Letterbox installation cost in Australia: What to expect

You’ve got mail! So, if you don’t have a letterbox yet, it’s time to install one to keep your mail safe and secure. Letterboxes come in various types for people's needs. Thus, letterboxes cost differently. 

A residential letterbox costs around $70 to $170, with an average price of $99. It depends on the letterbox type and material. You can buy letterbox kits in construction, home improvement, and hardware stores. You can also get fully assembled letterboxes and those with locks and keys.

Letterbox costs according to type

If you need an estimate of the overall postal box cost, here is a breakdown of possible expenses.

A woman places a letter into a white mailbox. (Source: iStock)

Letterbox costs according to material

Letterbox post, accessory, and installation costs

Labour costs for installing a letterbox

What factors affect the cost of letterbox installation?

A postman on a yellow bicycle delivers a letter into a built-in pillar mailbox at the front of a residence. (Source: iStock)

Here are the factors to consider when determining how much it costs to install a letterbox for parcel delivery:

Letterbox type and quality

Some letterboxes are steel and plastic, while others are resin, copper, and stainless steel. On the more expensive side of the spectrum are hand-painted metal and handmade wood letterboxes. 

Post type and quality

Pressure-treated pine and simple steel are some of the cheapest types of posts available. There are also moderately priced PVC and metal ones with a wrought-iron appearance or other decorative flairs. High-end posts include faux ledge stone, stucco pillars, and box enclosures.

Supplies

You can purchase letterbox kits with a steel post driven into the ground. With these kits, you don't need additional supplies. Usually, you just need a bag of concrete mix to support a letterbox with a wooden post. Do you have posthole diggers, saws, and other tools? If not, you have to buy and add them to the overall cost.

Accessories

Customising your letterbox might involve sticking house numbers and letters for your name. These are the usual options. If you want a more sophisticated look, wood and metal in different finishes are also available. 

Labour costs

Are you hiring a handyman to install your letterbox for you? The cost will depend on the estimated time for the project. The handyman will check how much assembly is needed, how hard and firm the ground is for digging, and how far your home is.

What are the types of letterboxes and their advantages?

1. Residential curbside letterboxes are the most common. You can find them at the end of driveways. You can attach one to a vertical post and put a flag letting the mailman know there’s mail for pickup. This makes it easier for you to send and receive mail.
2. Door slots are prevalent in highly urbanised cities with limited spaces. They take minimal space and are usable regardless of the weather, as you don't need to go out to get your mail. However, sending mail is a bit challenging; you have to hang it outside the door in the hopes of the mailman noticing it. Aside from that, a mail slot might allow strangers to peek inside your house.
3. Lobby letterboxes are often in multi-unit buildings that don't have individual letterboxes. One advantage is security. Your mail is in a locked box, preventing theft.

Letterbox installation quotes from Taskers

Depending on the type of letterbox, post type, and accessories, letterbox installation from Taskers costs around $79 to $170. You can get a more accurate quotation. Just reach out to a Tasker and provide your requirements.

Get your mailbox up and ready via Airtasker

Are you ready to hire a Tasker for letterbox installation? Create your first task now! 

Taskers will reach out to you with offers. After you review them and pick someone, they’ll come and complete your letterbox installation project. 

If you need to send letters to your family or friends, Airtasker can also help you find a courier service near you. Explore your options and learn more about how it works.