A wall-mounted mailbox attaches directly to the side of your house. While they’re not nearly as common as curbside residential mailboxes, a wall-mount mailbox is convenient since it eliminates the walk to the street and back. Unfortunately, that also makes it less convenient for your mail carrier to deliver your mail.
If you’re interested in getting a wall-mounted mailbox, you need to consider a couple of issues.
Why Do People Love Wall-Mounted Mailboxes?
There are a handful of benefits that make wall-mounted mailboxes attractive to homeowners.
Bad Weather Protection
Wall-mounted mailboxes are typically mounted on the exterior of your home near the front door. Generally, that shelters the mailbox from bad weather, so your mail won’t be ruined in the rain or snow.
Convenience
What could be easier than stepping onto your front porch to grab your mail? Depending on the placement of your mailbox, you might not even have to set foot outside!
Security
Many people choose wall-mounted mailboxes because they often come with a lock. Thieves may also be deterred by the porch placement; it’s one thing to steal mail from a box at the curb, but it takes a lot more nerve to come that close to the house. Additionally, if you have a security or doorbell camera, there’s a good chance you’ll have surveillance on your mailbox.
Curb Appeal
Choosing an interesting, unique wall-mounted mailbox is a great way to add a sense of style and enhance your curb appeal. If you want your home to look great, why shouldn’t that apply to your mailbox? It’s part of your house’s facade and the first impression you make.
How Do You Install a Wall-Mounted Mailbox?
- The first step is to measure and mark on the wall where you want your mailbox to be. Make sure it’s at least 41 inches off the ground or the porch. If the mailbox does not come with a mounting bracket, you’ll need to mark where to put the hanging screws and make sure they’re level.
- If you’re installing the mailbox on a brick wall, drill the holes using a hammer drill and a carbide-tip masonry bit.
- After you drill the holes, clear out the dust with your finger, a rag, or a vacuum, then tap the plastic screw anchors into the wall. Then you can place the mounting bracket or hanging screws.
- The mailbox should fit securely onto the screws.
If you are installing your mailbox into a wooden wall, it should be as easy as using a hammer and a few nails. Just make sure to measure beforehand so it fits your aesthetic.
How Do Wall-Mounted Mailboxes Compare to Other Mailboxes?
We love the look of a wall-mounted mailbox, but it might not be the right choice for your home’s exterior design plan. Here are some alternatives you might want to consider.
Mailslot
Mailslots are only available in postal areas with walk-up mail delivery. They are cheap, affordable, and loved for their security since mail is deposited directly into your home.
Post-Mounted Mailbox
Post-mounted mailboxes, the most common type, are perfect for curbside delivery. Because they’re so common, you’ll find a great deal of variety and customization options, with various colors, sizes, designs, and security features.
Column-Mounted Mailbox
These mailboxes are encased in a column of brick, stone, concrete, or stucco. They usually match the material the house is built from, which makes for a professional and cohesive look.Although it depends on the specifics, column-mounted mailboxes can often accommodate packages as well as mail, and there’s usually plenty of room for house numbers.
Package Drop Boxes
Package drop boxes are much larger than post-mounted mailboxes. Homeowners like them for their security, since they often include anti-theft features. These mailboxes are large enough to hold small packages as well as mail. They’re perfect for travelers since they can simultaneously hold multiple days’ worth of mail.
Before you spend too long mulling over the different options, make sure you check in with your local post office. There may be USPS guidelines in place that stipulate what choices you’re allowed to make. For example, if your postal worker delivers mail to curbside mailboxes without leaving their vehicle, a wall-mounted mailbox or mailslot might not be feasible for your home.
How Can I Customize My Mailbox?
Mailboxes can involve various designs and materials. They can be painted any color, mounted on decorations, or decorated. However, keep in mind that the postmaster does enforce specific regulations for decoration. These include clearly legible house numbers for easy delivery; other than that, as long as your decorations don’t interfere with mail delivery or pickup, you’re probably pretty safe.
Post and Porch offers a number of USPS-approved decoration options for our mailboxes. Depending on the style you choose, you can select from different colors, house number color and font options, and security features.
