Mail Boxes, Et Cetera

The mail box is too often passed up when homeowners look for projects to improve their home or add a little pizzazz to their property. In fact, when most homeowners think mail box, they think of the standard, round topped box mounted on a steel post. While these standard fare boxes are certainly functional and sufficient as a mail receptacle, there is another world of mail boxes out there to choose from that emanate class, personality, and beauty, depending on what you're looking for.

Available Styles
The first thing to acquaint yourself with when is simply the styles and materials available on the market when it comes to your receptacle.Aluminum boxes are by far the most popular, and plain, products on the market. Depending on where you live, these may indeed be the best choice for you. People who live in harsh climates or near the ocean should take a good look at aluminum boxes because of their durability and resistance to rust. A good aluminum mail box, especially one with a powder-coated surface, will last years longer than a box made of steel, copper, or other materials that are more vulnerable to the elements.

If weather and proximity to saltwater aren't concerns for you, consider a steel or copper box for your property. Steel is available in multiple gages (thicknesses), and heavy duty models will literally last a lifetime if properly maintained. Copper models can either be lacquered to retain that bright copper shine, or left at the mercy of the weather, after which they will begin to take on a classy, antiquated, and bluish finish, known as verdigris.

Style.Besides materials, you'll also want to consider the style of residential mail box you need or want. Most people opt for traditional designs with an easily accessible door, although locking mailboxes are available for those who need or want more security, and wall mounted varieties are also popular in certain locales where both security and convenience is an issue.

Size. Finally, be sure to consider size when purchasing a new residential mail box. Think about the volume of mail you regularly receive and shop accordingly. For example, if you're an internet shopper or regularly receive large packages through the mail for other reasons, you might want to consider a larger box that is able to accommodate those needs.

Custom Residential Mail Boxes
Despite all these tantalizing options, many people feel a need to express a little more with their choice of mail box. If this sounds like you, you might want to look into custom built models. Entire businesses specialize in these constructions, and your imagination is literally the limit when it comes to these designs. Custom painted models are very popular and add that little extra something that many people are looking for. If that still doesn't do it for you, there are businesses out there who really push their designs to the limit. Boxes resembling farm animals, pets, houses, trains, planes, automobiles, dragons, birds, fish, tractors, golf balls, football helmets and just about everything else can be purchased of you're willing to pay the extra money these works of art demand!

The Brick Mail Box
If you're looking for something a little more toned down, but that still turns heads, consider hiring a mason to build brick walls around your mailbox for both looks and reinforcement. From an aesthetic point of view, a well built brick mail box adds a touch of refinement and antiquity to any yard. And from a security standpoint, brick can't be beat when it comes to protecting your mail and receptacle from vandals and thieves. If you've been a victim of "mail box smashing" in the past, this attractive solution will definitely do the trick. When the mason is finished, your mail will be tucked safely away in its own little fortress, giving you peace of mind and saving you from those sleepless nights hiding in the bushes hoping to catch the perpetrators.

Whether you're looking for more security or simply want to add a little panache or class to your curbside mail receptacle, there's a mail box out there to fit your needs.