Synopsis: Contractor Richard Blumer shows how he took his own mailbox from boring to being a showcase at the end of his driveway. Using decorative, glue-together concrete blocks available at home centers, Blumer’s weekend project is simple and approachable.

The majority of mailboxes that I see are supported by a 4×4 wood post, a single round or square metal post, or some sort of ornate extruded metal. the shortcoming of all these designs is that they usually look lost against the backdrop of the houses they stand before. Just as your front door is the entrance to your house, your mailbox is the entrance to your property. It should be given just as much attention as any other part of your home. Building a mailbox pillar of manufactured stone will give you the curb appeal and wow factor that your home deserves.

For this project, I chose landscape stone from Midwest Manufacturing. Landscape stone can be purchased at any home center, it doesn’t need a concrete foundation or mortared joints, and it’s easy to install level and square. In addition, the 3 1/2-in. by 7-in. by 14-in. landscape stones give the mailbox a substantial and casual appearance. Before you start, consider the USPS mailbox guidelines (usps.com) and any other municipal or neighborhood requirements.

For step by step instructions and photos on how to build a stone mailbox column, click the View PDF button below.