Mailbox Project

This is the instructable on how to build my mailbox. I have included some images of materials and supplies you will need in order to build this. I have also put the supplies and equipment lists in the supplies list below.

Supplies

Mailbox Parts List

¾”x6”x6’ cedar boards (5) 4”x4”x6’ pressure treated fence post Standard U.S. Mailbox 5/16” 5” lag bolts Galvanized washers 1 ½” inside corner braces 6’’x1 ⅝” Phillips galvanized screws (76) 50 lb bag of concrete mix (4) Mailbox Numbers

Equipment Needed List Craftsman 19.2V cordless Power Drill Ryobi Power Drill Ryobi 10” Table Saw Ratchet Wrench with ½” socket 3/16” 6 inch Irwin Drill Bit Woodworking Clamps

Step 1: Putting Mailbox Base Together

The first thing you will want to do is put the base of the mailbox together. I have laid out the 5/16" lag bolts across the top of the post to show where I am putting the bolts. Wood clamps help keep the wood in place when drilling the pilot holes with the Irwin drill bit, and putting the lag bolts in with the wrench.

Step 2: Put Wood Panels on Mailbox Base

After you put the base together, it's time to put the panels on the base. Use a saw to cut the fence post into 21 inch segments. Then, make two 7" segments for the top of the fence post. If you want to make a pointed design with the top piece of wood, you can. If not, don't worry about it. Then, use a 1" spacer block to space the planks of wood evenly along the posts. Finally, you drill your holes and screw the planks into the fence post. Now, you have a mailbox post that is sturdy and can be put into the ground.

Step 3: Planting the Mailbox Base Into the Ground

First, you have to call the city in order to start digging holes in you yard. Alliant Energy came to my house and marked where the gas and water lines were in the front yard. After this was done, the first step was to dig a hole that is 14" deep and have a space of grass that is 17" between the fence post and the curb. After I dug the hole, I put bags of concrete into the hole with the mailbox post, and let it dry overnight.

Step 4: Putting Mailbox Onto the Base

After the concrete was done drying, I made a 7.5" plank of wood for my mailbox to sit on, on top of the base. I drilled the plank of wood into the top of the base, and put the mailbox on top of it, and screwed the mailbox onto the plank of wood. Now, you have a mailbox!