Mailboxes

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What features should I look for in a mailbox?

    Mailboxes should protect your mail from the weather, be easy to open and close, and be large enough to hold the amount and size of mail you generally receive. They should be made from a non-rusting metal such as stainless steel, brass, or powder-coated cast aluminum, or from a wood that will resist rotting such as cedar.

  2. How do I decide what kind of mailbox I should purchase?

    There are 3 main types of mailboxes: rural post-mounted mailboxes, decorative post-mounted mailboxes, and wall-mounted mailboxes.

    We suggest you look at the other kinds of mailboxes in your neighborhood or the mailbox you currently have when choosing a new mailbox. For example, if all of the mailboxes in your area are post-mounted, your best bet is to purchase a post-mounted mailbox, and your mail carrier will most likely not deliver to a wall-mounted mailbox. On the other hand, if the other homes in your neighborhood use wall mailboxes, you would not want to purchase a post-mounting mailbox without first checking with your local Post Office, individual mail carrier, and homeowner’s association. We also strongly recommend checking with your homeowner’s association if you plan to deviate from the normal styles of mailboxes in your area.

  3. How difficult is to install a mailbox?

    Installing a post-mounted mailbox is normally done by the homeowner and does not usually require professional assistance. Installation can be done using normal tools. Our mailboxes come with complete instructions. Full installation can take a few days, as you will need to allow materials (such as concrete) to fully dry and set.

    There are two types of posts: those that bolt down to a concrete slab and those that are buried into the ground. If you are buying the above-ground or “bolting” type of post, you will need a concrete slab and you will secure the post to the slab using bolts. If you are purchasing an in-ground post, you will need to dig a hole and insert the post into the hole for installation.

  4. How can I prevent my mailbox from prematurely rusting?

    Spraying the box with clear lacquer will prevent premature rusting.

  5. My mailbox is unattended during the day, and I am concerned about the possibility of someone stealing my mail. What are my options?

    We offer several mailboxes with locking features. A locking mailbox will increase your mail’s security, and can also help prevent identity theft from stolen mail with personal information contained in it.

  6. How can I keep my copper mailbox from turning patina?

    Our copper mailboxes have a protective, tarnish-inhibiting finish applied to them, so no further treatment is necessary. It will eventually tarnish, but the protective coating will keep this from happening for some time.

    If you have a raw copper mailbox, you can polish it to maintain its natural color. Copper polish is available in many hardware stores. Please be sure to use a polish that is approved for use on copper.

  7. Will your vinyl lettering adhere to my mailbox?

    Our vinyl lettering adheres to smooth-surface aluminum mailboxes only. When applied correctly, it has a three-year lifespan.

  8. How can I clean my fiberglass mailbox?

    These mailboxes can be easily washed with mild soap and water.

  9. I need a replacement flag (or door, or knob) for my mailbox. Do you sell mailbox parts?

    Unfortunately, we do not have any parts or pieces for mailboxes available for sale. We sell whole units only. If you purchase a mailbox from our company and it arrives missing any components, however, we will quickly send the missing components at no charge.

  10. Do the mailboxes have a warranty?

    All products listed on our web site are guaranteed to be free from manufacturer’s defects for a period of up to one year from the date of receiving the item.

  11. What if I do not see that mailbox that I looking for on your web site?

    At this time we only offer those items listed on our web site. If you are looking for an item but do not see it listed on our site, email your suggestion to salessupport@outdoordecor.com. We’d love to hear from you!

  12. I am thinking of purchasing a mailbox that is not USPS approved. Will I have any problems getting my mail?

    You will need to contact your local Post Master prior to purchasing for details on all mandated regulation currently in effect for your area. Requirements for mailboxes can vary from location to location, though there are some broad, national requirements as well, which you can find in the “USPS Residential Mailbox Regulations” article.

    Delivering or not delivering mail to a non-USPS-approved mailbox is often left largely to the discretion of your mail carrier. If you are purchasing a decorative mailbox that doesn’t meet your stated USPS regulations, you may contact your local mail carrier to see if he/she will still deliver to your mailbox. However, if your mail carrier changes, your next mail carrier does have the option to refuse delivery to non-USPS-approved mailboxes.

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