Mailbox: How to choose the best one in 2022?

In today’s article, we’ll take a look at models of an essential item for any home: the mailbox.

Choosing the right mailbox for your home is very important and goes well beyond the aesthetic part. A good mailbox must be appropriately sized to accommodate most mail formats. It must also be resistant, since it must protect parcels and letters from adverse and, of course, curious conditions.

Check out our article and learn how to choose the perfect mailbox for your needs. We will take into account the different models of the product and their particularities so that you can make the best purchase possible. Come on?

First, the most important

• The ideal mailbox is not just decorative: the best options combine design and functionality.
• Opt for products made of resistant materials and don’t forget to pay attention to factors such as box size, opening for envelopes and sealing. After all, the mailbox will be outside and must protect your correspondence.
• Consider the installation location. There are three types of mailboxes: for embedding in walls, hanging on railings or fixing to the floor. Deciding where to install is the first step in making the right choice.

You may also like:

• Garden bench: What is the best model in 2022?
• Garden chair: Choose the best in 2022
• Arandela: How to choose the best in 2022?

 

Ranking: The 3 best mailbox models

Mailboxes are found on the market in the most common models: for embedding in walls, hanging on railings or fixing to the floor.

Want a little help finding the perfect mailbox for your home? Check out the most interesting products for sale.

Buying Guide

There are mailboxes produced in the most diverse materials. Keep in mind that it is better to choose a resistant material, as it is an object that will be in the external area of ​​the house exposed to the most diverse climatic conditions.

Like almost everything related to home and decoration, you can find mailboxes of various styles, from classic to modern. Now that you’ve seen our mailbox suggestions, we’re on with our Buying Guide.

In this section, we will present the most relevant information so that you can confidently and easily choose the best mailbox for your needs.

What is a mailbox?

The mailbox is an essential item in any home. It serves to receive the most diverse types of correspondence and, depending on the size and format, it is possible to insert even small packages.

The use of mailboxes originated in Paris in the 18th century, when the French capital developed an advanced postal system.

The first mailboxes were made of cast iron or bronze, in the case of the noblest residences. Today, we have mailboxes on the market made of a wide variety of materials, such as plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, iron and wood.

The format can also vary a lot and there are even very creative options that are a great way to raise your home decor.

The main thing is that the box has a good internal space for the mail to be well accommodated, and that the slot for inserting envelopes has a reasonable opening.

The CEP (Postal Address Code) was created in 1971 by the Brazilian Post and Telegraph Company to facilitate the process of sorting, forwarding and distributing correspondence. Until 1992, the system had only 5 digits!

 

What types of mailbox are on the market?

The choice of the ideal mailbox depends on some factors that vary from person to person, such as design and price. However, there is one main point that must be noted before making your purchase, which is the place where the product is installed. From there you can make secondary decisions.

The installation location must be defined beforehand, so that you can choose the most suitable mailbox without having to make adjustments or changes.

It is possible to install mailboxes on walls, railings or on the floor. Therefore, we find three types of mailbox on the market:

• Mailbox to be embedded in the wall;
• Mailbox to be hung on bars;
• Mailbox to be fixed to the floor (American model).

What are the advantages of each type of mailbox?

Each type of mailbox has its characteristics and, with them, advantages and disadvantages. Now that you know the main features that each type mentioned in the previous section, let’s highlight its strengths and weaknesses.

Built-in mailbox: As advantages, we can mention the durability of the product (they are usually made of resistant materials), the great seal to protect the letters (once the box is inserted into the wall). This model is generally quite affordable.

The drawback of the built-in mailbox is that you need a wall for installation, and this will require adjustments and works that require more investment.

Mailbox to be hung on railings: In addition to being easy to install, the great advantage of this box is that it can be hung on most railings and gates, as the fixing system of the models normally allows the adjustment of the screws.

Another advantage that deserves to be pointed out is the price, since there are plastic models that come out very well. As disadvantages, we can mention the durability of the product, as it is more exposed. Keep in mind that for this reason, boxes hanging on racks can offer less protection to letters.

American mailbox: The great advantage of this mailbox is the style, which is not yet found in Brazil and can give an air of refinement to your home. In addition, these boxes are usually manufactured in a size that even allows insertion of newspapers or small packages.

However, note that the American mailbox requires a large area for installation (such as a garden or sidewalk setback). Many models can have a very high price depending on the material.

The following is a table with the main advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a mailbox for your home:

How much?

It is possible to find mailboxes for all pockets. Noble materials, like bronze or stainless steel, can be very expensive and cost hundreds of dollars. Another possibility is to order a bespoke product, with a different design, which can also make the price more salty.

If your budget is low, bet on the options of plastic or aluminum. Many online stores offer products starting at R $ 20.

American models usually cost more, as they come with the support and are made of more expensive materials, which can easily exceed R $ 100.

Where to buy?

Finding mailboxes for sale is not a difficult task. You can buy a basic model even at the building materials store in your neighborhood,

If you are on the team of those who value practicality and want to have countless options, bet on virtual stores like Amazon.

In such cases, it is recommended to pay attention to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure that you are purchasing the correct product for your home.

 

Purchasing Criteria: Factors for comparing mailbox models

Are we going to put an end to any risk of choosing the wrong mailbox for your home? Here are some features that you should take into account when purchasing the product:

• Installation location
• Size
• Durability
• Design

To resolve your doubts once and for all, we will explain better each of the characteristics below:

Installation location

As we saw earlier, this is the first factor that you must take into account. Will the installation be done on a wall? In this case, choose your own mailbox to be embedded.

If you want to attach the mailbox to your gate or some grid, the best options come ready to screw on the desired surface and are made of light and resistant materials.

If you have more space in your residence, such as a garden or a wide sidewalk, you can opt for the American mailbox. It is supported by a pillar, usually made of iron or wood, and can have different shapes – perfect for the most daring!

Size

Size is another factor that must be taken into account when purchasing. Use a  measuring tape to measure the space you want to install the mailbox, and this is especially recommended for wallboxes. After all, you don’t want to break the wall again, do you?

Also make sure the box size meets your needs. If you are in the habit of receiving orders or magazines, it may be a good idea to invest in a larger size.

Durability

Keep in mind that the mailbox will be outside your home and will be exposed to the weather. Sun, rain, wind – all of this causes wear and tear and it is important that your box holds up.

The key word here is the quality of the material: the mailbox can even be made of plastic if you have a limited budget. Just make sure that the plastic is resistant.

Another question that should be noted is whether the mailbox has a good seal, so that rainwater does not flow in and damage your mail.

Design

Last but not least, we have the aesthetic part. If your pocket allows, take into account your personal taste.

There are mailboxes of all types. Each material has its particularities and gives a different finish to the decoration. It is possible to obtain the most diverse effects: a futuristic touch, more rustic, retro, in short … matter of taste. Consider the style of your home and choose a mailbox that matches it.