How to Install a Mailbox Post Without Concrete

There is a way to install a mailbox post without concrete…or digging.

Someone’s car took out your mailbox post, it has an unsightly lean to it, or you just need to improve your curb appeal to sell that house. Regardless of the reason, the idea of digging a 2-3 foot hole and mixing concrete does not appeal to most people.You could hire a contractor to do the job, but it’s just a mailbox post, right? Surely there’s a way I can do it myself. If that’s your mentality, you are a DIY-er and you have come to the right place. We are presenting a method that will allow you to still use a regular 4×4 wood post, but without the drudgery of digging and concrete.

Install a Mailbox Post without Concrete (but still with a 4×4 wood post)

For this installation, we recommend the Mayne No-Dig Ground Anchor, which costs around $32-35 at most online retailers, but at the time of this article is under $20 at Amazon for Prime members. Installing the post yourself using a 4×4 wood post is definitely going to be the most cost-effective solution.

The anchor is made of galvanized steel and is over 2 feet long, which will certainly provide a sturdy foundation going in the ground that deep. It’s a good alternative for places where you may have lots of tree roots and do not want to dig a hole, disturbing the root system. Plus, it provides the advantage of being able to Install a Mailbox Post in the Winter when the ground is frozen and you are unable to dig a hole or pour concrete.

The biggest advantage of this method over anything else is the ease of installation. You basically just “screw” the anchor into the ground using a 20″ crossbar for leverage, which is included with the kit. After the anchor is screwed into the ground, you set your wood post on the bracket and attach it using 5 lag bolts. The bracket has pre-drilled holes and the bolts are included.

Do the Twist

Select your location for the new post and mark it with a stick or rock. Grab your anchor and slide the crossbar through the two holes in the top of the bracket. Place the anchor on your designated spot and begin turning the crossbar while applying downward pressure. Take care that your spike is going in vertically level. You can hold a small level against the side of the top portion of the spike to check yourself, or use a corner level which is made for posts. You should probably check that it is straight after every couple of turns. If it is leaning to one side, you should be able to manipulate the direction by placing extra pressure on the opposite side while turning. Once you get the anchor deep enough so that the bottom of your bracket is ground level, you’re ready for the next step.

If you are doing this in the winter with frozen ground and have trouble penetrating the ground, try pouring a bucket or two of hot water in the spot where you will place the spike and allow it to soften the ground a bit.

Set Your Post

Once your anchor is in place, you can then place your standard 4×4 wood mailbox post into the top bracket. If your old post was broken off in or near the ground, it may still have enough length to reuse since you are not going all the way into the ground with it. If you think this may be possible, read our mailbox regulations article for specifics on the correct mailbox height for your post. You can then cut your post to size or slice a small section off the bottom so that your post is flat and straight.

If your post is broken in half or it’s just a good time to upgrade, you can buy a new wood post at any home improvement store. You will want to make sure you choose either a cedar or pressure-treated post as these are the most resistant to rot and insects.

Finally, place your post in the bracket saddle. Again, make sure it is standing straight using your level and ensure it will be the correct height for your type of mailbox. If all looks good, attach the provided lag bolts through the provided holes using a socket set or wrench.

With that, you’re all done and were able to install a mailbox post without concrete or digging!

This is just one option for how to install a mailbox post without concrete. We have detailed more options in some of our other articles.

Install a Mailbox Post in the Winter