Build Your Own Brick Letterbox

Installing a brick letterbox in your front yard can increase the curb appeal of your home. Building one is a straightforward process that you can finish over the weekend. This project will only require a few tools and materials.

You will need a fiber banister brush, a combination square, a handsaw, a utility knife, and a cement mixer (which you can rent). You will also need a 20-kg bag of general-purpose cement and bricks.

After selecting a suitable spot in your front yard, measure the area based on the size of the letterbox as well as local regulations.

Once you have finished measuring and marking the area, begin digging the footing. Make sure that you avoid pipes and cables which may run beneath the ground. Also, remember to check the depth.

Next, begin mixing the concrete and water. After that, you can create the slab by pouring the mixture into the footing that you dug into the ground. Make sure that there is ample space on the top that you can fill in. Also, ensure that the concrete slab is level by using a spirit level.

If you are sure that the slab is even, use a trowel to smooth the concrete mix. Leave the slab to set and dry for about 24 hours.

Once the concrete slab is already set, lay the bricks for your letterbox. Be sure that you leave at least 10 mm of space between the bricks. Use the square to make sure that the corners are even. Now mark the outline on the slab using a pencil and then remove the bricks.

Now you can mix the mortar. Be sure to follow the instructions outlined in the bag. After that, get your brick trowel and put some mortar on the concrete slab that you finished the day before. Make sure that the outline you made initially is still visible.

After preparing the mortar, you can now begin laying the bricks. Set the first brick inside your outline. Check if the brick is level using a spirit level. If you need to adjust the brick, tap it using the handle of the trowel.

Continue adding bricks. Be sure to remove excess mortar and constantly check whether the bricks are level. You will also need to put in some bricks in the middle so your letterbox will not be hollow. There is no need to keep these bricks level. Avoid lining the bricks from end to end. Instead, lay each brick over a previous join.

Once you have achieved sufficient height, you can get your newspaper holder and lay it over the brick pier at the center. After that, you can lay bricks around it. Next, remove the newspaper holder and begin adding more mortar to the pier. Once you are done, begin adding the first layer of bricks that will go around your newspaper holder.

Using a bolster and a hammer, cut the bricks that will need to go around the newspaper holder. After that, begin installing the newspaper holder by putting some mortar on the gap and then lay the newspaper holder pipe on it. Fill the gaps around the newspaper holder by cutting bricks and then lay a layer of bricks on top of the newspaper holder.

Once you are done, you can now begin assembling your letterbox. First, lay the box over the brick pier and check your measurements. Make sure the box is centered and that the overlap is flush with the edges of the brick pier. You can then begin adding mortar and laying bricks on the sides of the box.

If you are satisfied with the height, you can now render the top of the letterbox by adding concrete and smoothing it over using a trowel.

Once you are finished, clean your new letterbox using a sponge and a brush.

About the Author: Kenneth Lawrence is a passionate “handyman”. But he also values the importance of getting expert help whenever necessary. He visits sites like http://www.sandleford.com.au. And he shares guidelines and tips about home improvement.

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