How Much Does a Brick Mailbox Cost?

Updated on March 5, 2024 | Written by Alec Pow
This article was researched using 3 sources. See our methodology and corrections policy.

If you’re considering installing a new brick mailbox for your home, the cost is likely an important factor in your decision. Brick mailboxes come in a wide range of styles and prices, but typically cost between $500 to $2,500+ fully installed.

Custom designs, high-end brick materials, and hiring a professional mason can increase costs significantly. Knowing what impacts pricing and planning a realistic budget allows you to build a beautiful, long-lasting brick mailbox you’ll love coming home to every day.

A properly constructed brick mailbox not only provides timeless curb appeal, but offers extreme durability, weather resistance, and security for decades to come. Built to last for 50 years or more, investing in a brick mailbox is a value-adding upgrade that enhances your property’s entrance when thoughtfully designed and integrated.

Taking time to understand the various design options, accurately estimate project costs, find the right contractor, and prepare for ongoing maintenance will ensure your long-term satisfaction.

Highlights

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• Total costs typically range from $500 (equivalent to 2.1 workdays at $30 per hour, or about $200 in 1990 dollars) for basic DIY models up to $2,500+ for lavish custom multi-box installations
• Major factors affecting cost include materials, size, added features, labor, and design complexity
• Careful planning, accurate budgeting, contractor vetting, and preparation minimize unwanted surprises
• DIY construction saves on labor but requires skills, time, tools, and help
• Look at your mailbox as an investment in your home’s value, security, and curb appeal

How Much Does a Brick Mailbox Cost?

A basic single brick mailbox costs $500-$1,500 (about $600 in 1990 dollars) fully installed depending on materials and who builds it. More elaborate designs with high-end bricks, custom details, and professional masonry often cost $2,000-$2,500+.

Here’s a breakdown of typical price ranges:

• Basic single DIY brick mailbox – $500 – $800
• Single pro-installed brick mailbox – $800 – $1,200
• Double pro-installed brick mailbox – $1,000 – $1,800
• Large custom engraved double mailbox – $1,800 – $2,500+
• Custom multi-mailbox brick unit – $2,000 – $3,500+

There are several factors that create such a wide range:

• Low-end basic bricks versus premium bricks – $200/1,000 bricks vs. $1,500/1,000 bricks
• Basic mortar mix versus specialty tinted mortar – $25/bag vs. $55/bag
• DIY construction versus professional masonry – save on labor vs. $50-$100/hour masonry fees
• Basic lettering versus intricate custom carvings – $100 vs $500+ design fees
• Single standard box versus oversized multi-compartment unit – use less materials and time

MailboxEmpire notes that Faux brick mailboxes cost around $650 to $1,700 on average and come in various designs.

According to Houzz, a 6 ft cement footing and the work to do a double mailbox with a flower part area bricked in between cost $1,400.

At MJ Masonry Mailbox, the Tower mailbox, one of the biggest styles, costs $1,300 (installed).

Design Factors Influence the Cost

Several design considerations impact the total project cost:

• Size and dimensions – Larger mailboxes require substantially more materials and labor hours, increasing costs. The standard interior dimensions of a single mailbox are 18 inches deep x 6 inches high x 15 inches wide. Oversized mailboxes can be double this size or larger.
• Number of brick mailbox compartments – Each additional segmented mailbox compartment adds significant expense for materials and construction time. Most homes only require one or two compartments at most.
• Shape – Basic rectangular mailboxes are the most affordable. Custom shapes like circles, curves, or cutouts add complexity and costs.
• Type of bricks used – Common fired clay bricks cost $200-$500 (about $200 in 1990 dollars) per 1,000. More decorative bricks like glazed, angled, or recycled vintage bricks run $500-$1,500+ per 1,000.
• Accent materials – Adding carved limestone or cast stone accents is pricier than plain masonry.
• Custom engravings/lettering – Adding custom house numbers, family name, or artwork ranges from $100 for basic lettering up to $500+ for intricate designs.
• Additional features – Decorative peaks, lighting, carved stonework, custom paint colors, and other upgrades add cost.

