Letterbox Buying Guide: Delivering Style and Security
The humble letterbox dutifully receives and guards your incoming mail, but it can also transform your outdoor space into a stylish statement. Even in this modern digital age, you can see these essential outdoor elements next to almost every house. So, let’s go over the intricacies of choosing the perfect design that can enhance your space with flair and functionality.
Material
Firstly, these elements come in a variety of styles and materials, so it’s important to choose a design that will shield your mail and packages from bad weather. Look for sturdy and durable letterboxes in Australia made from tough materials like steel or concrete. Steel is a popular option for both households and businesses, as it’s resilient and resistant to the elements. This material is scratch-resistant, rust-resistant, weatherproof, and corrosion-resistant, making it a great option for outdoor use.
Many steel letterboxes include several security elements and locking systems to help prevent mail theft, which makes them a wise investment for your house.
Apart from steel, concrete is another fantastic material for this purpose. It’s tough and durable, so it easily survives bad weather conditions and regular wear and tear. Its unique texture adds visual interest and enhances your home’s charm and curb appeal. These elements are available in many styles, hues, and dimensions to accommodate your tastes. They require little cleaning or maintenance, and they’re simple to install.
What are the Rules for Letterboxes in Australia?
Size
Your letterbox should be big enough for an A4 sheet of paper to sit flat inside and fit through the slot with ease. If an A4 document fits in either orientation, you can choose between designs that are oriented horizontally or vertically, depending on your preference. It’s not favorable if the postman needs to squish or twist your priceless A4 documents to fit them in. And you don’t want your letter to be unable to fit through the slot completely. This makes it easy for curious passers-by to steal your mail, which is something you don’t want. Generally, the box’s body should be at least 330mm deep, and its mail slit should be at least 230mm wide.
Additionally, for the postman to drop your mail off quickly and effectively, your mailbox needs to be at the proper height. The distance between the slot and the ground should be around 900 and 1200mm. This is the perfect height for a postman who rides a motorcycle to drop off your mail and continue to the next house. For multibank, there’s a bit more flexibility, so aim for a height between 600 and 1600mm.
Lock
This is probably an obvious one, but your letterbox in Australia should always be locked. Every day, we witness some terrible incidents involving mail theft, vandalism, and other crimes. In recent times, identity theft is another big issue around the world, so it’s a good idea to invest in the security of your mail. There are many different styles available on the market, some of which come with a built-in lock, while others include a latch with a hole where you can insert a padlock. I recommend getting one with an integrated lock, as well as getting an extra pair of keys in the unlikely event that you lose yours.
Accessibility
The postman should be able to see your letterbox from the main road and easily access it. This is necessary to make his job simpler and more efficient. How can he bring your mail if he can’t see your street number? Aim to keep it away from obstructions like trees, shrubs, hedges, fences, etc. Avoid making the postman walk the entire way up your driveway unless it’s necessary. A great option is to install a freestanding box near the sidewalk at the edge of the driveway.
Maintenance
Lastly, you should always clean and maintain your mailbox properly. This helps keep your mail neat and undamaged and can also greatly improve the postman’s experience. You don’t need to scrub it every day; all you need to do is a quick wipe down once a month.
Freestanding vs Built-In
Depending on the amount of space in your front yard, you can mount your mailbox in different ways. Let’s take a quick look at the two most common installation options:
-Freestanding: This is a great mounting option for yards with lots of open space and easy access to the walkway. You can easily insert these boxes into the ground or firmly attach them to a concrete surface. They’re stable and easy to reach, which makes the postman’s job a lot easier;
-Built-in: For those looking for a more seamless look, built-in letterboxes are a more suitable solution. If you have a wall or fence in your front yard, you can make use of this convenient design. It frees up the space that an isolated letterbox would have taken up and ensures that the postman can always easily access it.
Numbering
Displaying your house number on your letterbox has a dual purpose. It helps your postman easily locate your house, but it also enhances the look of your outdoor space. You can either choose to have a separate signage plate or have the numbers put right on the box itself. You have the option to choose from a range of finishes, from sleek silver and stainless steel to gold and matte black numerals, to ensure that your design blends in perfectly with your space. Some companies even go one step further and provide you the option to put your street name or surname on the front or side of the box for a customized design. This adds a unique touch that’s both striking and elegant.
Extra Features
Picking out a letterbox is not just about finding a metal container to hold your mail. There’s a whole world of options out there, each boasting its own set of bells and whistles. So, consider a box with a built-in planter. It’s a charming way to add a touch of nature to your front yard while keeping the area visually appealing. You can plant vibrant flowers or even some herbs, turning your space into a tiny, blossoming oasis.
Next, a newspaper slot or a separate compartment for catalogs ensures that these items don’t get lost or crumpled among the rest of your mail. It’s a small touch that can make a big difference in keeping your mail organized. And if you’re tired of sifting through piles of flyers and advertisements, consider a letterbox with a clear “No Junk Mail” sign. Some designs even come with a designated space for these signs, sending a clear message to advertisers while keeping your sanity intact.