Standard Mailbox Post – For Most Mailboxes
A typical standard mailbox post is usually made from a 4×4 inch wooden post sunk into the ground. However, standard mailbox posts can be made from many different types of materials.
Wooden Posts
Wood posts are the traditional choice for many homeowners. For the do-it-yourselfers, wood is the simplest and most economical choice. The least expensive is the standard 4×4 inch post.
Cedar and redwood are both insect resistant but quite expensive and will eventually rot if buried. Untreated woods like Douglas fir and pine have the shortest lifespan because they are prone to rot and not insect resistant.
Pressure-treated wood is resistant to rot and insects due to the preservation techniques applied to the wood. But pressure-treated wood also needs to be coated with a protectant or it may crack or split.
A wooden package with extra support features will also support an oversize mailbox. Wooden posts for your mailbox are available from online retailers.
Aluminum Posts
Aluminum posts are the most durable of the metal posts. This is because aluminum doesn’t rust like steel and the finish stays longer. However, aluminum posts are more expensive than other metal posts.
Galvanized steel is designed so the zinc coating will dissolve before the steel rusts. Eventually, the steel will rust and the post will need replacing. For oversize mailboxes, the aluminum post is needed to support the extra weight.
Unique mailbox posts bestow beauty and function to any landscape. Adding an attractive mailbox post creates an eye-catching landscape feature and you’ll be the envy of all your neighbors.
Be cautious when selecting your posts. Approximately 100 motorists are killed yearly in collisions with mailboxes. Some posts are mounted in concrete or constructed of indestructible materials. In a collision, a motor vehicle can be severely damaged and its occupants injured or killed.
With a little research, selecting the right post can save you hundreds of dollars and a major headache in the near future.