Residential Mailbox Guide

This handy guide provides all the information you need to select the ideal mailbox for your specific requirements and tastes.

Your mailbox makes a strong and lasting impression because it’s the first thing visitors notice as they approach your residence. Whether you want to enhance your home’s appearance with a new decorative mailbox, need a locking mailbox to secure parcels or it’s simply time to replace your existing mailbox, Architectural has the right mailbox to meet your needs.

The choices include post mount mailboxes, wall mount mailboxes and mailbox and post kits. We also offer a variety of posts and accessories that are designed to enhance your mailbox’s appeal and simplify installation. So whatever you need, we have the perfect solution.

As the residential mailbox leader and innovator, Architectural has more than 50 years of industry experience. We manufacture millions of mailboxes annually, so we know mailboxes inside and out. With all of the available mailbox options, there are several important considerations to help make the decision-making process easier and enable you to enjoy many years of satisfactory service from your mailbox.

1. Curbside or Walk-Up Delivery

This section covers the differences between curbside and walk-up mail deliveries to help you make an informed choice about the type of mailbox that is right for you.

Before choosing your mailbox, make sure you comply with any homeowner’s association or neighborhood restrictions, as well as local zoning regulations. Furthermore, you should always contact your local postmaster before installing a mailbox in a new location to ensure that it is located and installed properly.

curbside mailbox flat icon

Curbside Delivery

If your mail is delivered at the curb, you most likely have a post mount mailbox. These mailboxes are fastened to the top of a post and installed securely in the ground. Because post mount mailboxes are so popular, you have plenty of choices in terms of styles, materials, sizes and colors. Locking post mount mailboxes are also available to keep mail secure.

Your mailbox is often the first impression visitors have of your home. Adding plants around your mailbox makes a pleasant statement and will enhance your home’s curb appeal.

MAILBOX AND POST KITS

If replacing both your mailbox and post, mailbox & post kits are an excellent option, as they come with virtually everything you need in one package. Plus, you won’t have to spend time finding a separate mailbox and post that match.

Metal all-in-one units are sold with a mailbox, mounting board and matching post, along with any necessary installation hardware. Plastic all-in-one mailboxes offer the same convenience, but are typically designed to install over a 4 x 4 wooden post (sold separately).

walk-up mail delivery flat icon

Walk-Up Delivery

If your mail carrier delivers mail directly to your home’s entrance, you most likely have a wall mount mailbox. These mailboxes are typically installed on one of your home’s exterior walls. Wall mount mailboxes are becoming less common due to U.S. Postal Service regulations, and are now typically found on existing residences that have been “grandfathered in.”

Wall  mount mailboxes aren’t just used for mail delivery. They can enhance your home’s entranceway in tandem with outdoor planters, furniture and other accessories.

MAIL SLOTS

While most residences with walk-up delivery utilize wall-mount mailboxes, some have mail slots that are installed in the exterior door. Mail slots are beneficial because they don’t require you to leave your home to retrieve mail and you don’t have to worry about theft.

In addition, they add a touch of nostalgia and elegance to your home. As a reminder, make sure to check with your local postmaster to verify that mail slot delivery is a possible option for your residence before purchasing and installing a new mail slot.

Mailbox & Post Compatibility

Do you know which Architectural Mailbox you want? Make sure to choose a post with the same letter compatibility code associated with that mailbox to ensure a guaranteed match.

These icons appear on all Architectural Mailboxes packaging, as well as on the product detail pages of our website, making the mailbox selection process as easy as possible for you.

2. Frequency and Size of Mail

Besides the type of mailbox you prefer, it is important to consider the quantity and types of mail you receive. If you generally receive an average volume of mail, a small to medium-sized mailbox may be perfect for you. However, if you frequently receive high volumes of mail or larger parcels, you may want to consider upgrading to a larger mailbox with greater storage capacity. Don’t forget to include everyone who receives mail at your location when considering the various product choices.

  • Small Capacity
Open Black Wall Mount Mailbox with Mail Inside

Generally accommodates average volume deliveries including:

– Envelopes
– Bundled Mail
– Rolled Magazines
– Rolled Newspapers

  • Medium Capacity
Elite medium mailbox

Generally accommodates average volume deliveries including:

– Envelopes
– Bundled Mail
– Rolled Magazines
– Rolled Newspapers
– Padded Envelopes
– Small Boxes

  • Large Capacity
Black Post Mount Mailbox with Mail Inside

Generally accommodates average volume deliveries including:

– Envelopes
– Bundled Mail
– Rolled Magazines
– Rolled Newspapers
– Padded Envelopes
– Shoe Boxes
– Small Boxes
– Medium Boxes

  • Extra Large Capacity
Open Black Mailbox with Mail Inside

Generally accommodates average volume deliveries including:

– Envelopes
– Bundled Mail
– Magazines Laid Flat
– Rolled Newspapers
– Padded Envelopes
– Shoe Boxes
– Small Boxes
– Medium Boxes
– Large Boxes

3. Mailbox Materials

Local weather conditions can be a vital factor in mailbox performance, as mailbox materials may perform differently in various climates. Consequently, you should select a mailbox that is a good fit for your application and area.

decorative black plastic mailbox and post outside

The Mailbox-to-go All-in-one Mailbox & Post Kit

Steel Materials

Architectural mailboxes constructed from steel deliver outstanding durability, resist damage and provide years of low-maintenance service. All of our steel mailboxes have a powder-coated finish to withstand rust and the elements.

Aluminum Materials

Architectural aluminum mailboxes are extremely strong, durable, lightweight and attractive. They resist corrosion, won’t rust and retain their appearance for years. In addition, a powder-coated finish helps prolong their lifespan.

Plastic Materials

Made from sturdy polypropylene, Architectural’s plastic mailboxes are durable, easy to maintain and will never rust. They incorporate an ultraviolet inhibitor that resists weathering and fading, ensuring that the mailbox will retain its good looks.

4. Additional Features to Consider

Besides the numerous mailbox styles, materials, sizes and colors to choose from, there are several features to consider. They include locks, rear-access doors and built-in compartments that hold newspapers and magazines.

Security

Homeowners who are concerned about mail theft should consider a locking mailbox. Our locking mailboxes combine security and aesthetics for maximum peace of mind.

Safety

A rear-access mailbox provides added safety because mail is handled away from the road. These mailboxes are ideal for anyone who lives on a busy street or has small children. Gibraltar has several different post-mount and all-in-one mailboxes that permit mail access through a handy rear access door.

Curb Appeal

Architectural offers the industry’s widest assortment of mailboxes. If you want a traditional curbside mailbox, there are plenty of attractive options and styles to choose from.

Extra Storage

If you receive lots of magazines or newspapers, mail can overflow your mailbox or cause damage. Fortunately, Architectural has a terrific solution: a handy built-in compartment on the post that holds newspapers and magazines. It can also store small parcels.

5. Mailbox Placement

The U.S. Postal Service has specific requirements regarding the placement of residential mailboxes. Be sure to follow their published guidelines so that your mail carrier can deliver your letters and parcels safely.

As a general rule, curbside mailboxes should be installed at a height of 41-45 inches from the road’s surface and set back 6-8 inches from the street curb.

Visit the U.S. Postal Service website or contact your local postmaster to obtain the latest mailbox installation requirements.

USPS guidelines diagram