Getting the depth of a granite mailbox post right is important for several reasons. First, the post has to be deep enough to hold a mailbox that is installed at the same height as the street. Second, it needs to be deep enough to allow for proper compaction of the post. Third, a granite mailbox post must be deep enough to allow for flowers to grow around the post.
Pre-planning before digging holes for granite posts
Putting up a granite post for mailbox can increase the curb appeal of your property. However, before you start digging, you should pre-plan the job. This includes planning for the hole, the size of the post, and how to backfill it. If you do not pre-plan, you could end up with a hole that is too small for the post, or it could be filled with gravel. Alternatively, you could run into underground utility lines. Depending on your state, you may need to call 811 or Dig Safe to notify the utility company before you begin the digging.
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is to not pre-plan their project. The US Postal Service has rules regarding the size of a mailbox, and the best way to get it right is to know your local regulations. Luckily, Swenson Granite Works can help you to plan the job correctly. They also can connect you with contractors in your area.
A good idea before you start digging is to pre-mark the area with flags and white paint. You can also use a post-hole digger to dig the hole. The hole should be three times the width of the post. You may want to purchase a post-hole digger from a local hardware store. This will allow you to make a hole that is at least 30 inches deep.
After you have dug the hole, you should add six inches of compact gravel to the bottom of the hole. This will help to compact the gravel around the post and prevent it from moving. You should also add four inches of loam, which is a mixture of clay, silt, and sand. This will make the post look nice and help it to stand up well.
Finally, you should add two bags of concrete to the hole, and mix it with water according to the package instructions. This will make a concrete mix that is smooth and durable. The post could be a tad lopsided, and this concrete mix will help to fill in the gap.
Typical U.S. Postal regulations require the height from the street level to the bottom of the installed mailbox
Whether you’re building your mailbox or installing a new one, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has guidelines for mailbox installation. These guidelines will help you install a mailbox that meets USPS size, construction, and maintenance standards. In addition, the Postmaster General has issued a seal of approval for mailboxes that meet these standards.
A mailbox that is installed in compliance with USPS standards will have slots that are large enough to accept an unfolded USPS Priority envelope. These slots must be at least one and a half inches wide and thirty inches high. The door must also be at least one and a half inches wide.
A mailbox must be at least seven inches back from the curb. If it’s too close to the curb, the post box will be inaccessible to a mail carrier.
Post office mailbox height regulations are the same for suburban and rural residents. If you live in a rural area, you will need to check with your local postmaster about mailbox regulations. You’ll also need to make sure that your mailbox is easily accessible to a mail carrier. Ideally, it should be located six to eight inches back from the curb.
If you’re installing a mailbox in a rural setting, you’ll want to make sure that you do not put a trash can or other unsightly objects close to your mailbox. Also, be sure that you keep vehicles off the road.
If you’re installing a locking mailbox, you’ll need to make sure that the door slots are large enough to accommodate a daily volume of mail. In addition, the slots must be hinged on the opposite side of the door hinges. They must also be at least seven inches wide.
The USPS will also require that the front edge of your mailbox be at least six to eight inches back from the curb. This allows a mail carrier to easily deliver your mail. You should also make sure that the door opening is at least ninety degrees. You should also install reflective stickers to increase the visibility of your mailbox at night.
Proper compaction of a granite mailbox post
Whether you are installing a new mailbox post or replacing an old one, it’s important to make sure you get the job done right. Fortunately, there are a few tips to make the process easier.
First and foremost, it’s important to get a solid idea of the size of the hole you’re going to dig. If you’re installing a stock-size 7″ x 7′-0 granite post, for example, you’ll need a hole that’s around 18 inches in diameter. You’ll also need to make sure you mark the location of any utility lines.
You’ll also want to test the soil moisture. In general, the ideal moisture content is between 10% and 20%. If the moisture content is too dry, the compaction process will be hampered. This can lead to voids, which can cause the post to sag. In some states, you’ll need to notify the local building department about your project within 72 hours.
The best way to determine the moisture content of your soil is to perform a Proctor Test. This tests the effects of moisture on soil density. If you don’t have access to a Proctor Test, you can test the moisture content of the soil by hand. The resulting number will tell you if you need to add more moisture.
It’s also a good idea to consider what type of material you’re going to use for your subbase. For example, if you live in a hot and dry climate, decomposed granite is a good choice. This type of material will help to keep the post from bowing in hot weather.
Likewise, you’ll want to consider what type of gravel you’ll need to backfill your hole. Gravel is usually permeable, which means it will allow more movement in the post. In some cases, you’ll need to add additional clean gravel to the mix. You can also use a long-handled sledgehammer to compact the gravel around the post as you go.
In addition, you’ll want to consider the type of post you’re going to install. If you’re planning on installing a chain-linking system, you’ll want to choose a post with a single metal mounting loop. If you’re going to be installing a non-stock accessory, you’ll need a post that’s a bit longer.
Plant flowers around a granite mailbox post
Creating a mailbox garden is an easy way to add color and texture to your property. There are several flowers to choose from, which can be used to soften the mailbox post and create a welcoming area for the mail carrier.
The best types of flowers to plant around a mailbox are perennials. These plants will return each year and will require very little maintenance. They tend to be more expensive than annual flowers, but the flowers do not need to be replanted each year.
If you want to add color to your mailbox garden, consider planting flowers that bloom in different colors. You can also combine flower arrangements to create a colorful effect.
Lavender is a great flower to plant around a mailbox because it has a strong fragrance and helps deter garden pests. It can also be harvested for a variety of household uses.
Clematis is another perennial that works well around mailboxes. It is a vine that grows in full sun and has a variety of blooms. It can be trained to grow around a mailbox post by attaching it to a wire structure.
Black-eyed Susan is a native wildflower that is drought-tolerant. It grows to about two feet wide and is a great option for mailbox gardens. It attracts birds and other pollinators.
Dianthus, which is a member of the carnation family, also works well around mailboxes. It grows to about two feet wide and blooms in spring and fall. The flower petals are shaped like petals from a carnation. It comes in white, red and yellow blooms.
Plants that grow in clumps, such as Russian sage, work well around mailboxes because the plants form dense masses that block out weeds and other plants. The flowers bloom from June to October, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.
Conclusion
Dianthus can also be trained to grow around a mailbox post. It comes in a wide variety of colors and grows between one and two feet wide. It is also an excellent choice for mailbox gardens because it attracts pollinators and is drought-tolerant.
