How to Choose the Right Bracket for Your Granite Mailbox Post
How to Choose the Right Bracket for Your Granite Mailbox Post
So you’ve decided to go with granite for your next mailbox post. You know the box you want, the color of the box, and the exact location you want the post installed it. But, you still can’t decide on a bracket. When choosing a bracket it’s wise to consider its appearance, material, and structural design.
Appearance – Matching Your Mailbox and Bracket
In term of appearance it is best to think about how well the color of the bracket matches to the color of the box. When both the box and bracket are the same color, they tend to blend together as one piece on the post when looking at the post from a distance. However, when the colors of the two are in contrast the bottom line of the box becomes more defined.
Size Matters – Choosing the Right Bracket Size
Brackets also come in different sizes. Larger brackets will often draw more visual attention than a smaller bracket when they are both paired with an average size box. A larger bracket will also make for a more balanced appearance with a larger box.
Structural Design – Stability and Support
When it comes to structural design, brackets with a wider shelf and a wider backing that adheres to the post offer greater stability. This helps ensure that your box remains level well into the future and helps to prevent any wobble that might occur when opening and closing your box door.
Mailbox Bracket Materials
The three main materials you will be choosing between are wood, iron, and aluminum.
Wood Mailbox Brackets
If choosing wood it is best to make sure that top of the bracket is covered by the box to reduce rot from water contact. Sprinklers and up splash from tires going through puddles and water run off can also wreak havoc on your wood post. If any of that water has iron in it, you better keep your paint bucket and brush handy.
Iron Mailbox Brackets
Iron is strong, and can often withstands the snow shooting off of the town plow better than wood or aluminum. However, if an iron bracket does get bent or broken from impact there is a greater chance the bolts fastening it to the post will be damaged right along with it. This means that new bolts will have to be drilled to remount a new bracket.
Aluminum Mailbox Brackets
When it comes to aluminum you rust will not be an issue. On top of that if an aluminum bracket does get hit, it tends to break clean giving the bolts going into the bolts, the best chance of survival. And if they do survive, then a new bracket can just be installed back on the same bolts. On the other hand aluminum brackets stand the least chance of surviving the snow shooting off of a town plow.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right bracket for your granite mailbox post comes down to appearance, size, and durability. Each material has its strengths, so the best option depends on your environment and the look you want to achieve.
