Cedar shake and copper roof unique mailbox house at antique store.

Explore unique mailbox design ideas to enhance your curb appeal! Discover creative styles that reflect your personality and make your home stand out.

Imagine driving down a coastal road and spotting the perfect mailbox—a unique mailbox design that immediately captures your attention and adds a personal touch to the landscape all while being a neighborhood conversation starter.

We recently discovered just that while antiquing: a charming, rustic wooden mailbox crafted as a miniature house, complete with cedar shake siding, a copper roof, and patina trim reminiscent of our own coastal Maine home.

Cedar shake house in winter's snow in coastal Maine.
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This unique mailbox will make a lasting impression and prove that a small detail can truly elevate curb appeal.

The Story of a Rustic Wooden Mailbox

Facebook Marketplace Find

While enjoying my coffee at home one early morning, I received a message from one of you with a listing for this rustic wooden mailbox for sale on Facebook Marketplace.

She thought I might love it, as it shares many characteristics of our home in Maine.

Cedar shake and copper roof unique mailbox house at antique store.

However, this unique mailbox was for advertised for sale in Connecticut, about 3.5 hours away. After chatting further with the seller, I learned that the mailbox was located in New Hampshire at Flying Pigs Antiquesabout an hour’s drive from our place in Vermont.

Honestly, I wasn’t thrilled with the photos in the listing, so I knew I needed to see it for myself. So off I went.

As I suspected, it was much nicer in person than in the photos. It was perfect, but it wasn’t inexpensive. After trying to negotiate with the antique seller, I learned that it was initially selling for $895. Yikes, right?

Well, I got a great deal on it after all; I’ll leave it at that.

It’s unique design was too good to pass up, so off to Maine it goes.

Cedar Shakes doll house looking mailbox on outdoor table.

Make Your Mailbox a Curb Appeal Focal Point

Unique mailboxes can be the unexpected hero of your home’s exterior, transforming a simple, functional element into a striking design statement that creates a lasting impression.

By selecting a mailbox that reflects your home’s distinctive style, you instantly elevate your property’s visual appeal—whether that means choosing a cedar shake design that complements your home’s layout or finding a piece that speaks to your architectural aesthetic.

4 Creative Tips to Make Your Mailbox Stand Out

  • Choose a unusual mailbox designs built from high-quality materials that can withstand the elements, such as durable wood or metal, to ensure it maintains its appeal over time. Copper will patina, and cedar shakes and wood will weather.
  • Add a personal touch to your unique mailbox with a specific theme, distinct color, or decorative trim. This will draw attention to the mailbox and create a memorable first impression for anyone passing by.
  • Ensure your house numbers are prominently displayed on the mailbox; this not only improves visibility but also adds to the overall design.
  • Position the mailbox as a deliberate design element that catches the eye of passersby and welcomes visitors with personality and charm.

Remember that a new mailbox can create a lasting impression on visitors, setting the tone for the rest of your home. By focusing on these elements, you can transform an ordinary mailbox into an eye-catching accessory that enhances your property’s charm.

Are there any regulations or guidelines to consider when installing a unique mailbox?

The U.S. Postal Service has official guidelines concerning the size, placement, and installation of a new mailbox outside your home. Before installing a unique mailbox, it’s essential to consult your local regulations and guidelines, too. Some areas have specific requirements regarding mailbox size, placement, and visibility to ensure compliance with postal regulations.

Unique Mailbox Installation

Mailbox in front of cedar shakes home in Maine during the Fall.

Before

This was our mailbox before. It was on a traditional mailbox post painted in Essex Green to match the house trim. The post was leaning forward, and the mailbox was old and weathered. My father used a marker to write the #3 on the side…

Mailbox Post Removal

Because our new unique mailbox is so large, we needed to remove and replace the existing post with a new one, which we purchased from our local hardware store. Fortunately, the old mailbox was not cemented into the ground, so removing it was easy.

Removing a mailbox post, whether damaged, old, or you just want to replace it, involves a few steps. Here’s a general guide on how to do it safely and effectively:

Tools and Materials Needed:

  • Shovel
  • Post-hole digger (optional)
  • Pry bar or crowbar
  • Sledgehammer or mallet (optional)
  • Water hose or bucket (for loosening soil, if needed)
  • ToolboxSaw (if you’re cutting a wooden post)
  • toolboxSafety gear (gloves, safety glasses)
  • toolboxRope or Chain for larger posts
  • toolboxLevel

Steps for Removal:

