People don't usually give too much thought to their mailboxes, but maybe they should! After all, a mailbox is one of the first things people see when they pull up to your home. If yours is old, dented or peeling now is the time to replace it with a beautiful new model that will do credit to you and your home. There are plenty of choices out there to choose from: here are some things to look for.
--Go for a classic look: Cutesy designs for mailboxes were all the rage a decade ago; people could buy one in the shape of their favorite dog or bird. Unfortunately, if you choose a novelty design it most likely will become a target for vandals. Opt instead for a classic look that is clean, all-American and will give you years of service without ever looking dated or tacky.
--Durability: You want every component of your new mailbox to be completely weather-resistant and thereby look next-to-new for years with little to no ongoing maintenance. We've all seen metal boxes tilting on old, rotting wooden posts. Make sure that both your box and its post are made from rust-resistant, durable aluminum. The box should always have a weather-safe powder coat finish for extra protection.
--Portability: Many people mount their mailboxes in brick or stone to match the exterior of their homes. This looks very nice but in our highly-transient society it's not very cost-effective. You can special order beautiful mailboxes with matching posts that are completely portable so it can go along with you when you move.
For extra attractiveness and functionality, consider choosing a design that features plenty of room and an attached newspaper holder: no more mailboxes bursting with a weeks' worth of mail or newspapers on the driveway! First impressions really are everything: give your mailbox another look and see how a new one can enhance your home's curb appeal.
