It’s all about presentation, isn’t it? The way that your home looks, both on the inside as well as the outside, says a lot about who you are as a person. It’s like a giant canvas just waiting for you to make the finishing touches. While you have all the basics of your front porch narrowed down, there’s one last thing you need to take care of – finding the appropriate letterbox.
Think about it for a second, your is the most prominent element of your front yard which is why it’s usually the first thing that people see when they pass by your house. Do you see how important it is to choose the right one? With that said, nowadays there’s heaps of stylish and functional letter boxes out there and a whole bunch of things you need to consider before making a purchase. Fortunately for you, you’ve stumbled onto the right place since we’ll be giving you a few tips to help you choose.
What Are the Different Types of Letterboxes?
To start off, you have the privilege of choosing among 5 major types of letter boxes. Each one brings something special to the table, or should we say porch, so here’s the lowdown on the basics.
Wall-Mounted
This is quite a compact and practical option, especially if you’re running low on space because you live in highly-populated areas. Judging by the name, these types of letterboxes are mounted directly into the wall near your front door or entrance gate. Due to their sleek and sophisticated design, they can seamlessly fit in with its surroundings all while keeping your mail safe and sounds. In addition, some models feature an overhang that helps protect the letters from all sorts of weather conditions. Plus, there’s a whole range of popular wall-mount letterbox designs for you to choose from.
Post-Mounted
This is the traditional type of mailbox which is a great way to add a bit of personality and depth to your front porch. They come with lots of additional features, such as front and rear access and locking inserts to prevent theft. If you live in an area where curbside delivery is available, them this is the perfect letterbox design for you.
Fence-Mounted
If you’re looking to put your existing fence to good use, then installing a fence-mounted mailbox is exactly what you should do. You won’t have to drill holes in your walls or mount posts to get your mailbox up and running. All you have to do is mount it on your fence and you’re all set. Sounds simple enough, right?
Brick-In
Do you know what’s better than a letterbox mounted on a wooden post? One that’s mounted on a brick base. Then again, why stop at brick? Why not choose stone or concrete even? All of these give off a more urban and professional vibe as opposed to their more traditional counterparts.
Multi-Unit
For multiple tenants living in the same area, the most convenient option is getting a multi-unit mailbox. In this way, your mail will be organised into separate boxes, making them easier to handle. Moreover, they’re available in a variety of shapes, sizes and designs so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find one that matches your needs.
What Are the Different Types of Letterbox Materials?
Next up, we’ll be taking a peek into all the different materials that are used to make high-quality letterboxes.
Wooden Letterboxes
Way back when, classic wooden letterboxes were all the rage as they proudly graced the front porch of each house. These days, their rustic and quaint appearance is far from outdated and old-fashioned. If you’re someone who likes to stick to traditions while adding a pinch of modernism, then equipping your home with a wooden letterbox is the best way to express that. Plus, wood is a pretty durable and resilient material which means it’s won’t get damaged by external factors so easily.
Steel Letterboxes
Stainless steel letterboxes are among most people’s favourites these days thanks to their longevity and build quality. In fact, steel doesn’t rust or deteriorate over time like other materials do so it makes sense that people want them in their homes. Nonetheless, you might want to clean and polish the surface every now and then to maintain its spotless exterior.
Stone Letterboxes
Last but not least, stone letterboxes are perhaps the most durable option on the market. If there’s anything that’s going to stand the test of time and all kinds of weather conditions, it’s definitely stone. Given the fact that they’re an unusual and extraordinary sight, they’ll definitely spruce up your front yard and give it an extra edge.
How Do You Choose a Letterbox?
All things considered, choosing the right letterbox for your home isn’t as easy as it seems. But there are a few tell-tale signs that can definitely guide you in the right direction.
Placement
First thing’s first, you need to figure out where you’re going to put it. Do you want to have your mail delivered at your door or are you fine with walking up to the curb to get it? Oftentimes, these choices are dictated by external factors such as the type of house you have rather than personal preferences.
Size
Once you figure out where you’re going to put it, you need to see how much space you have at your disposal. Is it enough to install a larger box or will you have to settle for a smaller version? Make sure you measure the free space properly in order to get the right letterbox.