Secure Your Mailbox Post: Impress Your Mailman (NAPSA)—Whether moving into a new homeor defining the unique character of your property, most homeowners will eventually need to install or replace a mailbox and mailbox post. Luckily, this is a relatively simple and inexpensive weekend-friendly undertaking. Solid footing is crucial to successfully installing a mailbox post—providing the long-lasting durability necessary for your mailbox to weather the elements. To install a new mailbox post, homeowners will need QUIKRETE Fast-Setting Concrete, which typically sets in 20 to 40 minutes, a building form, gravel or crushed stone, a level, shovel or post-hole digger, pressure-treated wooden post and, of course, a mailbox. * Begin by checking with your local postmaster as to what type of mailbox to purchase. Generally, mailboxes should be placed 3-1/2 feet to 4 feet from the road, with the front of the mailbox 6 inches to 8 inches from the curb. Next, dig a hole one-third the length of the post, plus an additional 6 inches for gravel. The diameter of the hole should be about three times the diameter of the post. Pack the dirt inside the hole to remove any air pockets, and pour 6 inches of gravel into the hole for proper drainage. homeow ille need to install or replace a mailbox post. * Before pouring the concrete mix, position a QUIK-TUBE building form in the hole and backfill for added durability. Place the mailbox post in the hole. Throughout the project, use a level to make sure the post remainsparallel with the ground. Pour the dry concrete mix into the hole until it is between 3 inches to 4 inches from the top. Follow the directions on the bag by incorporating water into the dry concrete mix, allowing the water to soak in completely. * Once the mix beginsto firmly hold the post, start filling in the hole with dirt. Wait about four hours before mounting your mailbox onto the post. For more information, visit www.quikrete.com.
