How to Make a Brick Mailbox
Research local rules for mailboxes., Remove the existing mailbox., Dig a hole in the ground., Pour concrete into the hole., Mark the area where the foundation will lay., Apply mortar to the area on which you will lay the cinder blocks. , Lay 2...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Research local rules for mailboxes.
Research local building codes for any requirements that apply to your project.
Contact your local post office to ensure that your planned mailbox will meet their requirements. -
Step 2: Remove the existing mailbox.
Dig out the base of the mailbox and remove it.
If the mailbox has a concrete base, remove the concrete. , Dig an 8 inch (20.32 cm) hole.
The hole should be slightly wider than the mailbox that you plan to build. , Use a trowel to smooth out the concrete.
Use a level to ensure that the concrete is level.
Be sure to level out the concrete within 45 minutes.
After 45 minutes, the concrete will become unworkable.
Allow the concrete to sit for 7 days.
This will be the footing of the mailbox. , Use a trowel.
Mark out an area for 2 8x8x16 inch (20.32x20.32x40.64 cm) cinder blocks to lay. ,,,, These should be laid perpendicular to the first set.
Press them into place. ,, Lay the first brick into the mortar.
For the remaining bricks, add mortar with a joint tool to 1 end of each brick and press it against the last brick that you applied.
Do this until you have a full layer of bricks around the cider blocks.
Use a level to ensure that the bricks are level.
Make any necessary adjustments.
Repeat this entire step until you have completely surrounded the cider blocks with bricks.
Each brick should be offset from the 1 beneath it in order to stagger the joints. ,,, Using mortar between each brick and on the top of the structure, lay bricks vertically in back and on the sides of the mailbox.
Apply mortar to the top of the mailbox and lay bricks horizontally across it, using mortar between each brick.
You may make multiple layers if you would like the height of the mailbox to be higher.
Ensure that the back, sides, and top of the mailbox are fully covered with bricks.
Fill in any open spaces (other than the mailbox itself) with mortar. , This can be purchased at a home-improvement store.
Apply mortar to the top row of bricks on the mailbox.
Apply the capstone to the mortar and press it in. , Wait several hours after you have completed building the mailbox.
Use a heavy brush along the joints to wipe away excess mortar. -
Step 3: Dig a hole in the ground.
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Step 4: Pour concrete into the hole.
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Step 5: Mark the area where the foundation will lay.
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Step 6: Apply mortar to the area on which you will lay the cinder blocks.
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Step 7: Lay 2 cinder blocks side-by-side and press them into place.
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Step 8: Apply mortar to the top of the first set of cinder blocks.
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Step 9: Lay 2 more cinder blocks on top of the first set.
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Step 10: Apply mortar to the footing.
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Step 11: Lay bricks.
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Step 12: Lay mortar on top of the structure.
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Step 13: Apply the new mailbox to the top of the mortar and press it in.
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Step 14: Lay more bricks.
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Step 15: Apply a capstone to the mailbox (optional).
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Step 16: Remove loose mortar from the mailbox.
Detailed Guide
Research local building codes for any requirements that apply to your project.
Contact your local post office to ensure that your planned mailbox will meet their requirements.
Dig out the base of the mailbox and remove it.
If the mailbox has a concrete base, remove the concrete. , Dig an 8 inch (20.32 cm) hole.
The hole should be slightly wider than the mailbox that you plan to build. , Use a trowel to smooth out the concrete.
Use a level to ensure that the concrete is level.
Be sure to level out the concrete within 45 minutes.
After 45 minutes, the concrete will become unworkable.
Allow the concrete to sit for 7 days.
This will be the footing of the mailbox. , Use a trowel.
Mark out an area for 2 8x8x16 inch (20.32x20.32x40.64 cm) cinder blocks to lay. ,,,, These should be laid perpendicular to the first set.
Press them into place. ,, Lay the first brick into the mortar.
For the remaining bricks, add mortar with a joint tool to 1 end of each brick and press it against the last brick that you applied.
Do this until you have a full layer of bricks around the cider blocks.
Use a level to ensure that the bricks are level.
Make any necessary adjustments.
Repeat this entire step until you have completely surrounded the cider blocks with bricks.
Each brick should be offset from the 1 beneath it in order to stagger the joints. ,,, Using mortar between each brick and on the top of the structure, lay bricks vertically in back and on the sides of the mailbox.
Apply mortar to the top of the mailbox and lay bricks horizontally across it, using mortar between each brick.
You may make multiple layers if you would like the height of the mailbox to be higher.
Ensure that the back, sides, and top of the mailbox are fully covered with bricks.
Fill in any open spaces (other than the mailbox itself) with mortar. , This can be purchased at a home-improvement store.
Apply mortar to the top row of bricks on the mailbox.
Apply the capstone to the mortar and press it in. , Wait several hours after you have completed building the mailbox.
Use a heavy brush along the joints to wipe away excess mortar.
About the Author
Dennis Perez
Committed to making crafts accessible and understandable for everyone.
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