I like setting an acrylic post cover into a hole, about 8-12” in diameter and 3’-4K deep depending on area, pour about 4” of compacted gravel in the bottom, set the acrylic sleeve in and pour in 1-2 (50 lb) bags of fast setting concrete mix, compact dirt to grade then add another 4-6 inches of gravel in the sleeve. Drop your mailbox 4x4 in and done; I’ll usually make a cut of about 1” in depth around the 4x4 at or just above the sleeve. These brake away when struck but otherwise are sturdy and once done are easy to replace by simply pulling the wood out and dropping another in its place. I’ve never had the sleeve damaged or disturbed even after having the post hit. I’ve used both concrete and foam, in setting hundreds of mailboxes as well as fence posts. Both concrete and foam have their advantages and disadvantages.
Is the 4x4 loose in the sleeve at all? Even with a minimal amount of play in the sleeve, the mailbox will lean or wobble? This is a great idea so plan to use just want to make sure post won’t move in the sleeve.
@@MrDrisok: There is some play, as there has to be as otherwise you might have to grease them post to get it in; it isn’t much as the length somewhat mitigates it as any wobble decreases over length but if it bothers you 2 plastic shims at the top lock things up tight.
@@MrDrisok: Acrylic post covers are available at nearly all big box hardware stores, i.e. Lowe’s or Home Depot, and are simply covers for 4”x4” posts and are used as a trim/cover piece when you’re using things like vinyl railings. There are also structural acrylic posts which are usually a bit larger and are a lot stronger able to function as a post in and of themselves without the need of the 4”x4” inside and can be used directly with vinyl fence sections eliminating any chance or rot from the senecio. You can just use a structural vinyl post for a mailbox but if struck these tend to snap and shatter. You can also use a structural post as a sleeve with a vinyl post sleeve within to make a mailbox holder with the benefits of the 4”x4” method without any wood involved.
I think this is a good idea for a mailbox cause you know concrete isn’t a good deal cause if it gets hit by a car now you gotta rip out the concrete so I think this stuff is a really good idea
Non of the above. I set my first mail box in a 2' 6" hole with only rocks, dirt and a lot of tamping when I was 11 years old after the plow truck took down our existing one. I have set many mail boxes since all with out concrete or new fangled foam. After all, a mail box isn't a fence. If you can dig a hole AT LEAST 2"6" deep and tamp as you fill with dirt while keeping your post plum, it will most likely stand up to the snow plows for years to come. If it doesn't, it's a lot easier to replace than one set in concrete. The one I did this way that needed to be replaced a few years later was broken off, although admittedly the part of the post that was still in the ground was loose in the hole.
Absolutely. I have used a lot of different methods over the years. This one was definitely easy on the muscles 💪 with not mixing or heavy lifting. A good viable option in my opinion. Thank you for watching and sharing 👍🏼🤠
I have installed several rural boxes as they have been hit by wide 🚜 equipment over the years.I do as you.Dig a 3' hole,pack dirt and rocks and it will hold 4 a long time till it gets hit again.I do the same 4 my bluebird houses also.😊
@@augskinn I didn't say I couldn't hear him. I just said it was very distracting. Music works great when added to a silent video, but most of the time, music added to a speaking video is not a plus.
We did not experience and shrinkage. The product in my opinion exceeded expectations. A great easy alternative to concrete on a small project. Thank you for watching and commenting 👍🏼🤠
