In a perfect world, your mail would remain untouched between the time it was delivered and the time you decide to pick it up from your letterbox. Unfortunately, the world we live in requires people to be vigilant in ensuring that their properties — including the mail — are safe.
Because of this, more people are investing in secure storage fixtures like letterboxes, thereby giving rise to numerous types offering varying levels of protection for your correspondence. Aside from security, other factors you need to consider when choosing a letterbox include the overall aesthetic, convenience of use, and durability.
To help you pick out the perfect letterbox for your home, below are the four different types of letterboxes and the respective benefits they offer:
Table of Contents
1. Wall Mount Letterbox
One of the more popular options in mail storage is the wall mount letterbox. As the name implies, wall-mounted letterboxes are attached to the wall of the house or apartment complex. Many homeowners consider this one of the better options in receiving and sending mail as it offers convenience, better security, and customizability.
Better security
Believe it or not, mail theft is a common problem in almost every neighborhood around the world. This is especially true for communities where homeowners place their letterboxes along the road.
While it may seem like a minor issue, having your mail stolen can put you at significant risk. If your correspondence lands in the wrong hands, you might face serious problems that range from missed due dates to identity theft.
If security is the main priority, then a wall-mounted letterbox is one of your best options. Since it is affixed onto the wall of the edifice, it cannot be easily accessed by people passing by your property. This means you won’t have to deal with stolen mail.
Convenience
Another awesome perk you get by keeping your letterbox in close proximity to your house is the convenience it brings. Just imagine: If you have your letterbox attached to your wall, you won’t have to traverse the length of your yard just to send or pick up the mail.
Aesthetic and Customizability
If you’re like most homeowners who aren’t willing to sacrifice the aesthetics of their property for convenience and security, then a wall-mounted letterbox is your best option.
Aside from offering convenience when you pick up mail and better security that prevents mail theft, this type of letterbox also offers full customizability. This means that you won’t have to worry about the fixture not matching the design of your home since you can have it modified based on your specifications.
2. Post Mount Letterbox
Another popular choice among homeowners is the post-mounted letterbox. Affixed onto a post using a mounting board, this type of letterbox offers durability, aesthetics, and accessibility to the mail.
Sturdy yet aesthetically appealing
Mostly made out of rust-resistant galvanized steel, post-mounted letterboxes are sure to last long without needing much attention. In fact, it is well-known for being sturdy while maintaining an eye-pleasing appeal, thanks to its powder-coat finish.
Security and Accessibility
Although it cannot be affixed directly onto a building or house, it can still be placed close enough to keep your correspondence safe from thieves. Plus, it is typically made with a rear door that’s fully lockable to keep the items inside secure until accessed by authorized persons.
Accessibility-wise, this type of letterbox is also advantageous. Since it can be placed closer to the road, the postman, and other people who wish to send you packages, can tuck items safely inside the letterbox.
3. Fence Mount Letterbox
Another kind of mounted letterbox that has gained attention among homeowners today is the fence mount letterbox. As the name suggests, it is installed onto the fence, which can be made from brick, steel or wood. Some of the advantages this kind of letterbox offers include:
Durability and Visibility
Fence-mounted letterboxes are usually crafted using galvanized steel for durability. It also features a faceplate made with stainless steel to ensure that the letterbox is more visible for your postman.
Security
In terms of security, fence-mounted letterboxes are made with rear doors. Like the post-mounted letterbox, this is lockable using a key to ensure that only those who are authorized to get your mail can do so.
4. Freestanding Letterbox
Freestanding letterbox designs
are famous for being independent of the structures built within a property. Unlike the first three types of letterboxes mentioned earlier, this one doesn’t need to be supported by posts, fences, or the house itself.
It also offers several other advantages, such as:
Customizability
Since they are made separately from the house, fence, or post, freestanding letterboxes offer optimal customizability and come in various sizes, depending on the bulk of mail you expect to receive. It can also be made with different designs and materials based on your preference and the overall style you want for your property.
You should also factor in the frequency with which you receive mail, as well as the frequency with which you can get to your letterbox. Considering these factors will help you ensure that the freestanding box you chose won’t be too small that the mail will start to overflow before you remember to check it, and not too big that it will cost more than you should pay for.
Security
Freestanding letterboxes also offer high levels of security since they can be made using sturdy materials and customized with a lockable door for rear accessibility.
Pick the Best Option for Your Needs
Homeowners have as many different preferences regarding letterboxes as they do for clothes. This means that what might work for your neighbor might not be the best option for you.
To make the right choice, go through the different characteristics of each type of letterbox and consider how each of them can benefit you and your property in the long term.
AUTHOR BIO
Beau Flavell has been a Product & Account Manager for Sandleford Holdings since July 2017. He completed his VCE at Brighton Grammar School and also holds an A-Class Electrician License. Beau has been working on developing a new range of innovative letterboxes and currently lives in Melbourne, Australia.