Outside post boxes – secure and weatherproof; is there such a thing?
Customers often ask if outdoor post boxes will protect their mail and provide a perfect product for home use.
Let us assure you that our external post boxes are the best solution for outside mail collection. They have been designed and manufactured to meet strict European standards for security and weather resistance.
Now, you couldn’t dunk one of our outside post boxes in the bath and expect your bills and circulars to remain dry; it’s not waterproof. However, it will include features that minimise water ingress, even in a heavy downpour. This could be small ridges that channel water away from openings.
So, when customers want to know if their outside post box will be weatherproof, the answer is, “yes they are; they are designed to be used outside and they will keep your mail safe from the weather.
A weatherproof mailbox for home also needs to be long-lasting and that means rust resistance. The majority of our external post boxes are treated with a thermal powder coating. This outer protective layer ensures it can stand up to rain, snow and hail without the risk of rusting.
For added assurance, please be aware that all of our post boxes come with at least a one-year warranty.
If you need any further proof, have a look at this video we made. In it, Dominic makes a right mess of our office by pouring buckets of water over an SD5 mailbox. We did ask him to go outside but he doesn’t like the rain… however, it shows that in our tests, we really test weatherproof!
Dom may not like the rain but the SD5 took whatever was thrown at it. As you see, the envelope comes out dry, despite the good drenching the letterbox gets.
So you’ll have to excuse us for being pernickety on the terminology. When we see the request for a “waterproof post box for home”, we all say “ah, what you need is weatherproof post box for home. Otherwise, you can’t actually get the post in”.
This picture shows the sole external post box mounted next to a modern front door
This picture shows a Serenissima Stainless Steel Wall Mounted External Post Box installed next to a blue front door
This picture shows the W3-2 Gate Mounted External Post Box installed onto a wooden gate
This picture shows the SMN Through The Wall External Post Box mounted in a brick wall
This picture shows a W2N Wall Mounted Stainless Steel External Post Box installed on a brick wall
This picture shows the SM Copper Through The Wall External Post Box installed in a brick wall
This picture shows the WA1 Wall Mounted External Post Box installed on a brick wall next to a red front door
This picture shows the front of a W3-3 Gate Mounted External Post Box installed in a wooden fence below a customer name plate
Rolle Through The Wall External Post Box
This picture shows a W3 Gate Mounted External Post Box mounted onto metal railings
Welcome to Outdoor Post Boxes
Finding the Ideal Letterbox
An external post box can elevate your home’s security and curb appeal. However, with the multitude of options available, it’s essential to determine the best size for your outdoor letterbox.
Consider Your Needs
The answer depends on several factors:
The type of mail you typically receive – letters or parcels?
How often you retrieve the mail – daily or less frequently?
The available space for a wall-mounted or free-standing post box.
Let’s explore these factors to help you make an informed decision.
Choosing the Right Size
How Big Are Post Boxes?
A compact wall-mounted letterbox, like the Moda Italiana Gioiosa (375 x 258 mm, 85cm depth), typically complies with EU requirements to hold A4 letters without bending or exposure to the weather. It’s stylish and available in traditional post box red.
For budget-conscious buyers, our small post boxes, such as the SDG2 Quick Fix, offer great value without compromising quality. These models are designed to be weather-resistant and easy to install.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Allux 800L is a large post box designed to securely hold multiple packages, making it ideal for homes and offices, especially with the surge in e-commerce sales.
What Size Fits in a Letterbox?
Most outdoor post boxes, including the Allux 200, have openings large enough for a Royal Mail large letter (up to 353x250x25mm).
The letter plate openings are restricted to prevent unintended access. Some models, like the LFD 042, have a large letterbox hold for storing mail, perfect if you don’t access your mail daily. Enhanced security features include wider openings and baffles to deter unwanted entry.
Large Post Boxes for House Installation
If you frequently receive packages, explore our parcel box range, available in various sizes and styles. The clever design ensures restricted access. Through-the-wall models include angles and drops to prevent reach-in, while wall-mounted and free-standing options feature internal shelves that lower for parcel drop-off and rise when the letter plate opens, blocking unwanted entry.
Installation Considerations
The best-sized post box depends on available space. Consider whether you’ll install it on a boundary wall, fence, gate, or next to the front entrance.
Most properties can accommodate a standard-sized wall-mounted letterbox. If space is limited but you desire a parcel box, the Allux 500 offers a good capacity-to-size ratio.
We provide a standard fitting kit for every gate or wall-mounted letterbox, and many through-the-wall options include a trim for a polished finish.
Selecting Your Ideal Letterbox
Our advice:
Assess your typical mail type to determine if a standard letter plate opening suffices or if you need a parcel box.
Consider your daily access to the letterbox or if a larger hold is necessary.
Evaluate the ideal installation location and its impact on the box’s size.
With these considerations in mind, you can choose a style that suits your property, personal preference, and budget. If you have questions about any post boxes for sale on our website, please contact us at 01296 839401 or [email protected].