Asked on Aug 10, 2019

How deep should I dig the hole for a mailbox post?

Michelle
by Michelle

I dug hole and put post in it stands at 4 ft. I am placing by my front steps in my flower bed. Mail person walks across yards to do mail delivery Is it correct height

  4 answers
  • Paula Paula on Aug 10, 2019

    2 and a 1/2 3' down

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Aug 10, 2019

    Hello, I would definitely suggest using a post hole digger. They are efficient to dig a small but deep hole for the mounting post. The recommendations specs are as follows


    USPS requirements state that a mailbox can be no taller than 45 inches above street level. Since most streets have a curb, the standard mailbox height is 42 inches above ground level. So the total height is around 45 inches: 42 inches from the ground, plus the few inches added by the curb.



    • Measure the height of your mailbox post. USPS requirements state that a mailbox height must be 41 to 45 inches above the road's surface. Standard mailbox height above the ground is 42 inches.
    • Mark a spot on your lawn six to eight inches back from your curb. If you do not have a raised curb, contact your local postmaster for guidance.
    • Use a post hole digger to dig a hole for your post at this spot. Dig deep enough that the height of your mailbox above the ground is around 42 inches. Do not dig deeper than 24 inches. Hope this helps.

  • Ted43306375 Ted43306375 on Aug 11, 2019

    it is a question of leverage the mail box will be subject to. If minimal then a post hole auger will suffice but beware of anyone leaning on it because it is in a soft substrata.