How much does letterbox installation cost in Australia?

Wondering how much does it cost to install a letterbox? It has probably been on your mind since you started considering putting up a holder outside your home for your snail mail and special deliveries.

This guide—signed, sealed, and delivered—outlines the factors that affect letterbox installation costs and ways to keep expenses to a minimum.

What are the average costs of letterbox installation in Australia?

Two black letterboxes installed on a shared post, framed by lush greenery (Source: iStock)

Is there a difference between the cost of letterbox installation in Melbourne vs the price of letterbox installation in Perth? Find out the average cost of putting up a mail holder in some of the major cities in Australia below:

What factors affect the costs of letterbox installation?

How much does it cost to replace a letterbox? Each section below discusses a factor that can significantly affect your project’s total cost.

Mail delivery type & AusPost rules

View from inside a letterbox as post is being delivered to a suburban home (Source: iStock)

The rules set by Australia Post (AusPost) can have an effect on letterbox replacement costs. While you may want a small mail receptacle because it is cheaper, there are specific guidelines regarding minimum dimensions (330mm x 230mm x 160mm). 

There may also be additional rules depending on where you live. If you reside in a townhouse, for instance, your body corporate may order you to reposition your mail holder to a place more accessible to your postie, resulting in additional costs.

Letterbox type selected

The expenses you’ll incur when installing a letterbox will also be partly dependent on the type. For instance, installing a freestanding letterbox will be significantly cheaper than placing a designer version near your kerb.

Post type and materials

Brown letterbox mounted on a post near shrubs and outdoor steps (Source: iStock)

If you’re aiming to install a low-cost letterbox instead of a high-end one for your mail and parcel deliveries, you can opt for a holder with a recycled or wooden post as opposed to one with a brick or masonry structure.

Installation method

The labour cost to install a letterbox is directly tied to the installation method. For this reason, fence letterbox installation, which can be done in a few hours, is cheaper compared to full masonry construction, which can take a significant amount of time to complete.

Existing letterbox removal

Side-by-side letterboxes forming a row along a residential street (Source: iStock)

The average price to install a letterbox is typically higher if there’s already an existing one on your property. The reason is that removing your old letterbox takes time and effort, which naturally results in additional fees.

Ground and site conditions

Placing a letterbox on even, easy-to-dig ground is likely to be cheaper than installing it on sloped, sandy, rocky, or clay soil. This is because the latter may require additional labour, such as using stabilisation methods, digging a larger pit, or using complex equipment.

Finishing touches & add-ons

Custom letterbox featuring a unique design and visible house number (Source: iStock)

If you’re planning on custom concrete letterbox installation, you should expect add-on fees to be included in the total cost of the service. Some upgrades you can have include a house number in your preferred font, an address plate in the shape of your choice, magnetic closures, newspaper hooks, rear access, and a mail slot made of premium material.

What are some ways to save on letterbox installation?

Installing a letterbox wooden post by drilling screws into a the structure (Source: iStock)

Installing a new letterbox or replacing your existing one will definitely result in expenses. However, you can make use of these strategies to ensure your intended budget will be met:

• Make sure you install the receptacle in an unobstructed, safe location to avoid having to repeat the job.

• Choose a sturdy letterbox material to minimise the need for replacement.

• Recycle materials (e.g., use the still-usable post from the existing letterbox vs a new letterbox post), if possible.

• DIY parts of the process if you are well-versed in handyman tasks. 

What should you look for in a professional letterbox installer?

Close-up of a letterbox wooden post on a workbench before installation (Source: iStock)

Finding the right person for the job won’t be difficult if you know what you’re looking for, such as the following:

• Someone experienced and proficient in the specific type of service you need (e.g., wall-mounted letterbox replacement, pillar letterbox installation)

• Someone knowledgeable in local and AusPost rules and regulations

• Someone with excellent reviews and ratings from previous customers

• Someone who offers transparent pricing and a warranty

You’ve got mail — make sure you get it with Airtasker

Letterbox installation in progress with careful measurement of the wall opening (Source: iStock)

Looking for someone to install your letterbox? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Just follow these simple steps for a swift and successful search:

1. Sign up on the Airtasker website or app.

2. Post a task that includes the important details, such as what you need done, when you need it done, your budget, and your location.

3. Wait for Taskers to respond, and choose the one with the most suitable experience and expertise in letterbox installation services.

With Airtasker, you can say hello to a simpler way of finding a reliable letterbox installer.