You’ve probably seen countless mailboxes and are familiar with how they work. However, if you’re in the market for a new mailbox for your home or business, a pedestal mailbox may appear a bit different from the all-too-familiar post-mounted options common along roadsides.
In this quick post, we shed light on pedestal mailboxes to help you decide if they best suit your mailing needs.
Keep an eye out for a quick explanation on the mailbox pedestal. It’ll help make your decision-making process easier.
Understanding Pedestal Mailboxes
A pedestal mailbox refers to any mailbox with a mailbox post that requires bolting down. Typically, the mailbox attaches snugly on top of a pedestal and is securely fastened to make mail delivery a breeze for the postman and mail pick-up a snap for residents.
Traditionally, pedestal mailboxes feature a distinctive design, sporting a tall, slender post or pedestal as the supporting structure of the mailbox unit.
This style blends standout aesthetic and practical functionality thanks to a mailbox pedestal that elevates the mail receptacle to a reachable and visible position.
A standout characteristic of modern pedestal mailboxes is their capacity for multiple individual compartments or cluster units housed within the mailbox structure.
This design is especially beneficial in settings where multiple users share a single mailbox installation, like in office complexes, shopping centers, and apartment buildings. Each compartment can be assigned to a specific recipient, allowing for organized and secure mail distribution.
Difference Between Pedestal and Post-Mounted Mailboxes
Pedestal and post-mounted mailboxes may appear the same at first blush. Although they are similar, if you take a closer look, you’ll spot some differences that cater to different needs and preferences.
With pedestal mailboxes, you get a portable pedestal as the supporting structure, and this feature often comes as part of the complete mailbox package.
The pedestal allows you to set up the mailbox wherever you like, giving you the freedom to change its spot at will as long as you can secure it to the ground or any flat surface using bolts or anchors.
On the flip side, installing a post-mounted mailbox means digging the ground to anchor the post according to USPS installation guidelines. The mailbox post is buried no more than 24 inches deep, making it firmly anchored in the ground and providing increased stability, especially in windy conditions.
Here’s a quick list of the key differences between these mailboxes:
Pedestal Mailboxes
- Installed on flat surfaces such as concrete, wood, or brick.
- Typically used for residential, commercial, or apartment settings.
- Often made of durable materials such as metal, cast iron, or aluminum.
- Usually featuring locking mechanisms for added protection.
- Can be installed near the curb or on a porch, providing flexibility in placement.
- Installation involves securing the mailbox to a base using bolts, with the base as a flat mounting surface.
- Can have a classic and elegant appearance, enhancing the curb appeal of a property.
Post-Mounted Mailboxes
- Mounted on a post secured in the ground.
- Commonly used for residential settings, especially along driveways, for visibility and convenience.
- The post provides stability and security, especially in windy conditions.
- Can be a suitable choice for properties with long driveways, making mail delivery more convenient for postal workers.
Whether you prefer the steadfast security of a grounded structure or the convenience of mobility, knowing these differences will help you choose the mailbox that best suits your style and practical needs.
A Quick Word on Mailbox Pedestals
The terms “pedestal mailbox” and “mailbox pedestal” are related and often used interchangeably in casual conversations, but they are not the same.
We’ve already covered the pedestal mailboxes ― mail receptacles with integrated posts or pedestals.
Strictly speaking, a mailbox pedestal refers to the post or supporting structure on which a mailbox mounts. A standard mailbox pedestal can support various mailbox types, including:
- Roadside mailbox: This usually refers to mailboxes you see by the side of the road, where people get their mail from the postal service.
- Mail chest: This often means a bigger mailbox designed to handle a greater volume of mail, like the ones you’d find in homes or businesses.
- Mail package drop: This typically refers to mailboxes with bigger space for handling not just mail and parcels but packages, too.
When purchasing a mailbox, you might see ones labeled as “pedestal mailboxes” ― these come with their own built-in post. Alternatively, you can grab a standalone mailbox and add a sturdy pedestal or post to prop it up.
To avoid confusion, make sure to read the product descriptions and specifications when picking out mailboxes or posts.
You want to make sure you’re getting the configuration you need, whether it’s an all-in-one setup with the mailbox and post or a separate post for your chosen mailbox.
