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How to install a letterbox

The front of a house showing a completed letterbox

Overview

At Bunnings, we’re all about simple projects that make a huge difference to your everyday experience. That’s why we love this letterbox installation project – it takes just a couple of hours but makes the simple act of receiving mail that much easier, with no chance of lost or wet letters. 

In this project, we’ll be removing your old letterbox and replacing it with a brand-new one in your chosen spot. All you’ll need is a shovel, concrete mix and some elbow grease! 

Steps

1Gather your tools and materials

Below are all of the tools and materials you’ll need to complete this project.
Tools and materials required to install a letterbox

2Choose your spot

The first thing to figure out is exactly where you’d like to put your letterbox. It should be within easy reach for both you and your postie, but not obstruct anything else! If you have a front garden, we suggest placing it close to your front fence or boundary – this way, your post can be delivered without anyone needing to enter your garden. 
The front of a house with a gravel driveway

3Assemble your letterbox

Depending on what type of letterbox you’ve bought, you’ll need to assemble this prior to digging out your footings. Follow the instructions provided and keep it close at hand for the next few steps. 
A person assembling a letterbox outdoors

4Dig out footings

Now it’s time to use those muscles and remove your old letterbox! Once this has been removed, dig out a hole for your new letterbox in your chosen spot. This is where the footing will be poured. Keep the soil – you’ll be using it to fill the hole at the end. 
A person digging a post hole with a spade

5Make the slab

Pour your concrete mix into a wheelbarrow or bucket and add water to create your concrete.
A person using a spade to mix concrete in a wheelbarrow

6Pour your concrete

Using your shovel, pour concrete into the hole you’ve created. 
Using a spade to fill a hole with concrete

7Place letterbox into position

Once the concrete is filled halfway, grab your letterbox and place this in the position you desire. Before you leave it to dry, make sure the letterbox is level – the last thing you want is a crooked letterbox! Use a spirit level to check everything is upright and straight. Once you’re happy with it, leave the concrete to set. 
A person checking the post of a letterbox using a spirit level

8Back fill

Once the concrete is dry, back fill your soil on top of the concrete until you reach ground level. 
Filling the letterbox post hole with soil using a spade

9Personalise

We can’t forget to personalise our letterbox! You can either use numbers or get creative and spell out your number with letters. 
A finished letterbox with the number five

10Install your own letterbox

Ready to get started on your letterbox project? Explore our ranges of letterboxes! 
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.