• Overview



  • In this video, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook explains how to replace a mailbox.

    Steps:

    1. Use shovel or posthole digger to dig a hole for the mailbox post; place dirt onto a tarp.
    2. Keep in mind that bottom of mailbox must be 41 to 45 inches above street, and front of mailbox must be no more than 8 inches from curb.
    3. Set mailbox post in hole and use a post level to hold it perfectly plumb.
    4. Backfill around the post with 10 or 12 inches of soil.
    5. Use a sledgehammer or long 2x4 to tamp down the soil around the post.
    6. Add a little more soil and tamp again; repeat until hole is completely filled.
    7. Remove the post level and attach the diagonal brace with galvanized decking screws.
    8. Attach the mailbox to the post with galvanized decking screws.
    See products and services from this episode
    • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
      You may break a sweat digging the posthole, but the rest is a breeze

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    Video Directory

    Selected Topic/Section

      Tools List

      Close
      • post hole digger
        Shovel or posthole digger
      • post level
        Post level,
        used to ensure post is plumb
      • drill
        Drill/driver,
        used to attach diagonal brace and mailbox to post
      • sledge hammer
        Sledgehammer,
        used to tamp down soil around post (could also use a 2x4)

      Shopping List

      Close
      1. Cellular PVC mailbox post

      2. Mailbox

      3. 2-inch-long decking screws
      for attaching diagonal brace and mailbox

      4. Tarp
      for holding excavated soil