There is a way to install a mailbox post without concrete…or digging.
Someone’s car took out your mailbox post, it has an unsightly lean to it, or you just need to improve your curb appeal to sell that house. Regardless of the reason, the idea of digging a 2-3 foot hole and mixing concrete does not appeal to most people.You could hire a contractor to do the job, but it’s just a mailbox post, right? Surely there’s a way I can do it myself. If that’s your mentality, you are a DIY-er and you have come to the right place. We are presenting a method that will allow you to still use a regular 4×4 wood post, but without the drudgery of digging and concrete.
Install a Mailbox Post without Concrete (but still with a 4×4 wood post)
For this installation, we recommend theMayne No-Dig Ground Anchor, which costs around $32-35 at most online retailers, but at the time of this article is under $20 at Amazon for Prime members. Installing the post yourself using a 4×4 wood post is definitely going to be the most cost-effective solution.
The anchor is made of galvanized steel and is over 2 feet long, which will certainly provide a sturdy foundation going in the ground that deep. It’s a good alternative for places where you may have lots of tree roots and do not want to dig a hole, disturbing the root system. Plus, it provides the advantage of being able to Install a Mailbox Post in the Winter when the ground is frozen and you are unable to dig a hole or pour concrete.
The biggest advantage of this method over anything else is the ease of installation. You basically just “screw” the anchor into the ground using a 20″ crossbar for leverage, which is included with the kit. After the anchor is screwed into the ground, you set your wood post on the bracket and attach it using 5 lag bolts. The bracket has pre-drilled holes and the bolts are included.
Do the Twist
Select your location for the new post and mark it with a stick or rock. Grab your anchor and slide the crossbar through the two holes in the top of the bracket. Place the anchor on your designated spot and begin turning the crossbar while applying downward pressure. Take care that your spike is going in vertically level. You can hold a small level against the side of the top portion of the spike to check yourself, or use a corner level which is made for posts. You should probably check that it is straight after every couple of turns. If it is leaning to one side, you should be able to manipulate the direction by placing extra pressure on the opposite side while turning. Once you get the anchor deep enough so that the bottom of your bracket is ground level, you’re ready for the next step.
If you are doing this in the winter with frozen ground and have trouble penetrating the ground, try pouring a bucket or two of hot water in the spot where you will place the spike and allow it to soften the ground a bit.
Set Your Post
Once your anchor is in place, you can then place your standard 4×4 wood mailbox post into the top bracket. If your old post was broken off in or near the ground, it may still have enough length to reuse since you are not going all the way into the ground with it. If you think this may be possible, read our mailbox regulations article for specifics on the correct mailbox height for your post. You can then cut your post to size or slice a small section off the bottom so that your post is flat and straight.
If your post is broken in half or it’s just a good time to upgrade, you can buy a new wood post at any home improvement store. You will want to make sure you choose either a cedar or pressure-treated post as these are the most resistant to rot and insects.
Finally, place your post in the bracket saddle. Again, make sure it is standing straight using your level and ensure it will be the correct height for your type of mailbox. If all looks good, attach the provided lag bolts through the provided holes using a socket set or wrench.
With that, you’re all done and were able to install a mailbox post without concrete or digging!
This is just one option for how to install a mailbox post without concrete. We have detailed more options in some of our other articles.
Install a Mailbox Post in the Winter
Related
FAQs
You basically just “screw” the anchor into the ground using a 20″ crossbar for leverage, which is included with the kit. After the anchor is screwed into the ground, you set your wood post on the bracket and attach it using 5 lag bolts. The bracket has pre-drilled holes and the bolts are included.
Do I have to use concrete for mailbox post? ›
While it's not necessary to use concrete to set a mailbox post in the ground, it will help increase the stability of your mailbox. If you want your mailbox to hold up to shifting temperatures, groundwater, and seasonal fluctuations, concrete will help it last longer.
How to put a post in the ground without concrete? ›
Backfilling with Gravel and Soil. Fill the first few inches of the hole with gravel. This aids in drainage, keeping wood posts dry and preventing rot. After the gravel, backfill the hole with the dug-up soil, tamping down every few inches to eliminate air pockets and ensure soil compaction.
