Retrofitting a Brick Mailbox Column with a Locking Mailbox

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing a Mailbox in a Brick Column

Brick column mailboxes add curb appeal to your home, but they are not easy to build or replace. If you  have a brick column with an unlocked mailbox but would like to upgrade to a locking mailbox, it’s not as hard as you may think!

Check out this informative post for a step-by-step guide on how to retrofit an existing brick mailbox with a locking mailbox.

In short, you will need to:

1. Determine if your brick column is big enough.

The most important factor is the distance between the end bricks, which are the half-bricks that you find on every other row of a brick column. The distance between the two end bricks should be big enough to fit the width of your locking mailbox.

2. Find out if the brick column is hollow or filled with debris.

Carefully pop the cap off the top of the column and find out if it is hollow or filled.

3. Cut the face with a diamond blade saw.

A diamond saw can be rented for less than $100/day. Cut the column 1/4″ wider larger than the outer dimensions of your locking mailbox. Then remove the cut sections.

4. Prepare the inside for a new mailbox.

If the column is hollow inside you will need to build a wooden platform for your locking mailbox. If your column is filled with debris you will need to chip or chisel these out.

5. Install your new locking mailbox.

This is quite simple to do with a curbside Mail Boss, which includes a Fast-Trak Mounting Plate. Simply attach the Mounting Plate and then slide the mailbox onto the plate and secure with two stainless steel machine screws.

Again, you can find more detailed information on the steps above here.