  • Evaluate the Situation: Check to see if the post is set in concrete. This will affect the effort needed to remove it.
  • Loosen the Soil: Use a shovel to dig around the base of the post. This will help loosen the soil and give you better access to the post base. If the post is set in the ground with concrete, loosening the soil might be enough to pull it out.
  • If the Post is Set in Concrete: Dig down around it to expose its entirety. The more you expose, the easier it will be to remove. If the soil is particularly hard, you can soften it by pouring water around the base and letting it soak in.
  • Remove the Post: For non-concrete posts, try to rock the post back and forth to loosen it further from the soil. You can often pull it out by hand or with the help of a partner.
  • Remove Concrete-Set Posts: Use a pry bar to get leverage under the concrete base. For heavier posts, you may need assistance. A length of wood or metal can be used as a lever. Place it under the pry bar to increase your leverage. You can also loop a rope or chain around the post and use a jack or vehicle to pull it out if manual methods do not work.
  • Alternative Method for Wooden Posts: If you’re dealing with a wooden post, and cutting is an option, you could cut the post near the ground and then remove the base separately or by using the leverage technique mentioned above.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully remove a mailbox post, whether it’s installed with or without concrete.

Hole with shovel, level, and cement bag on ground.

Mailbox Post Options

Mailbox posts come in a wide variety of materials, designs, and price ranges, catering to different aesthetic preferences and functional needs. Here’s an overview of the various types of mailbox posts available and their typical price ranges:

Types of Mailbox Posts:

1. Wooden Posts: These are traditional and classic, often made from pressure-treated wood or cedar. Depending on the design and quality of the wood, these posts range in price from $20 to $150. Custom or decorative wood posts may be more expensive.

2. Metal Posts: These are commonly made from aluminum, steel, or wrought iron. They offer durability and often feature decorative designs. They usually cost around $30 to $200. Higher-end wrought iron posts or specially coated ones for corrosion resistance can be more expensive.

3. Vinyl Posts: Made from PVC, these posts are popular for their low maintenance and clean look. They are pricing around $25 to $100. Higher prices typically reflect better quality and added decorative elements.

4. Plastic Posts: These unique mailbox posts are lightweight and resistant to weathering. They are often made to mimic wood or metal finishes. They are also a less expensive option, going for around $15 to $80.

5. Stone or Masonry Posts: These are a more permanent and substantial option made from stone, brick, or composite materials. They are often custom-built and cost around $200 and up. Higher-end choices, including custom stonework, can cost significantly more.

6. Combination Posts: Some mailbox posts feature a combination of materials, like metal with wood or plastic accents, for enhanced aesthetics. Depending on the complexity and materials used, these mailbox posts can cost around $50 to $250.

When choosing a unique mailbox post, consider your specific needs, such as climate resilience and durability. Additionally, check local regulations or HOA guidelines, if applicable, to ensure compliance with any specifications or restrictions on mailbox installations.

We chose the standard wooden mailbox post for our new, unique mailbox, which we found at our local hardware store.

Unique mailbox house on post leaning on saw horses in driveway.
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Pro Tip

You may also find more curb appeal inspiration in this Split Rail Fencing With Cedar Style post.

How We Installed Our Unique Mailbox

Upon getting our new wooden mailbox post home, we used a chain saw to cut the decorative top off it so that our unique mailbox would rest on the post’s beam without obstruction.

Mounting Unique Mailbox

Next, we rested our unique mailbox onto the post, positioned it, and secured three L brackets to each side of the bottom of the mailbox and post to secure it.

Bottom of mailbox with L Brackets attached to a mailbox post.

This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Mailbox Post ground installation

The standard height for mailbox installation is generally governed by the United States Postal Service (USPS) guidelines. According to these guidelines, the recommended height for a mailbox should be mounted with the bottom of the postal box at a vertical height of 41 to 45 inches from the road surface. This ensures easy access for mail delivery.

The front of the mailbox should be 6 to 8 inches back from the curb or road edge. This allows postal vehicles to approach safely without veering off the road.

A hole depth of about 24 inches is generally recommended to ensure stability when installing a mailbox post. However, this can vary slightly based on soil conditions and the type of post you are installing.

Check your local regulations and homeowner association rules (if applicable) for any specific instructions or restrictions. These might require specific materials, designs, or even different heights.

Since we were replacing an old mailbox, our hole had already been dug for us and met all the above specifications, so it was time to secure it.

Cementing the Post

The easiest way to cement a mailbox post into the ground is to use Sika Polyurethane Fence Post Mix.

Sika Post Fix Yellow Bag on Ground.

While cement isn’t always necessary, it can provide added stability, particularly in areas with loose or sandy soil.

Place your post into the hole in the ground, level it, mix the solution in the bag per the instructions, and pour it into the hole. The mixture will set and harden in 3 minutes and then needs a full 2-hours of drying time. You only have to hold the post steady for those first 3 minutes.

