Your Letterbox Questions Answered
As specialists in the supply of letterboxes, customers often have enquiries relating to our area of expertise. So, let us share answers to those common letterbox questions.
Do I have to have a letterbox through the front door?
There is no legal requirement to have a letterbox at all. However, without one you’ll be unable to receive any deliveries, so it makes sense to have one. While a letterbox through the front door is commonplace, a growing number of developers and households prefer the European option of an external free standing or wall mounted letterbox. These help to protect the security and thermal efficiency of a home.
Are there any restrictions on the type of letterbox used in the UK?
If you own your property, you can usually choose the type of letterbox or parcel box that you wish to install. As such, it can be a way to add character, as well as a practical delivery solution to the front of your home. There are exceptions for listed buildings, as well as homes and businesses located in conservation areas. If this applies to your property, get in touch with the local planning office.
Is it illegal to have low letterboxes?
Regularly bending down to post letters and parcels is the cause of back pain for many posties. As a result, there have been several attempts to align the UK with mainland Europe. Here all free standing, wall mounted, through the fence, door or wall letterboxes have to be positioned between 0.7m and 1.7m from ground level. This requirement has yet to be made law in the UK, however, it is advisable if you want to keep in your postie’s good books!
How can you tell which is a good quality letterbox?
Letterboxes made in the UK or Europe must adhere to BS EN 13724:2013. This ensures they are manufactured from robust, weather resistant materials. In addition, the design must include secure locks and anti-theft features. They also include enhanced security letterboxes, including our Cerberus post box. You can purchase cheaper models which have been made in other countries, however, these are unlikely to meet the same quality standards.
Can you buy fire rated letterboxes?
For some developers, the smart letterbox choice is one with a fire rating. These are built to resist heat and have to be independently tested in extreme conditions. We designed the for installation in multi-occupancy apartments, offices and commercial premises. Before we officially launched it at the start of 2025, this model was subjected to 1100°c in tests and outperformed any other letterbox on the market!
How long does it take for a new postal box to be delivered?
We can’t speak for other companies but our standard, free delivery for in-stock letterboxes and parcel boxes is 2-3 working days. We also offer a next-day delivery service to your home, building or site for a fee. If the item you want is out of stock or you are placing an order for multiple postal boxes, our helpful team will advise on the expected delivery date.
As we’ve answered the main questions that we are asked about letterboxes, let’s end with something a little different.
What is the most unusual item to be delivered by mail?
Plenty of weird and wonderful things have been sent by post. We’d say that one of the most unusual is two suffragettes! In a bid to have a conversation with the Prime Minister about women’s right to vote, two ladies were wrapped and sent to 10 Downing Street in 1909. Unfortunately, the package was not signed for, so the ladies didn’t make it into the house.
There is a list of items that cannot be sent by Royal Mail and while women do not feature, nail varnish, batteries, perfume, magnets and Christmas Crackers are among the banned items.
What questions do you have about post boxes?