Making a wooden letterbox for the wall is a great project for woodworkers of all levels. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create your own:
Materials Needed:
- Wood boards (1/4″ to 1/2″ thickness, depending on the design)
- Wood glue
- Screws or nails
- Sandpaper
- Paint or wood stain (optional)
- Wall mounting hardware (screws and anchors)
- Measuring tape
- Saw (circular or table saw)
- Drill with a bit for pilot holes
- Clamps
Step 1: Plan and Measure
Start by determining the size of the letterbox. The dimensions will depend on how much space you need and how many letters you expect to store. A common size is around 12” wide, 16” tall, and 4” deep, but you can adjust based on your needs.
Sketch your design, taking note of the box’s front, back, sides, and bottom. Plan for a flap or door in the front to access the letters.
Step 2: Cut the Wood
Using your measurements, cut the wood for the sides, front, back, and bottom. If you want a flap, cut a piece that will serve as the hinged door, ensuring it fits snugly in the opening.
- Sides: Cut two pieces to your desired height and depth.
- Back: Cut one piece that matches the width of the sides and the desired height.
- Front: This piece will have the opening for the flap or door. The width should match the sides, and the height will depend on the flap.
- Bottom: Cut a piece that matches the width and depth.
Step 3: Sand and Smooth Edges
Sand all the cut edges of the wood pieces to remove splinters and smooth rough areas. Use a medium grit sandpaper first, followed by a fine grit for a smoother finish.
Step 4: Assemble the Box
Start by assembling the four main sides of the letterbox (two sides, back, and bottom) using wood glue. Apply glue along the edges and hold the pieces in place with clamps. Once the glue has set (usually after about 30 minutes), reinforce the joints with nails or screws for extra strength.
Step 5: Attach the Front Panel
If you’ve decided to have a flap or door on the front, position it where you want it and attach hinges on one side. Be sure the door swings open and closed without obstruction. Secure the other side of the flap to the box with the hinge, ensuring it is aligned correctly.
If you’re not using a flap, simply attach a solid front piece using glue and nails/screws. Leave an opening large enough for letters to fit inside.
Step 6: Add the Wall Mounting Bracket
To mount the letterbox to the wall, drill two pilot holes in the back panel. If your wall is made of drywall, use wall anchors to ensure a strong hold. Otherwise, if you have a wooden or brick wall, you can drill directly into the wall studs.
Mount the letterbox to the wall using screws through the pilot holes.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Once the box is assembled and mounted, you can paint or stain the wood to give it a finished look. Sand the surfaces lightly before applying paint or stain to ensure the surface is smooth.
Let the finish dry completely before using the letterbox.
Step 8: Add a Lock (Optional)
If you want to add security to your letterbox, you can install a small lock mechanism on the flap or door. This will keep your letters safe from theft and prying eyes.
Step 9: Test the Letterbox
Test the door to ensure it opens and closes smoothly. Check the mounting to ensure the box is secure and can hold the weight of any incoming mail.
With this DIY wooden letterbox, you can enhance the exterior of your home while also creating a functional and stylish solution for receiving mail.