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I needed a new mailbox at my new house so i thought Id just make one. Everything is better made of wood anyway right?

The box is red oak and the flag is purple heart. The flag is attached with a stainless screw with a rubber washer on both sides of the flag and oak dowels were placed as the flag stoppers so it doesnt swing all the way around. I put several coats of urethane on with a rag and the water just runs right off of it. The front has a small overhang over the door to keep water out of the inside. The post is aromatic cedar that i got from the hardware store.

Ill probably do a light sanding and add another coat of finish about once a year. When this mailbox has reached the end of its life ill just make another one. Only time will tell how long it will really last but im thinkin it will be a long with a new coat if finish yearly.

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I dont know, I never thought of that. Ive been getting mail in it for a couple months now though.
 

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The USPS does have some specs on mail boxes. The size is probably not a problem but it needs to be a certain height range from the ground and a certain location respective to the road way. Sorry I don't remember the specs.

That is a nice box but I think maintenance of the finish will become a pain in the b…... It would probably fair better with a good coat of house paint.
I have a very large one that is designed similar to the USPS "blue" boxes used for mail drop off. The opening tips open so the mail can be dropped in out of reach and at the rear is a locked door to retrieve the man. This makes it so opportunistic miscreants can not steal the mail. I have clips on the inside of the tilt open door for outgoing mail. It is made from 1 1/8" sub floor plywood there by being almost indestructible to the passing malicious juvenile with a base ball bat.
 

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Nice job on the box. I suggest marine varnish for a durable finish.
 
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