Replacing a Crooked Shared Mailbox Post With a New Dual Mailbox Installation

Bellingham Mailbox •

Mailbox posts along busy roads tend to take more abuse over time than most homeowners expect. Between weather and accidental impacts, it’s not uncommon to see leaning or damaged mailbox structures that have slowly deteriorated over the years.

For this project, the homeowners were already in the middle of a full renovation of their home when a guest accidentally backed into their shared mailbox post, leaving the entire structure crooked.

Because the mailbox was shared between neighboring homes, it was important to the homeowner that both mailboxes be restored properly, not just their own. One neighbor took responsibility for the damage and wanted to ensure the finished installation looked clean, secure, and better than the original setup.

Planning the New Mailbox Configuration

For the replacement, the homeowners wanted a stronger and more durable setup that would hold up better long term.

The new installation included:

  • A heavy-duty steel mailbox post
  • A dual mailbox spreader plate
  • A Mail Boss Mail Manager Pro high-security locking mailbox
  • An Architectural Mailboxes Grayson Standard mailbox for the neighboring home

Before beginning the installation onsite, I mocked up the new mailbox configuration to verify fitment and spacing.

One challenge with this project was that the Grayson mailbox was not originally designed to mount directly onto the two-mailbox spreader plate being used. To make the configuration work properly, I drilled four new mounting holes into the bottom of the mailbox so it could be securely fastened to the spreader plate alongside the locking mailbox.

That extra prep work helped ensure the final installation looked clean and intentional once everything was assembled.

Removing the Existing Mailbox Post

The original mailbox post had shifted significantly after being struck and needed to be completely removed.

To extract the existing post, I attached a tow rope to the mailbox structure and carefully pulled it out with the help of my truck.

Because this mailbox sits along a busy, high-traffic roadway, the homeowners and I also discussed improving the placement of the new installation while replacing the post.

Relocating the Mailbox for Improved Safety

One detail many homeowners may not realize is that mailbox placement can sometimes be adjusted slightly if approved by USPS.

In this case, we coordinated with USPS and confirmed that relocating the new mailbox approximately 1.5 feet farther away from the roadway would be acceptable.

The updated location created a safer setup for:

  • The homeowners accessing their mail
  • Vehicles traveling along the roadway
  • The USPS mail carrier during delivery

Whenever relocating a mailbox, even by a short distance, it’s important to confirm the change with the local postmaster before installation.

Installing the New Heavy-Duty Mailbox Post

Once the old structure was removed and the new location was confirmed, I installed the new heavy-duty steel mailbox post in concrete and allowed it to fully cure before mounting the mailboxes.

After the concrete cured, I mounted the dual mailbox spreader plate and then fastened both mailboxes into their final position.

The completed installation combined:

  • A modern high-security locking mailbox
  • A matching mailbox for the neighboring property
  • A reinforced steel post
  • A cleaner and safer final layout

The Finished Result

The final installation completely transformed the original leaning setup.

Instead of a damaged and unstable shared mailbox post, the homeowners now have:

  • A straight, reinforced mailbox structure
  • Improved curb appeal
  • A safer mailbox location
  • A secure locking mailbox for added mail protection
  • A clean dual-mailbox configuration for both homes

Projects like this are a great example of how mailbox replacements often become more than just a repair. With the right planning and installation, they can improve both security and overall property appearance at the same time.

Watch the Full Installation Video

Want to see the full installation process from start to finish?

Watch the YouTube installation video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTOEaQTfqyw&t

The products used in this installation are available in our online store:
Mail Boss Mail Manager Pro
Heavy Duty Steel Post
2 Box Spreader