What is a Standard Letterbox Size?
What is a Standard Letterbox Size? With many different types of letterboxes available, more and more of us are choosing styles that are more aesthetically pleasing than the traditional slot in our front door.
Many modern doors on the market don’t have a slot as standard so buying a free standing or wall mounted letterbox is less hassle than trying to insert one in our front door. Freestanding and wall/gate mounted options are also preferable for people who have pets and don’t want to come home to chewed up mail or simply don’t want to open their door to a pile of envelopes.
However, there is more to consider than just how pretty our letterbox is. Mail companies have the responsibility to keep our mail safe and secure until it reaches our letterbox; it is then up to our letterbox to keep it safe until we pick it up. In order to protect our mail, one of the things we must consider when buying an external letterbox is the size. So what is a standard letterbox size?
Sizing
A letterbox should be large enough for the mail we regularly receive, but as a minimum, an A4 envelope should be able to lie flat inside, so that our mail doesn’t protrude, making it easily accessible to passers-by. A standard size letterbox has the following minimum dimensions:
• 230mm wide
• 330mm deep
• 160mm high
With identity theft on the rise, it is vitally important to protect our personal details, so a lock is a must and the slot should be the full width of the letterbox but not large enough for someone to fit their hand through.
If going away for a few days, then it is a good idea to have someone we can trust to empty your mailbox each day so that it doesn’t get too full.
The position of our letterbox is also important. The postman needs to have easy access to deliver our mail, so a letterbox should be clearly in view and positioned on the boundary of our property with the number or name clearly displayed.
Also, remember that a letterbox should be positioned in a spot that is clear of obstacles like trees, shrubs and rocks.
Letterbox inspiration:
Personalised Letterboxes:
Can double as a nameplate by displaying the property’s name or number if positioned on a wall at the side of the front door. A range of colours, shapes and motif/font designs are available at www.housenameplate.co.uk/personalised-letterboxes
Large Parcel Letterboxes:
Ideal for anyone who often receives multiple deliveries or has a lot of larger parcels that are too big for a standard letterbox. https://www.housenameplate.co.uk/parcel-letterbox.html
Wall Mounted Letterboxes:
Not just practical but can make the outside of a property look more appealing. Ensure that they have a secure lock if you go for this style. A range of colours and styles can be found at https://www.housenameplate.co.uk/wall-mounted-letterboxes.html
Rear Retrieval Letterboxes:
Designed to fit to the inside of a gate, post or main door where you only require the postman to have access to the front post slot of the box and yourself access to the rear door.
Through the Wall Letterboxes:
Fit closely to an outside wall with the opening to retrieve mail accessible from inside the home. This beautifully crafted through the wall letterbox is available at www.housenameplate.co.uk/oxford-through-the-wall-post-box.html and can expand to the size needed.
Freestanding Letterboxes:
Come in many different styles and add curb appeal to a property. There is a choice of American style mailboxes or beautifully ornate versions at https://www.housenameplate.co.uk/free-standing-post-boxes.html
Or....
If you are feeling particularly creative, you could create one of your own. (Just ensure you follow the safety advice above).
Instructions on how to make your own letterbox out of wood can be found here:
https://www.fourgenerationsoneroof.com/2013/07/how-to-make-a-mailbox
Need Inspiration?
Take a look at the following slideshow, showcasing 11 inventive DIY Letterboxes if your want your letterbox to be the talk of the town:
https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/you-ve-got-mail-11-inventive-diy-mailboxes-45546/diy-concrete#
