Blackbutt parcel letterbox

[Herrenovacation]

I always wanted a new parcel / letterbox and I wanted it to look unique while being functional. 

I hadn't planned on doing this before I had finished many other yard projects but unfortunately my old letterbox gave in after some rough handling. 

So the project was brought forward since I was having issues receiving mail and I am very conscious about spending money on temporary fixes. 

Materials

Sandleford Glenelg 86cm White Matte Parcel Letterbox

Timber Slab

2 x Half Stirrup Post Anchor's

Bugle Batten

Quick Dry Cement 

Epoxy Adhesive

Sandpaper

Stain/Varnish/Oil

Tools

Ryobi Hammer Drill & Masonry drill bit

Ryobi Drill Driver & timber Drill bits

Ryobi Jigsaw 

Spirit Level

Tape measure 

Ruler

Pencil

Shovel 

Trowel

Hammer

M10 Socket & Socket Spanner

Adjustable Wrench

Roller and or paint brush

Steps

Step 1

The first step for me was to source the materials. This included a trip to a local farm with the parcel letterbox measurements where I was able to find the perfect slab of blackbutt timber for the project. 

Step 2

Next step was to build the slab. You will need to dig a hole, build formwork out of scrap timber (I used timber from a pallet I picked up from Bunnings). 

I used the slab of timber & the parcel letterbox to get the measurements of the size of the slab but ensured it was a minimum of 100mm deep. 

I used quick set cement and due to the weight of the slab I also used two half stirrup post anchor's that I set into the cement. Pour the formwork, screed off concrete and level. 

Step 3

Next step was to measure and cut the hole for the letter box then sand back the timber slab.

Step 4

Stain/varnish/oil the timber slab whichever is your preferred. I just used timber DIGGERS Anti-Mould Formulation Linseed Oil and Cabot's Natural Decking Oil. I chose oil over varnish as it will be easier to maintain over time and no need to sand to remove varnish. 

Step 5

Then you can bolt the timber slab to the concrete slab via the half stirrup post anchor's. 

Step 6

Next step is to install the parcel letterbox.

The Sandleford Parcel Letterbox comes with the parts you need for installation and great detailed instructions on how to install.

But in short ensure the front chute of the parcel letterbox is flush against the slab, You will need to mark up and drill holes in the slab and then bolt the parcel letterbox to the slab and then attach the faceplate.

Step 7

Once your letter box is installed you can then add house numbers if you wish, you can buy these at bunnings. 

I actually purchased mine from House Numbers, Australia as they were custom made. 

These also came with detailed instructions and a template. Measure and align template, drill holes, and attach the house numbers with Epoxy Adhesive. 

[woodenwookie]

As a postie I give my approval.

You've chosen a nice wide slotted mailbox that allows us to easily insert large envelopes.

👌👌👌👌

[Herrenovacation]

Thank you so much Kirsty I really appreciate it. 

Honestly, it's so much better than I envisioned and I'm a little shocked at how good it turned out. 

[Herrenovacation]

Thanks @woodenwookie 

I'm so glad as a postie you approve I am waiting for my postie to see it I hope it makes him as happy as it makes me. 

[woodenwookie]

He'll certainly notice it.

Just don't plant around it. Plants might look nice initially but people forget plants grow and then they become a hazard to the postie.

Don't get on the bad side of your postie. There's a reason there's a phrase "Going Postal" and we know where you live. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[Herrenovacation]

Thanks for the extra tips to keep my postie happy @woodenwookie absolutely don't want him going postal. 🤣🤣 

I had originally planned on placing a small trough planter in front with a native plant. I will reconsider this or if I go ahead with it make sure it is small enough and always stays maintained for ease of access. 

[Herrenovacation]

How fitting that my first parcel in my new parcel letterbox is from Bunnings Workshop. Thanks so much to Jase, Jacob & the team for all the support. 

 

[Insposeeker]

Wow what an incredible and unique letterbox!! Very well done 👏 

[Herrenovacation]

Nice little message from my postie ❤️ 

 

[Herrenovacation]

Decided to add a small planter at the base of the parcel letterbox.  Added a Australian native ground cover, silk carpet grevillea pinaster. Should be easy to maintain.