Thursday, January 12, 2012
New Mailbox
If you have $200 to spend on a modern mailbox...definitely buy this one:
The craftsmanship on the Neutrabox is unparalleled and the price, given how it's made, is actually quite reasonable. But if you're like me, you might need something a bit more economical.
So how did I get into looking for a new mailbox, anyway?
Like many problems, it started with the innocent but erroneous believe that a tilting item on a post would be fun and charming, like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The reality, like most leaning structures, was that eventually my mailbox would fall down.
This thing was a bit of a last vestige of the previous owner's poor planning. It was located in the wrong spot and was the wrong design. There aren't really a lot cool, modern, post-mounted mailboxes. I decided to go back to some of Cliff May's original ideas: common materials, executed simply.
Instead of the awkward, complicated post pictured above, I decided to go with something simple...just a plain 4x4 post with a hidden platform to support the mailbox. No crossbars, not piece rising up in back, no bevels. And for the mailbox I wanted something simple and elegant, but also common. If you're on a budget, a great way to find modern-looking stuff is to go industrial or even agricultural. That's where you find the simple, functional stuff. Ultimately I decided to go with a simple rural mailbox, just like the one I have above...but in clearcoated aluminum.
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| http://www.neutrabox.com |
So how did I get into looking for a new mailbox, anyway?
This thing was a bit of a last vestige of the previous owner's poor planning. It was located in the wrong spot and was the wrong design. There aren't really a lot cool, modern, post-mounted mailboxes. I decided to go back to some of Cliff May's original ideas: common materials, executed simply.
Instead of the awkward, complicated post pictured above, I decided to go with something simple...just a plain 4x4 post with a hidden platform to support the mailbox. No crossbars, not piece rising up in back, no bevels. And for the mailbox I wanted something simple and elegant, but also common. If you're on a budget, a great way to find modern-looking stuff is to go industrial or even agricultural. That's where you find the simple, functional stuff. Ultimately I decided to go with a simple rural mailbox, just like the one I have above...but in clearcoated aluminum.
It really looks great with the stainless house numbers. Anyhow, I had to put in a new post and it's really important to get the details right (like having it be level and plumb). It only takes a few extra minutes to add some stays and double check your work, but you'll appreciate a post installed right for years to come.
Finally, here is the finished product. I even used stainless screws to make sure they'll always match the clearcoated aluminum mailbox. It has a very "fragile" look but platform is completely hidden underneath. In reality, it's very solid, and feels great when it snaps closed. I just need to paint the post and I'll be done.