What Are the Regulations for Wall-Mounted Mailboxes?
How high should a mailbox be mounted?Are there other rules to abide by?
Before you install a wall-mounted mailbox, you’ll need to meet certain criteria to get your mail delivered. Here are a couple of guidelines to make sure your mailbox is up to code:
- Make sure your new mailbox style is allowed. You’ll need your postmaster’s permission to change to a wall-mounted mailbox from a different style.
- Check your local regulations for size.A large wall-mount mailbox could be good if you receive lots of mail, but it all depends on local regulations. You want your mailbox to hold at least one day’s mail delivery, including postcards, letters, magazines, and junk mail.
- Install your mailbox specifically for items from the postal service. Wall mailboxes are not for newspapers, etc.
- Make sure your mailbox is easy to see. It should not be obscured by decorations or vegetation.
- Make sure your mailbox can be easily and safely accessed. If your mailbox has a lock, it can’t prohibit mail delivery. Make sure the mail slot works properly. No icy walkways, aggressive dogs, or other obstructions should prevent mailbox access.
- Follow height requirements.Although USPS doesn’t maintain specific requirements for wall-mounted mailboxes, these do need to be easily accessible for the postal worker. We recommend following USPS guidelines for curbside mailboxes: Install your mailbox 41 to 45 inches above the porch or the ground.
How Do I Signal Outgoing Mail on a Wall-Mounted Mailbox?
Some wall-mounted mailboxes feature flags that can be raised to indicate outgoing mail, just like curbside, post-mount mailboxes..
To indicate outgoing mail, some people put out a colorful ribbon or some other indicator that their postal worker knows to look for. Others arrange outgoing mail so it’s sticking out of the mailbox, hoping it’ll be picked up, or attach it to the outside of the mailbox with a clip or clothespin. However, we think the best idea is to add a flag to your mailbox to raise if it doesn’t already have one.
How Can I Keep a Wall-Mounted Mailbox Secure?
Mail thieves are everywhere. According to the United States Postal Inspection Service, nearly 9,000 people were arrested for mail or package theft between 2018 and 2023. Fortunately, there are ways to secure your mailbox and prevent your sensitive personal information from being stolen.
Anti-Pry Latches
These prevent thieves from using screwdrivers or pry bars to access your mailbox.
Key Locks
These locks attach to your mailbox and require a key to open. Be sure not to lose the key!
Anti-Drill Mechanisms
These are built into the mailbox and prevent thieves from drilling into it.
Combination Locks
Just like your high school locker or a gym lock, these locking mailboxes can be opened with a series of numbers. While you don’t have to worry about losing a key, make sure you keep track of the combination.
Mailslot
If your mailbox has a slot for mail, you need to make sure it’s big enough for the mail to be inserted but small enough that someone can’t reach inside and grab it.
Security Cameras
Security cameras can be placed on your house, in trees, or inside the mailbox so you can see who is accessing your mail or if anyone has tampered with it. Wall-mounted mailboxes are often covered by home security or doorbell cameras.
Mailbox Alarm
Some transmitters on the market will alert you when your mail is delivered, or your mailbox is opened. You'll know right away if someone other than you opens your mailbox.
Delivery Notifications
You can go to the USPS website to sign up for delivery notifications. These are notifications via email, mobile app, or online dashboard that alert you when your mail has been delivered. That way, you can retrieve your mail immediately and leave a smaller window of opportunity for would-be thieves.
Buying a sturdy, durable mailbox is the first step when considering security. A specialized lock won’t help if your mailbox can be smashed open, and thieves are the least of your worries if rain can get inside and ruin your mail.
Anyone can be a target for burglary, and it’s important to do what you can to keep your sensitive mail as secure as possible.
Beautify Mail Delivery with Post and Porch
Post and Porch specializes in home exterior design products that keep your home beautiful. We offer a variety of planters, address plaques, mailboxes, potted plants, and more that will set your house apart and create a stellar first impression.
Check out our wall-mounted mailboxes to keep your house looking good with cohesive, themed outdoor home decor.