Important Planning and Budgeting Considerations

To avoid cost overruns, be sure to factor in these additional potential expenses beyond just the mailbox itself:

• Site preparation – clearing, leveling, and compacting a base costs $200-$500
• Concrete footer for stability – $100-$300
• Building permit fees – $25-$150
• Specialty mortar and masonry supplies – $50-$250
• Masonry contractor fees if not doing DIY – $50-$100 per hour
• Design fees for custom plans – $200-$500+
• Additional decorative elements like wrought iron accents or carved stone – $100-$500+
• Landscaping around the finished mailbox – $300-$1,000+

Research relevant building codes, get quotes for any contracted work, and plan for contingencies to stay on budget. Hidden costs can quickly inflate the project total if you’re not careful.

You might also like our articles about the cost of block foundation repair, hardwood stair installation, and in-ground hot tub set up.

Hiring a Professional Masonry Contractor

When requesting quotes from potential masonry companies, be sure to:

• Ask how many years of specialized masonry experience they have. Look for 5+ years of mailbox build expertise.
• Request several examples and photos of completed brick mailbox projects similar to your vision.
• Get at least 3-5 itemized quotes for accurate cost and scope comparison.
• Inquire about projected timelines for completion and any warranties or guarantees on workmanship.
• Verify they will pull any required building permits and schedule inspections.

Vetting masonry professionals thoroughly upfront helps avoid issues down the road.

Building Your Own Brick Mailbox? DIY Tips

For DIYers able and willing to take on the challenge, be prepared for:

• Materials: $300-$800 for quality bricks, concrete, mortar and supplies
• Time: 2-3 full weekends for proper construction and curing
• Skills needed: Basic masonry, carpentry, digging, measuring, building, tool usage
• Equipment required: Shovel, trowel, level, concrete forms, mixer, masonry saw, drill, wheelbarrow
• Safety gear: Gloves, goggles, respiratory mask, back brace
• Help: Recruit 1-2 friends for digging, materials, lifting, and building

Don’t underestimate the time, tools, skill, and physical labor required to properly DIY a brick mailbox.

Long-Term Maintenance Costs

Once your mailbox is built, ongoing maintenance is required to maximize its lifespan and appearance:

• Checking for cracks, damage, or shifting annually – seal any cracks to prevent moisture damage
• Replacing deteriorating mortar as needed every 5-10 years
• Applying fresh protective sealant every 1-2 years
• Cleaning mailbox exterior with mild detergent and brush annually
• Touching up paint on números or letters as needed
• Removing any vegetation growing near the structure
• Re-leveling if shifts occur due to soil erosion or frost heave
• Major repairs or full reconstruction after 30+ years of use

Expect to invest $100-$500 over the mailbox lifetime for proper upkeep and preservation.

Legal and Postal Regulations

Adhere to the following standards to avoid issues:

• Comply with USPS height requirements – 41-45 inches from road surface to inside mailbox floor
• Place appropriately – roadside or curbside per USPS access rules
• Obtain permits if required by city regulations
• Install in permitted HOA locations only
• Keep clear space around the box for postal carrier access

Is a Brick Mailbox Worth the Investment?

The added curb appeal and unique character of a custom brick mailbox definitely provides an excellent return on investment in the form of:

• Increased home value – brick mailboxes show new buyers a well-cared-for home
• Improved streetscape aesthetics – enhances entire neighborhood
• Personal joy and pride in stunning curb appeal
• Extreme durability and weather resistance lasting decades

By properly planning, budgeting, and maintaining your brick mailbox, you’ll reap rewards for years to come.

Final Words

With smart planning and design, a high quality custom brick mailbox adds artistry, durability, and charm to make your house a home for decades to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a brick mailbox increase property value?

Yes, in most cases a professionally constructed and visually appealing brick mailbox can boost a home’s property value. The added curb appeal and impression of an established, quality home helps attract buyers.

However, a shoddily DIY’d mailbox with uneven bricks or crooked alignment may deter buyers and lower value. The mailbox design must match the home and be well-built.

What is the standard size of a brick mailbox?

The typical interior dimensions of a standard rectangular single brick mailbox are 18 inches deep by 6 inches high and 15 inches wide. This allows easy mail storage. Overall exterior dimensions are larger based on brick width and mortar joints.

Popular double mailbox sizes are around 36 inches wide and 24 inches deep.

Can you build your own brick mailbox?

Yes, it’s possible for a homeowner to build their own DIY brick mailbox, but it requires masonry skills, the right tools, considerable time, physical strength, and helpers. Proper digging, a concrete footer, level walls, correctly mixed/applied mortar, neat brickwork, and final sealing are critical.

Masonry contractors are recommended, but DIY is an option for the committed.