Rural mailbox distance from road

STEP 1. Dig a Post Hole

USPS guidelines state that post mount mailboxes should be installed at a height of 41-45 inches from the road surface to the bottom of the mailbox, and face 6-8 inches away from the road.

Use the measuring tape to mark a spot the appropriate distance away from the road to install the mailbox post.

Using a post hole digger, dig a hole at the marked spot deep enough so that the height of your mailbox is about 42 inches above the surface.

Wall-mounted mailbox height

You should not dig more than 24 inches deep.

Tip: It’s always smart to call 811 before digging for any project to avoid hitting underground utilities.

STEP 2: Position the Mailbox Post

Place the post inside the hole.

Using support beams to hold the post in place, measure to make sure that the length from the ground to the bottom of the mailbox meets about 42 in.

Next, check that the post is straight and parallel to the road with the level.

Readjust if needed.

If using concrete, go to Step 3.

If you’re not using concrete, use the shovel to car

how tall should your mailbox post be

how tall can a mailbox post be