an extra-large mailbox at 12 inches wide, 26 inches deep and 15 inches high. It’s a good choice for those who consistently receive larger packages or tubes.

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The most common mailbox materials are steel, aluminum, plastic, brass and copper. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

• Plastic mailboxes are popular, easy to install and budget friendly. However, they can crack or break.
• Steel mailboxes are both durable and budget friendly. Their weight can make them hard to install or move.
• Stainless steel mailboxes resist rust, need little maintenance but can require a higher upfront investment.
• Aluminum mailboxes are lightweight and come in different colors. They’re very durable but can also dent easily.
• Brass or copper mailboxes are very durable and have a distinctive look. They do require a higher upfront investment and regular maintenance.

There are several types of mailbox options available to match your security needs.

• A package mailbox or locking mailbox keeps letters and packages safe and secure. However, postal workers cannot accept keys, so choose a locking mailbox that still allows delivery.
• Rear access mailboxes allow you to conveniently get your mail without standing in the street.
• Mailboxes with a magnetic latch close silently and securely.
• Packaging mailboxes can hold large amounts of mail and various size packages.
• Smart mailboxes have built-in locks that can be controlled through your phone.

When installing a mailbox post for a curbside mailbox, below are a few options and tips to consider:

• Match your mailbox's mounting hole pattern to your post's. Mounting holes let you know where to place screws or bolts.
• Use a 4 x 4 slip-over post over a standard wood post. It has pre-drilled holes for securing your mailbox.
• An in-ground post is installed with concrete for added stability.
• A drive-in post can be installed by simply driving it in with a sledgehammer.
• Create a stable base for your mailbox with a mounting board. These metal or wood pieces can be installed on posts or walls.
• If you have asphalt or a concrete pad, install a surface mount post using brackets and bolts.

Tip: Make sure both your mailbox and post are compatible with all USPS, local government and neighborhood regulations.

From whimsical to modern, decorative mailboxes come in a variety of designs to reflect your home’s style. Or you can add accessories to a standard mailbox to accentuate your personal style.

• Attach garden motifs such as flowers, birds or butterflies.
• Use a mailbox cover to easily reflect the season or honor an occasion.
• Decorate your mailbox with wreaths, ornaments of other decor that celebrates your favorite holiday.
• A decorative address plaque is a practical yet pretty way to personalize your mailbox.

Mailboxes experience a lot of wear and tear. Keep it and the area around it looking its best.

• Look for loose hinges, missing screws and rust.
• Repair or replace any damaged parts.
• Update or replace address numbers.
• Clean or polish any metal parts.
• Plant flowers or plants around a curbside mailbox. Or use decorative stone and yard art.

Tip: If you’re a member of an HOA (Homeowner’s Association), make sure to review its guidelines about what style and type of mailbox you’re expected to install at your home. Most HOA’s have very specific restrictions about repair and maintenance as well.