How to Replace a Mailbox Post

Mailbox posts take a beating from the elements, neighborhood kids, and the occasional snowplow, eventually leaning or rotting until they become an eyesore. Replacing one is a straightforward outdoor project that dramatically boosts your home's curb appeal and keeps your mail secure. Done well, a new post stands perfectly plumb, stays rock-solid even in high winds, and adheres to standard height regulations for postal carriers. You aren't just putting a stick in the ground; you are anchoring a permanent piece of infrastructure for your property.

1. Call Before You Dig. Call your local utility locator service at least three days before digging. Never break ground until you have confirmed that no underground gas, water, or electrical lines run through your chosen spot.
2. Yank Out the Old Post. Unscrew the mailbox from the old post and set it aside. Use a shovel or a post-hole digger to break the suction around the old concrete base and pull the entire assembly out of the ground.
3. Dig Deep for Stability. Dig a hole at least 24 inches deep and 8 to 10 inches wide. A deeper hole provides better leverage against frost heave and wind load.
4. Level Your Post Perfectly. Place the new post in the center of the hole. Use a 4-foot level against two adjacent sides of the post to ensure it is perfectly plumb.
5. Lock It in Concrete. Mix your fast-setting concrete in a wheelbarrow or pour the dry mix directly into the hole and add water as directed. Fill the hole to within 2 inches of the surface, then slope the top away from the post to shed water.
6. Attach and Secure Mailbox. Once the concrete has cured for at least 24 hours, attach the mailbox bracket and box to the post. Use exterior-grade screws to prevent rust streaks.