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So you are one of those brave souls that have decided to build your own brick mailbox. Good for you. You found the place to guide you on your endeavor. In here you will find lots of information, tips and pictures to help you along the way.

1 - US Mailboxes Postal regulations

Before building a brick mailbox, you should contact the local permit department to determine if there are any mailbox ordinances in your community. Though the postal service is silent on the post’s material, rigid structures, like brick mailboxes, on busy roads may be considered a safety hazard by your state or town, so make sure you check before you start. Ordinances may vary slightly due to unusual local conditions, but the US Postal Service has issued basic regulations regarding curbside deliveries:

- The vertical height from road surface to bottom of mailbox needs to be between 41?

- The distance from the outside edge of curb or edge of road surface to front of the brick mailbox must be 6? to 8?.

- At least 1 inch high letters and numbers in contrasting color on the side of the box visible to the carrier’s regular approach.

- You must have a flag.

- The newspaper receptacle must not touch the mailbox or interfere with the delivery of mail.

If you are really interested you can read the USPS mailbox oficial regulations.

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has also published a guide for mailbox location and assembly titled A Guide for Erecting Mailboxes on Highways that can be helpful.

2 - Remove current mailbox

If you already have a mailbox remove it, as well as all of the dirt from around the base of the post. Mailbox posts are often set in concrete, although yours may be attached to a metal stake, which makes it easier to remove. If your post is set in concrete, you’ll probably need to remove all the concrete before pouring the footer for your brick mailbox. If you have a hard time getting the concrete out you might want to consider a new location.
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