Receiving mail

Mark Rayner builds a rock solid letter box.

You will need: The following 20 series Firth concrete blocks: Two H20.04 (Plain End Half High) 390mm x 190mm x 90mm, One 20.30 (Standard 200mm Column) 390mm x 190mm x 190mm 7 x Seven 20.34 (Pilaster 'C' Type) 390mm x 190mm x 190mm Four 05.17 (Capping) 390mm x 190mm x 40mm 1 x 450mm x 450mm One concrete paving slab, bag of builders' mortar mix, bag of concrete mix, bucket, spade, cement, trowel, 50mm x 50mm timber cut into four 450mm lengths, four 100mm nails, hammer, spirit level, wire brush, Resene 75mm paintbrush, two stainless steel hinges, four 26mm x 6m dynabolts, ratchet set, electric drill, 6mm masonry drill bit, pop riveter with 4 rivets and a piece of colorsteel cut to 365mm x 160mm.

Two one litre tins of Resene Concrete Stain Thinner, Resene Concrete Stain in Resene Red Terracotta.

Top tip: Wear latex gloves when handling Resene Concrete Stain, and wash brush in Resene Concrete Stain Thinner. For more information on using Resene Concrete Stain refer to Resene Data Sheet D58.

To get the look: Fill the top blocks with good quality potting mix and plant up with drought-tolerant plants – Mark used red mesembryanthemums.

Step one
Nail the pieces of timber to form a square measuring 500mm x 500mm. Dig a shallow hole (approx 10mm deep) measuring 550mm x 550mm. Place the timber frame in the hole, ensuring that it's level. Mix up some concrete and trowel this into the frame, levelling off with an off-cut of wood. Place two capping blocks on top of the wet concrete base. Mix up some builders' mortar mix and lay the first two 'C' type blocks on top, as shown.

Step two
Lay the next two 'C' type blocks, allowing a 10mm mortar joint between each. Use the spirit level to check that the blocks are level in both directions across the top and plumb on each side.

Step three
Lay another two capping blocks with mortar joints of 10mm and two more 'C' type blocks, as shown. Continue to use the spirit level to check top is level and sides are plumb.

Step four
Again, using 10mm mortar joints, lay the 'Standard 200mm Column' on its side (this will form the front mail slot) and the final 'C' type block facing down, as shown. Note: this is a view of the mailbox from the back.

Step five
Use a 10mm spread of mortar to fix the 450mm x 450mm paving slab into position, ensuring that it's level in both directions. Leave to dry overnight and remove any excess mortar mix with a wire brush. Leave mortar to cure for 28 days.

Step six
Following instructions, mix 1 litre of Resene Concrete Stain Thinner into the 4 litre can of Resene Concrete Stain in Resene Red Terracotta (Note: this is a two-part mix).

Step seven
Using the 75mm brush, apply one coat of Resene Red Terracotta to the mailbox and final two 'Plain End Half High' blocks – take care to ensure even coverage. Allow to dry for 4 hours and apply a second coat. Once dry, place the two blocks on top of the mailbox to form small planters – note: to ensure good drainage, do not mortar these into position.

Step eight
Using a drill and pop riveter, attach the two hinges to the piece of Colorsteel, as shown. Use the masonry drill bit to drill four holes approx 30mm deep, along the upper edge of the back of the mailbox, aligning these holes to the hinges. Attach the hinged flap to the back of the mailbox using the dynabolts and ratchet set.

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