If you’re building a new home, or want to freshen up an old one, the right mailbox could do the trick.
If you’re building a new home, or want to freshen up an old one, the right mailbox could do the trick. These days, there are just so many options: between what’s available in stores, online, and what you can find secondhand, there are a ton of mailboxes out there. If you’re overwhelmed, don’t worry—we’ve got your back. To make your life easier, we’ve come up with this list of considerations to keep in mind when choosing the perfect mailbox for the ideal home.
What Type is Right?
Do you get your mail delivered to your curb? You likely have a post mount mailbox, where the box itself is mounted at the top of a post, which is securely installed into the ground. If your mail shows up right at your home, your box is probably installed on your home’s exterior wall (unless you have a mail slot and don’t have a mailbox whatsoever). If you decide you want to switch between any of these options, make sure you check in with your local postmaster first, since neglecting to let your post office know may result in a disruption of your mail delivery!
Picking a Size
How often do you receive mail? Do you end up getting larger envelopes or even packages that you don’t want sitting outside? Do you frequently order stuff online? Do you have a huge family? All of these questions are important to answer when you’re considering the capacity of your home’s mailbox.
Your Material
Depending on where you live, you may need to think about local weather conditions. Different materials also offer various benefits and features. The three most common options are galvanized steel, aluminum, and plastic. Steel is strong, durable, rust-resistant (but can still rust), and has more decorative designs and locking options. Aluminum is another metal option but is rust-proof and has similar durability but is much more light-weight. Plastic is your third option and is cost-effective and appropriate for coastal areas where you may not want a metal mailbox.
Locking or Not?
If you’re concerned about theft, you need to think about a locking mailbox. These usually have two keys included for family access, but mail carriers do not need a key to access the mail delivery slot.
Choose Your Home Hardware From WalterWorks
No matter what type of home hardware and decorative touches you choose, WalterWorks Hardware has the expertise and supplies you need. We are well known throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., and the northern Virginia area for our fantastic hardware and unbeatable knowledge. For more information, please call us at (410) 263-9711 or contact us online. For more tips on choosing hardware for your home, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Houzz, and Pinterest.