Professional Installation of a Homeowner-Supplied Locking Mailbox

Bellingham Mailbox •

Not every mailbox installation starts with a mailbox purchased from us.

For this project, the homeowner had purchased a locking mailbox several years earlier with plans to install it themselves. Like many home improvement projects, life got busy and the mailbox ended up sitting in the garage for nearly five years before they decided it was finally time to put it into service.

After finding Bellingham Mailbox online, they contacted us to professionally install the mailbox and replace their aging existing setup.

Evaluating the Mailbox Before Installation

Whenever we're installing a customer-supplied mailbox, we like to inspect it before beginning the project.

While this particular mailbox was certainly an improvement over the existing non-locking mailbox, it isn't necessarily a model we would typically recommend when homeowners are looking for a long-term high-security mailbox solution.

The mailbox was constructed with:

  • Lightweight sheet metal
  • A basic locking mechanism
  • Plastic exterior components
  • Door tolerances that made opening and closing less smooth than higher-quality mailboxes

One thing homeowners often discover when shopping for locking mailboxes is that not all locking mailboxes are built to the same standard.

Features that can significantly impact long-term durability include:

  • Steel thickness
  • Lock quality
  • Hinge design
  • Powder coat finish
  • Overall construction quality

That said, even this mailbox represented a significant improvement compared to the crooked, non-locking mailbox that was currently serving the home.

Removing the Existing Mailbox Post

The original mailbox post was not installed using concrete.

Instead, it had been secured using a spiked ground rod system driven into the soil.

These systems can work in certain situations, but they generally don't provide the same long-term rigidity as a properly installed post secured in concrete.

After removing the old mailbox and post, I began preparing the site for the new installation.

One challenge was the amount of rock in the surrounding soil. Digging a proper mailbox post hole took additional time, but eventually enough material was removed to create the depth needed for a stable installation.

Installing a Heavy-Duty Steel Mailbox Post

With the hole prepared, I installed a heavy-duty steel mailbox post and secured it in concrete.

Regardless of which mailbox is being mounted on top, a strong foundation is one of the most important factors in determining how long the installation will remain straight and stable.

Before the concrete cured, I carefully checked the post to ensure it was plumb and properly aligned.

Modifying the Mailbox for Proper Mounting

One challenge with homeowner-supplied mailboxes is that mounting hole patterns don't always match the mailbox post being used.

In this case, the factory mounting holes on the bottom of the mailbox did not align with the mounting plate on the new post.

To create a proper fit, I match-drilled new mounting holes into the underside of the mailbox.

Once the new holes were drilled, the mailbox sat perfectly on the post and was secured using stainless steel hardware.

Using stainless hardware helps reduce future corrosion and provides a cleaner long-term installation.

The Finished Result

What started as:

  • A crooked non-locking mailbox
  • An aging post installation
  • A mailbox sitting unused in a garage

became:

  • A professionally installed locking mailbox
  • A heavy-duty steel mailbox post
  • A concrete-supported foundation
  • Improved mail security
  • Better curb appeal

One of the biggest improvements wasn't just security, it was appearance.

The new mailbox setup complemented the architecture of the home much better than the previous installation and created a cleaner, more finished look from the street.

What We Look for in a Quality Locking Mailbox

When homeowners ask us what separates a good locking mailbox from a great one, we generally recommend paying attention to:

  • Heavy-gauge steel construction
  • High-quality locking mechanisms
  • Durable powder coat finishes
  • Smooth door operation
  • Weather resistance
  • Long-term replacement part availability

While there are many locking mailbox options available today, investing in quality materials upfront usually leads to better durability and fewer headaches over the life of the mailbox.

Learn More About Mailbox Installation Options

Whether you've already purchased a mailbox or you're still comparing options, professional installation can help ensure your mailbox is secure, level, and built to last.

Watch our installation videos and mailbox reviews here:
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Browse our recommended locking mailboxes and mailbox posts here:
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