Modern Wood Slat Mailbox Makeover

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We built a modern looking wood slat mailbox stand for our neighbors and us out of pressure treated 1×4 wood.

Our mailbox was original to the house when we purchased it and by the looks of our neighbor’s, so was there’s. We decided to completely remove the old metal posts and start fresh with a more modern design.

Related Post: Low Maintenance Driveway Landscape

Since both of our mailboxes were fairly close, this design will be for a double mailbox situation. However, you can easily modify it to fit your situation.

Our friends at Step 2 graciously sent us two of their Kingsley Park Town-to-Town XL Post-Mount Mailboxes for this project. The size is perfect for all of my Amazon deliveries to stay protected and out of the rain!

Supplies Used for This Affordable Project

• (11) 1x4x8 pressure treated lumber (slats)
• 2x4x8 pressure treated lumber (framing)
• fast setting concrete mix
• 4×4 pressure treated post
• 2″ galvanized nails
• stain
• exterior wood sealer
• staining pad

Tools Used for This Project

• miter saw
• orbital sander
• drill
• brad nailer

Step One: Set your post

If you’re not familiar, the USPS has guidelines on their site for mailbox placement and post depth. (see that resource here.)

For this design, our mailbox will sit on top of the post so it doesn’t need to be extended above. Our post was cut to approximately 61″.

We first dug a hole 21″ deep and placed in the post, making sure to hold it level. Next we poured in fast sitting concrete mix and added water to the hole. This concrete will automatically absorb the water without need for mixing.

Once the post was set, about 20 minutes, we filled in the rest with remaining dirt.

Step Two: Build the frame

The overall width of the slat frame is just under 48 inches. Using pocket screws assemble 2×4’s in a “C” shape (x2).

You will need four 2×4’s cut at 44 inches and two 2×4’s at 36 inches.

Step Three: Cut and stain the slats

The hardest part is over.

Using your miter saw, cut 20 slats at 48 inches long and 20 slats for the sides at 5 1/8″ (double check your measurements for an accurate cut).

Stain your slats in your desired color using a staining pad. We used Early American.

Step Four:

Next attach ten 1×4 boards to each side of the frame using 2 inch brad nails. You can also substitute nails for exterior wood screws if that is your preference.

Leave a 1/8″ gap between each slat. Use a level to ensure that each slat is straight.

Step Five: Seal the slats

For longer lasting protection, seal your wood slats with a clear sealer, such as Thompson’s WaterSeal.

Step Six: Install mailboxes

To install the mailboxes, we secured a piece of scrap wood perpendicular to the slat wall using wood screws. This will be the base to attach the mailbox.

Now you can attach each mailbox according to the directions included.

I do plan to add our house numbers on the mailbox using vinyl and my Cricut Joy machine.

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