Mailbox Materials

Metal, wood, and plastic

Selecting the right mailbox for your home isn't merely a matter of style. The mailbox material you choose will not only determine your mailbox's appearance, but how long it will last and what sort of maintenance it will require. Here are a few of the most popular mailbox materials and what you should know about them.

Galvanized steel

A galvanized steel mailbox is an iconic mailbox. The galvanized steel rural mailbox design with the long, cylindrical body and red flag on the side is always suggestive of simpler times and simpler places, of a world before handwritten letters became known as snail mail.

Galvanized steel is one of the most durable of mailbox materials. A galvanized steel mailbox will be heavier than most other mailboxes, particularly if made from plated steel. Galvanized steel is steel coated in a layer of zinc, which prevents steel from rusting. A galvanized steel mailbox will thus be durable and very low maintenance.

Cast aluminum

Cast aluminum has become a trendy material recently. Cast aluminum is light, elegant, and strong, making it the perfect choice for outdoor uses varying from patio furniture to mailboxes.

Cast aluminum mailboxes will be rust resistant and visually appealing, providing your home exterior with a lovely handcrafted and textured look. Cast aluminum mailboxes are low maintenance pieces, though an application of liquid wax to your custom made or decorative cast aluminum mailbox will keep it looking its best.

Copper

Copper mailboxes are wonderful decorative items, adding Old World style and grace to any exterior. Copper is an excellent mailbox material for both traditional and contemporary designs.

Copper mailboxes offer the user a variety of maintenance choices. An untreated copper mailbox will acquire a patina and darken over time. Regular polishing will be necessary to keep your copper mailbox looking bright. Copper mailboxes can also be lacquered for additional protection and UV resistance.

Plastic

Plastic is one of the most inexpensive of mailbox materials. Quality plastic mailboxes are surprisingly durable, and will not rust nor dent. Because plastic is such a commonly used material there are a great number of plastic mailbox designs, styles, and colors available. When purchasing a plastic mailbox, check the quality and construction of the plastic. A well made plastic mailbox can be virtually indestructible, providing you with a great shopping value.

Wood

Mailbox materials don't come much more traditional than wood. Wood mailboxes can be quaint or rugged, finished or unfinished, painted or natural in appearance.

Wood mailboxes are often constructed from the same materials as outdoor or patio furniture: cedar and pine. Both woods are durable and resistant to damage.

A painted or finished wooden mailbox will demand greater attention and maintenance than materials such as steel or aluminum. Depending on the climate in your area, a wooden mailbox will need to be painted or refinished every year or two. If left unfinished, a wooden mailbox will weather to a silver-gray color. This exterior will provide your wooden mailbox with natural protection from the sun.

More information on mailboxes