How to attach timber screen to metal letterbox?

[Jaffle]

Hi, I'm hoping for some advice please. I have a screen that originally I wanted to install into the ground on posts around a parcel mailbox. I wondered if instead I could attach to the actual box instead? If it was screwed directly onto the box, would there be a way to stop rain entering? Or is it just a crazy idea anyway and

 

 

i should attach to posts?

[JacobZ]

Hi @Jaffle,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

It’s not a crazy idea, but fixing a timber screen directly to a metal letterbox is generally not recommended. Metal letterboxes are not designed with solid frames to carry additional structural loads, so attaching a screen could cause the box to flex, warp or even fail over time, especially if the timber is heavy or exposed to wind. Screwing directly into the box would also create holes that can let water in, which risks leaks, rust and damage to parcels. Even if you used sealant around the screws, it would be hard to guarantee long-term waterproofing.

The more reliable and durable option is to mount the screen on its own posts, set into the ground alongside or around the letterbox. This way, the timber has a proper structural base, and the box remains watertight and intact. You can position the posts close enough that the screen looks visually connected to the mailbox, without putting stress on the box itself.

I'd be happy to offer guidance if you are concerned about installing posts. It is a bit of labour, but it is not as hard as you are probably thinking it is.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[Jaffle]

Jacob, that would be amazing, yes please 🙏 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Jaffle,

Do you have a photo of the area where you are hoping to install the screen?

How many sides of the mailbox are you looking to install posts on? Is it all three sides? 

Do you want to keep the screens full-width and if so, which specific screens are you using?

How high are the screens going to be?

Setting out is the most important thing. Making sure the posts are in the right spot will make everything that follows super easy. Using timber stakes with string lines will give you a visual of the shape.

Start by measuring out and marking the location of your posts, then setting up your string lines. If you are using full-width screens, then this will dictate where the posts need to sit. 

You'll also want to make sure that the posts are square with each other. You can use the 3-4-5 method shown in How To Set Out A Deck to ensure the posts are square with each other.

Once the post locations are marked, dig the holes so that the post sits in the centre of the hole. You'll want the holes to be around 600mm deep and 300mm in diameter.

From there, the process is much the same as what you see in How to Set a Post.

Have a read of this article and let me know if there is anything you need clarified.

Jacob

[AlanM52]

Hi @Jaffle,

Line the inside of the screens with flute board:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?page=1&q=flute+board&sort=BoostOrder

@JacobZ is providing good advice and if you tag me I can follow the conversation.

Cheers

[Jaffle]

@AlanM52 That's an awesome idea! Thanks so much. I'll have a proper read through the posts that Jacob suggested and let you know how I go. Thanks again  

[Jaffle]

Thanks again for your reply. I'm probably making an easier job much harder - plus my imagination doesn't match my skills. I wanted to box the letterbox on three sides and top. 

The letterbox is about 42cm wide, 102 high and maybe 38cm deep. I purchased the pictured screen. I haven't had a chance yet to read through the posts other than a quick skim so no progress yet

 

 

[Noyade]

Just a 'paper napkin' thought @Jaffle 

Bury/cement two steel posts.

Weld/bolt a square steel member at the height you desire for the mailbox.

I would weld two pieces of angle-iron the width and depth of your mailbox.

The base then slides onto this. 

Open the front door(?) and pop-rivet/silicone the base to the angle iron.

Jigsaw the profile of the mailbox out of your wooden screen.

Bolt onto the steel frame.

Half the box exposed at the front and back.

Hoping this makes sense.

Cheers.

[Jaffle]

Oh I see what you mean, that's really clever! I'll have a look and see what's available re angle iron. Thanks so much for your ideas