When trying to decide on a brick mailbox, it can be helpful to choose bricks that match the exterior of your home. The unit should have a solid bottom or be placed on a concrete slab to provide proper support. You should find out what postal regulations govern the mailboxes in your area so you can be sure to comply with them when building. If you live on a busy road, you may want to find one that opens in back for safety purposes. Other features you may want to consider could include a locking mechanism or slot for a newspaper.
Choosing bricks that match the exterior of your home can be very important. This is because a brick mailbox may be one of the first things guests may notice when they visit your home. If the exterior of your home is brick, you should use the same type of blocks if possible. For a home with vinyl or aluminum siding, you should choose bricks that complement this material. Light colored bricks may look better with light shades, while dark bricks could complement dark siding better.
A brick mailbox can be very heavy and can settle into the ground after time. For this reason, you should make sure the unit has enough support at the base. Some models could have a brick or concrete foundation, while others are placed on a concrete slab. The proper support can depend on the type of soil you have as well as the mailbox design, so you may want to consult with a builder to help you choose the right type.
Many postal services regulate the type of mailboxes consumers may use. Before you buy a brick mailbox, you may want to find out what these regulations entail, as mail can sometimes be withheld for noncompliance of these statutes. Some things normally addressed by postal regulations are the height of the unit, size of the box, and how far away from the road it can be placed.
One of the advantages of a brick mailbox is that many open from the back. This can be a good feature to consider, especially if you live on a very busy street. You may want to install one with a locking door if you are normally away from home when the mail is delivered. If your brick mailbox contains a newspaper slot, this can allow your newspaper to stay dry even in inclement weather.