Surely it’s always an exciting thing to receive a mail or package from someone dear to us. We always look forward to checking whether we’ve got something in our mailbox. No wonder it’s a must have in every house.

If you haven’t installed your own mailbox and you’re planning to do so without going through all that digging, here’s a solution to that. You can install a mailbox post without using concrete, yes it’s possible. We’ll show you a guide on how to DIY your mailbox post without concrete.

Gather all the materials that you need

Before you go on with this DIY project, make sure you have the right materials and tools to accomplish the task. Here is everything you need:

  • No-Dig Ground Anchor (You can purchase this in any hardware store or to your favorite online shop. Just make sure you check the reviews of the project if it’s durable and can last you for a long time.)
  • One piece of 4 x 4 Wood Post
  • Your Mail Post
  • Crossbar
  • Wrench
  • Measuring Tape

Find the Location for your Mail Post

  • Each home is designed uniquely based on our own taste and preference. For this project where you will use a no-dig ground anchor, this should be installed in an area where there’s soft ground.
  • You can’t use this in the front porch or an entryway where the floor foundation is concrete. This is only for homes that have a front yard or front area with a soil-based ground. If you only have the concrete based floor, then you might need to install a different kind of mailbox post.
  • Once you’ve found your location, mark it with a rock or anything that you can set as a guide just to ensure that you will perfectly position your mailbox post.
  • Always choose a location where it can be easily accessed by the postman or any courier services.

Installing the Mailbox Post’s Base

  • Always remember to wear safety gloves and observe safety precautions when performing this task. Never risk your safety for a project.
  • Go to the location that you marked for installing the mailbox post and gather all the materials that you need.
  • Take the ground anchor first together with the crossbar. Have the crossbar slide inside the bracket’s two holes which are located on top of it.
  • Then, position your anchor to the marked spot where you will install the mailbox post. Start twisting the crossbar by using a downward pushing pressure.
  • While twisting the anchor and keeping the right pressure, check the anchor’s spike if it’s vertically leveled. This is to ensure that you are installing the anchor in a straight manner, not slanting or crooked. The anchor will serve as a base of the post. If you install it vertically, it will be sturdier.
  • Just in case you didn’t notice that the anchor is slanting on the other side, control the direction of your twists and have it aligned straight again. Do this by exerting enough pressure that directs to the other side. While doing this method, check again if the anchor is back to its straight position. If it is, then continue twisting it and still be careful of not slanting it towards the other side.
  • After a few twists, check if the anchor has been installed deep to the ground. Just enough that it’s strong when you push it or when applied with strong pressure.

Installing the 4×4 wood

  • Once your anchor is sturdy enough, grab your 4×4 wood post and have it ready for installing.
  • You will need to position the 4×4 wood on top of the anchor’s bracket.
  • Install it on the anchor’s bracket saddle. Do some adjustments to ensure that the wood is straight or vertically flat.
  • You can ask someone to check if it’s leveled enough. Or you can have him hold the wood and check it yourself. If it’s looking good, proceed to the next step.
  • Then, you will have to attach the lag bolts where the holes of the brackets are located. Use a wrench to tighten the bolts onto the 4×4 wood. Make sure it’s not loose and you’ve sealed or attached it tightly to the bracket saddle.
  • Check the post; if it’s wagging or shaking when you touch, then you will need to tighten the bolts more.
  • Then, the last step is to attach the mail box on top. Screw it up and tighten it until it’s sturdy enough. Voila! You now have your very own DIY, no concrete mailbox post.

Additional tips

  • As soon as you finish your no concrete mailbox post, you can opt by labeling it with your name and address just for further information. This will greatly help the postman to verify if he’s dropping mails or packages to the right mailbox.
  • Paint your mailbox post and make it look unique from the rest of the neighborhood. Nothing beats a stunning mailbox post in front of a home.
  • When installing a no dig or no concrete mailbox post, consider the season. If it’s winter time, you might have a hard time twisting the anchor to the ground. To remedy this issue, you can pour warm water to the ground just to soften it. This will then be easier to install the anchor.

How do I secure a mailbox post in the ground?

Prop the post up with support beams on all sides, extending around the outside of the hole. Make sure these are secure and will not shift as the concrete is poured. Measure the height of the mailbox above the ground to ensure it’s around 42 inches. Do not bury your post deeper than 24 inches.

How do you cement a mailbox post in the ground?

How do I anchor a mailbox post?

How do I build a free standing mailbox?

How high should a mailbox be off the ground?

What is the best mailbox post?

Position your mailbox 41″ to 45″ from the road surface to the bottom of the mailbox or point of mail entry. Place your mailbox 6″ to 8″ back from the curb.

Do I need concrete for mailbox post?

How much quikrete do I need for a mailbox post?

Most mailbox post installations require a 60 lb. bag of dry concrete.

How many bags of cement do I need for a mailbox post?

Regardless of where you are moving the mailbox 2 inches from its current location, or from the street to the house, you do need to request permission to move the mailbox. Call your local Post Office and speak with a delivery manager.

Can I use quikrete for a mailbox post?

Most mailbox posts will need 2 bags of Quikrete to set, but before starting use this calculator to determine how many bags you need!

Is quikrete as strong as regular concrete?

Pour the dry concrete straight into the hole leaving 3 to 4 inches of space from the top of the hole. In most cases a 50-pound bag of quick-dry concrete should suffice.

What is 6000 psi concrete used for?

You’ve Got Mail

With this fast and fun curb-appeal project, you can altogether skip the ordeal of mixing cement. Simply drive the mailbox post into a hole filled with Quikrete All-Purpose Gravel, then top with Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete and water. Allow four hours of drying time before attaching the mailbox.

What can I add to concrete to make it stronger?

Quikrete fast setting concrete is just as strong as regular concrete. Concrete gets its strength from a chemical reaction that occurs over time during curing.

Is premixed concrete any good?

PSI 6000 can be used for any application requiring concrete in a minimum thickness of 50 mm (2”), such as slabs, footings, steps, columns, walls and patios.

Is it cheaper to buy premixed concrete?

To make the concrete stronger, add more cement or less sand. The closer you bring the ratio to an even one-to-one of sand to cement, the stronger the rating becomes.

What are the disadvantages of ready-mix concrete?

Ready-mix concrete tends to be better for many projects, in spite of its higher cost. Ready-mix concrete offers a higher quality, and variation between batches is minimal when concrete is prepared in a plant environment.

What is the strongest concrete mix ratio?

One of the least expensive ways to get concrete is to mix your own. You can buy bags of the mix from a home improvement store. Typically, you only have to add water for it to be ready to pour. Otherwise, you risk getting a weaker concrete once it cures, which could lead to breaks or crumbles within a couple of years.