How to Choose the Ideal Letterbox for Your Home

Today, social media and various messaging apps are our go-to methods of written communication, and almost nobody uses the traditional form that is mail. But even though we send out fewer letters, letterboxes continue to grace the front of most homes. This is because people have recognized their potential in boosting a home’s curb appeal.

The letterbox is usually the first thing guests notice upon putting a foot in your yard, so picking one that’s unique and chic is the perfect way to leave a great first impression. And thanks to the many models and makes that Australian letterbox suppliers offer, everyone can conveniently find something to fit their exterior design puzzle. If you want to bring the lovely charm of a letterbox to your exterior, here are some things to consider in order to make a perfect choice.

The Mounting Style

The way your letterbox is attached to your exterior can greatly influence its functionality and looks. There are several mounting styles to choose from, each with its own advantages and downsides.

• The Post Mounted Letterbox

When trying to imagine a letterbox, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the iconic post mounted letterbox. Being the first-ever model of a letterbox, this is the most traditional of all letterboxes. But you can also find a post mounted letterbox with a contemporary design that can fit a modern property as well.

Because this type of letterbox is usually installed on the curbside, it’s also referred to as a curbside letterbox. A big upside of a curbside letterbox is that mailmen can deliver your mail without the need to walk up to the front of your house. As a result, your property gets to stay more private and there’s no risk that your dog attacks the mailman.

• The Door Installed Letterbox

As the name suggests, this type of letterbox is directly mounted on your front door. As a result, it can be used to give the door a decorative accent. That being said, it’s important to choose a model that will match the look of your door. For instance, a traditional wooden door and a wooden letterbox will match perfectly. For a modern-looking door, opt for something sleek like a clean plastic or brushed steel letterbox.

This type of mailbox requires that the mail is delivered directly to your door. If the postman actually bothers to walk to your front door, that is. If the postman is on a busy route, they may simply toss the mail in the yard. This type of mailbox isn’t usually a good choice if you have children or pets, because you have small children, this type of letterbox is not a good choice because it makes the mail easy for them to reach, tear it apart or misplace it.

• The Wall Mounted Letterbox

If you don’t want to spoil your beautiful front door but also don’t want to have to walk to the curbside to pick up mail, you can always go for a wall-mounted letterbox. This type of letterbox can be conveniently attached to any wall of your property. If you’re a fan of minimalism, you can go for a wall-mounted design that has a flush finish. This type of letterbox is installed within a cavity on the wall, and as such, it doesn’t stick out. Make sure to choose a material and finish that fits the wall the letterbox is going to be mounted on.

• Fence Mounted

Similarly, you can also mount the letterbox on your fence. With this kind of letterbox the mailman won’t even have to enter your property – highly convenient for when you’re on vacation and need to lock the fence door.

The Material

Remember, your letterbox will be outside exposed to the elements each day. That being said, you need to make sure it’s made from a material that can withstand the weather conditions of your location. Additionally, you also need to consider how the choice of material will impact the rest of your house’s exterior.

That being said, a stainless steel letterbox is a great choice for a house with a modern facade. Plus, stainless steel is UV, water and corrosion resistant and super strong – making your letterbox hard to break into. But if a wooden design is more suitable for your exterior, consider an Accoya letterbox. Accoya is a type of engineered wood that’s known for its exceptional longevity, rich colour and glow, and the ability to withstand rain, UV rays, humidity, salty ocean air and damage from insects. Besides having an attractive look,  Accoya is considered a sustainable material and as such a great option if you want to make a more eco-friendly choice.