estimated cost comparison table
sections: abstract | product costs | installation cost | DIY or pro | compare website | shared price
summary of mailboxes and mounting posts
Replacing a damaged or outdated mailbox and post is an easy way to improve the curb appeal of your home. your options range from a basic wood post and metal box to unique materials and designs that show the neighborhood a bit of your personality. in cold climates, a tough combination that can withstand snow thrown by the plow is also essential. you can buy the box and pole separately or in a combo kit. For more adventurous homeowners, you might consider a brick mailbox as an option.
This cost explores the mailbox replacement cost for boxes and posts that can be purchased at home improvement stores or online. it does not cover custom-built enclosures, such as those made of brick or stone.
Below are the factors that affect your price and a detailed materials and supplies list that explains your mailbox and mailer options. we’ll help you decide if it’s a DIY project. We’ve also included internet prices along with costs from other owners to give you a clear idea of mailbox prices.
cost of product and installation supplies
mailbox cost factors
The ranges in the table above are wide. this section and the detailed list below will clarify what your costs will be.
- Mailbox Type and Quality: Mailboxes range from inexpensive steel and plastic boxes to the popular resin mail boxes and mail box kits made of copper and stainless steel. some hand-painted metal and hand-crafted wooden mailboxes are very expensive.
- post type and quality: pressure-treated pine is the cheapest type, followed by simple steel poles. Quality PVC posts and metal posts with a wrought-iron look or other decorative touches are moderately priced. at the top end are box surrounds and faux mantel stone and stucco pillars that are installed on a wood or steel post for support.
- supplies: some kit Mailboxes include a steel post that is driven into the ground, so no additional supplies are needed. a bag of concrete mix is usually all that is needed when using a wooden post for support. if you have to buy tools like a post hole digger, saw and other hand tools, the cost will increase.
- accessories: peel & gluing house numbers and the letters of your name are the cheapest. wood and metal in a range of finishes are also available.
- who installs: if you hire a handyman service for the job, the cost will be based on the estimated time to the project . the maintenance staff will consider how much assembly is required, installing numbers and letters, how hard the ground is to dig, and the distance traveled to get to your home.
cost of installation supplies
This itemized list breaks down costs into tables to allow you to better estimate what your costs will be.
- $14 – $300 | mailbox: cheap steel or plastic ($14-$30), resin or quality steel ($30-$60), copper, bronze, or stainless steel ($40-$185), and hand-painted metal or handcrafted wood hand (up to $300+). resin post and box combination kits range from $60-$95.
- $12 – $175 | post: A pressure-treated 4×4 post is $11-$15. post and stake combo kits cost between $30 and $50. non-decorative steel posts with box platforms cost between $50 and $95. decorative posts and fencing of various materials cost significantly more.
- $1 – $15 each| numbers and letters. price depends on quality.
- $4.50 – $6 each | a 40 pound bag of concrete mix. one bag should be enough
- $3.50 – $5 each | .5 cu. one foot gravel bag
- $12 – $40 | shovel or post digger
- $15 – $25 | 4 sled pounds
permits, inspection and installation costs
permission is not required to install a mailbox and mail of the types we are discussing. however, it may be beneficial to call 311 ahead of time, or dig safe, to make sure you’re not digging in an area with buried utilities.
permits and inspection
- $0 | not generally required, however check with your hoa for restrictions if applicable.
cost and installation time
Installing a post and mailbox is a common reason to hire a handyman. this is a one-person job and, as noted, will likely be priced commensurate with the time and materials needed. Freelance handymen charge less than the big handyman services, but may not be licensed or insured. Retirees sometimes offer handyman services at very affordable prices.
- $55 – $125 | minimum fee for most maintenance services for up to 1 hour of work
- $40 – $75 per hour | additional labor, if necessary
install time complete
This work should be done quickly if there are no complications.
- up to 1 hour | simple installation that includes digging a hole in soft soil, setting a post, filling with concrete, placing the mailbox and installing the house number on the mailbox or post .
- 1-2 hours | complex installation when the ground is very hard or the assembly of a kit of posts and boxes is time consuming.
do it yourself or hire a professional
The last time I had to replace my mailbox, during a routine inspection of the exterior of the house it was discovered that it was wobbly and the post was rotten at the base. This job requires more time and effort than experience. It’s certainly a DIY job if you have a few hours to spare and are in good physical condition to dig. DIYers save an average of $115 to $150 in labor costs.
If you accept the job, this USPS brochure provides helpful information about mailboxes and installation, including these:
- mailboxes should be placed 6-8 inches from the curb; the slot or gate should be 41 to 45 inches off the ground.
- curbside mailbox posts should be buried less than 24 inches deep and made of non-corrosive wood. over 4 inches high by 4 inches wide. 2-inch diameter steel or aluminum pipes are also acceptable.
this 2 minute youtube video from home depot is a quick tutorial on installing post and mailboxes.