Choosing the Right Mailbox Post: Material Matters

Today, there are many different types of mailbox post material you can use.

Introduction to Mailbox Post Materials

When considering the material for your mailbox post, there’s a variety of options to explore. Wooden posts, reminiscent of the sturdiness and natural beauty of trees, are a popular choice. Keep in mind, though, that these posts might require extra care against natural elements like wood rot and common pests such as termites and carpenter ants. It’s all about finding that perfect blend of style and durability to enhance your home’s outdoor appeal.

If you are a homeowner in need of replacing a rotten mailbox post or if you are thinking of installing a new wooden mailbox post, this article offers a number of mailbox post material options and tips to help you in your decision.

Metal Mailbox Post Material

Of course, if all factors are considered, the best mailbox post material may not be wood at all. Metal mailbox posts crafted of cast aluminum will not only be completely insect resistant and free of dry rot for life, but today’s metal mailbox posts will also not rust, even in areas along the ocean where salt in the air constantly attacks metal objects. As the nation’s leading retailer of mailboxes (and mailbox posts), The MailboxWorks offers many cast aluminum mailbox posts in a variety of attractive colors including Special Lite metal mailbox posts, and Architectural Mailboxes mailbox posts, also made of metal.

Matching Mailbox and Mailbox Post

Of course, if one already has a well-made post mount mailbox from one of the MailboxWork’s key brands such as Architectural Mailboxes, Bobi, Ecco, Gaines, Imperial Systems, Streetscape, or Whitehall Mailboxes, then one should strongly consider simply replacing the old mailbox post with a replacement mailbox post that matches the particular mailbox brand.  The MailboxWorks carries nearly two dozen different kinds of replacement mailbox posts that are designed to complement MailboxWork’s brands (and all the assembly hardware is included with your mailbox post purchase). We even carry mailbox and post sets.

Composite Mailbox Post Option

Another mailbox post material that outperforms wooden posts is a composite wood post (like Trek), the material that is often used in deck building.  Like their cast aluminum counterparts, these plastic composite mailbox posts are immune to insects and weather conditions that typically damage or destroy wooden mailbox post materials. If one has a composite post left over from a deck project and the tools available to customize the composite post for a mailbox installation, a composite wood mailbox post will perform excellently.

Wooden Mailbox Post Types

For those who desire the natural beauty and strength of real wood, there are five key types of wooden mailbox post materials you should consider when replacing or installing a new wood mailbox post. Wooden mailbox posts have stunning wood grain patterns and the ability to shape into any form desired.

At the top of the list are wood species that have the highest rot resistance over time, such as Teak, Ipe (pronounced ee-pay), or Black Locus (also called stone wood).

Ipe Wood Posts  

Builders used Brazilian walnut, or Ipe (pronounced ee-pay), in the famous Coney Island boardwalk. This wood is most commonly found in Central America, Brazil, and Florida. Ipe wood is so dense that it refuses to float, but its density also makes it highly resistant to pest infestation. However, this same high density also makes Ipe wood posts difficult to work with. Holes must be predrilled in Ipe wood and its density makes it impervious to stain. While some try to varnish it to preserve its stunning colors, Ipe is a wooden mailbox post material that won’t hold varnish well in outdoor conditions and will turn a light silvery grey color over time (usually between the first and second year). Although homeowners can use Ipe for wood mailbox posts, the high cost of acquiring the wood and installing it often makes it prohibitive.

Teak Wood Posts

Teak wood is similar to Ipe in its resistance to pests and ability to resist challenging climate conditions.  Although Teak wood is easier to work with than Ipe wood, Teak will also weather to a grey color when left untreated. Additionally, lumber prices may reveal that teak wood posts are more than twice as expensive as Ipe, making Teak wood a rare choice for use as a Teak mailbox post.

Black Locus Wood Posts

Frequently used for masts in shipbuilding in earlier eras, black locust wood is also hard, durable, and famous for its longevity. However, black locust wood posts can be difficult to source in a typical 4”x4” mailbox post size. Utilizing black locus wood naturally, rather than having it first milled or split, can maximize the longevity of the black locus wooden mailbox posts.

Other Types of Wood Mailbox Posts

Additional wood types that do well in exterior applications such as wooden mailbox posts include cypress, redwood, and cedar wood.  The MailboxWorks highly recommends cedar wood for wood mailbox post applications.

Cedar Wood Posts

Unlike the harder woods above, cedar wood is easy to work with, easy to find, affordable, and resists both rot and infestation. Additionally, one does not have to custom craft a cedar wood mailbox post, as they are readily available in three beautiful designs:

1. Standard cedar post design where the mailbox rests on an arm projected from the cedar post
2. Deluxe cedar post design with attractive notching and a decorative curved brace beneath the mailbox
3. A cedar post includes an arm that doubles as a newspaper box, allowing you to mount the mailbox on top of the newspaper box.

Manufacturers craft all three cedar mailbox post designs from 100% cedar wood and prepare them for easy installation.

Get Help Choosing A Mailbox Post

Ready to upgrade your mailbox with the perfect post? Choose from our durable, stylish options including wood, metal, and composite posts. Don’t wait, transform your home’s curb appeal today!
Our mailbox experts are here to assist you if you need help choosing what type of mailbox post you should consider.

Please contact us online, send us an email, or call The MailboxWorks anytime, toll free at 1-866-717-4943.

Categorized in: Residential Mailboxes