How do you install a mailbox post with gravel? ›
Carefully dig approximately 24 inches into the ground but be mindful of USPS regulations. Once the hole is dug, add a few inches of gravel to allow for water drainage. This will help combat rot. Place the post in the hole and use a tape measure to check that it is sitting at the right height above the curb.
Do mailboxes need to be cemented? ›
You don't need to set a mailbox post in concrete, but it's a good idea. Concrete serves as a strong foundation for the post, making it a sturdy option for your mailbox. How Deep Should I Set a Post in Concrete? In general, the depth of the concrete post hole should be 1/3 to 1/2 the height of the post.
Do you need concrete for post? ›
As a fencing contractor will advise you, fence posts do not need to be set in concrete. Even if you aim for something long-lasting, setting in concrete is a bit too permanent. And if you are installing wooden posts, concrete is the worst alternative. Keep in mind that with time, wooden posts will rot.
Is 12 inches deep enough for a mailbox post? ›
A typical mailbox post should be set around 20-24 inches into the ground. This is the perfect depth for optimal stability. Position your mailbox 41″ to 45″ from the road surface to the point of mail entry.
How do I anchor a mailbox post? ›
Anchor the new mailbox post with concrete: Here's how to put in a mailbox post easily. Insert the new post into the hole, making sure the top is at the required height. Prop the post up with secure supports on all sides, making certain that it is level and won't shift after the concrete is poured.
How do you set a non concrete post? ›
Gravel: Filling the hole with gravel will help to support the fence post. This method is stronger than using dirt, but not as strong as using cement. Sand: Filling the hole with sand will help to support the fence post. Like gravel, this method is stronger than using dirt, but not as strong as using cement.
Is post foam as strong as concrete? ›
Concrete is more durable and can support load-bearing posts. Expanding foam works best for lightweight vinyl or mesh fences. Concrete takes longer to set and cure.
Set the post in the ground and surround it with around 4 inches of gravel to encourage drainage and stability. Pack another inch of soil around the top of the gravel to encourage the post to remain level. Test the post with a level to ensure it is plumb and sits properly in place with the rest of your fence.
Can you put a mailbox in the ground without concrete? ›
The PostFix is a fast setting polyurethane foam and will reach full strength in about two hours. Then you just cover the foam back up with your soil and a little bit of seed. Easy. You could use this stuff to install fence posts, gate posts, mailboxes, bird feeders, and even light posts.
How deep should a wooden mailbox post be in the ground? ›
The Federal Highway Administration recommends: A 4″ x 4″ wooden support or a 2″-diameter standard steel or aluminum pipe. Avoid unyielding and potentially dangerous supports, like heavy metal pipes, concrete posts, and farm equipment (e.g., milk cans filled with concrete). Bury your post no more than 24″ deep.
How do you attach a wooden post to the ground? ›
Installing Directly Into Soil / Setting with Gravel
- Step 1: Choose Sturdy, Straight Posts. ...
- Step 2: Treat the Ends of the Wood.
- Step 3A: Dig Your Hole - Soil Only.
- Step 3B: Dig Your Hole - Gravel Set.
- Step 4: Lay Some Gravel on the Bottom of the Hole.
- Step 5: Steady Your Post in Place.
- Step 6: Fill the Hole.
Choose firm materials, such as rocks, cut-down cedar shingles, or even mixing concrete. Using a level, move the post so that it is straight up and down. Wedge materials next to the post to fill the gaps, ensuring the post stays straight. Once secure, pour sand inside the hole to fill any remaining gaps.
How do I keep my mailbox post from falling off? ›
If the post is still standing, wiggle it to see if it's stable. If it's sturdy, and if the mailbox is intact, you might just need to screw the box back onto the post. Check the top of the post and bottom of the mailbox. If the metal bracket that connected them is damaged, you'll need to replace it.
How deep does a mailbox post need to be? ›
Installing the Mailbox Post
Avoid unyielding and potentially dangerous supports, like heavy metal pipes, concrete posts, and farm equipment (e.g., milk cans filled with concrete). Bury your post no more than 24″ deep.