We added a few larger rocks for good measure while the mailbox post sat to dry for the next two hours.

Once the Sika Polyurethane Fence Post Mix has thoroughly dried, fill in the remainder of the hole with the leftover dirt.

Plant grass or decorative flowers or shrubs for even more curb appeal.

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Pro Tip

Learn how to quickly and securely install a post using Sika Polyurethane Fence Post Mix in this Amish Birdhouse Install: Purple Martins post. An Amish mailbox is also a fantastic custom made option. Shopping options can be found at the bottom of this post.

Painting the Mailbox Post

To paint a mailbox post or not to paint it?

Many choose not to paint their wooden mailbox posts and instead let them weather into that natural gray color. But I chose to add a fresh coat of paint in Essex Green, which matches the trim on our cedar shakes home.

Cedar shake and copper roof unique mailbox house at antique store.

Customization Options

Lastly I attached a 3D bronze house number to the door on our new unique mailbox.

And a reflector to the post, in hopes that the snow plow will be able to see it clearly during the winter months.

Unique mailbox house on curb in front of rustic cedar shakes home.

10 Unique Mailbox Curb Appeal Design Ideas

Transforming your mailbox into a unique and creative design element can significantly boost your home’s curb appeal. Here are ten design ideas to inspire a memorable mailbox makeover:

1. Enchanted Garden Mailbox: Integrate the mailbox into a small garden setting. Surround it with seasonal flowers or evergreens, and incorporate elements like a trellis for climbing plants or decorative garden stones.

2. Artistic Showcase: Use your mailbox as a canvas for hand-painted designs. Consider painting it with your favorite themes, such as abstract patterns, nature scenes, or even portraiture, to express your unique style.

3. Modern Minimalist: Opt for a sleek design with clean lines, perhaps using metal or wood finishes that complement contemporary architectural styles. Incorporate subtle lighting for a chic nighttime look.

4. Vintage Flair: Repurpose old materials, like a vintage milk can or barrel, as the base for your mailbox. Add distressed wood, rusted metal accents, or antique-style address numbers for a charming, nostalgic look.

5. Whimsical Woodland: Craft a mailbox with forest-inspired elements, using materials like tree bark, twigs, and moss. A sculpture or carving of woodland creatures adds a playful touch and a nice extension of your home.

6. Nautical Inspired: Embrace a coastal theme with navy blues, whites, and rope detailing. Accent with anchor motifs or steering wheels to evoke a breezy seaside vibe.

7. Architectural Accent: Construct a mailbox stand that mimics architectural details from your home, such as matching bricks, shingles, or rooflines, to create a coherent frontage.

8. Eco-Friendly Planter: Turn your mailbox post into a vertical planter. Use recycled materials for the structure and fill tiers with succulents or herbs, adding beauty and sustainability.

9. Art Deco Masterpiece: Capture the allure of the Art Deco era with a geometric design highlighted with metallic paints or finishes, adding a touch of historical glamour.

10. Sculptural Statement: Commission or create a mailbox that doubles as a piece of art, with dynamic, unexpected shapes that captivate the eye. Think modern sculptures or delightful interpretations of everyday objects.

Have fun choosing a design that aligns with your home’s style and your personality. A thoughtfully designed mailbox not only enhances your curb appeal but also provides an opportunity to make a personal statement on your property line.

Cedar shakes mailbox on green post curbside in next to wooded trees.
I also added a little wooden knob at the top of the window for easy mail slots access for the mail carrier.

Your Guide to an Eclectic Style~

If you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you. Please share in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with your friends who are also vintage enthusiasts.

Do you have a flair for all things vintage, too? I would love to see and feature you in our Reader’s Showcase Series. A place for you to share and be recognized for your talents and passion for all things thrifting, vintage, and antique decor-related inspired by your time here with Dabbling & Decorating. Email me at annck@dabblinganddecorating.com

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This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

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6 Comments

  1. Wow, it looks so great, Ann! My mailbox just keeled over this week. I don’t know if the metal post snapped on its own (it was corroded) or if it had some help. My mailbox is situated across the street since we are a “rural” delivery route (all mailboxes on one side of the road), so I am not worried about curb appeal. I got a simple wooden post and will have to hire someone to install. What a pain!

    1. I’m so glad you like it Molly! Oh no, that’s a bummer hopefully you have a handyman nearby. Now I want a new mailbox in Vermont…

  2. I love it! The perfect addition to your beautiful Maine home.

    1. Thanks so much Karen, I wasn’t that happy with the photos, it’s so much cuter in person. But I’m so glad you like it!

  3. Too nice to leave outdoors. I hope it survives NE winter! Snow plows are brutal.