What requirements should a letterbox meet?

Has the size and placement of your mailbox been determined by the government? In various places in the country the letterbox is also called a post office box. The law imposes certain requirements on the placement and implementation of PO boxes in the Netherlands. This is in view, among other things, of the working conditions for postal workers, but also so that standard dimensions of, for example, letter mail can be used.

• The location – The post box should be as close as possible to the public road. If your mailbox is in or near the home, the distance from the road to the mailbox may not be more than 10 meters. If the front part of the path from the road to your home is municipal land, this part is also included. A postman is also not allowed to go up and down stairs that are higher than 2.5 meters from the road surface.
• Gallery flat - In gallery flats, the mailboxes must always be placed together and as close as possible to the entrance of the flat.
• Recreational areas – At recreational areas such as campsites, bungalow parks and similar places, the mailbox must be located at the entrance to the site. If this is not the case, the postman may deliver the mail to the manager.
• Collective buildings – In collective buildings, such as hospitals, care flats and barracks, the mail is delivered to a communal post box. A central point in the hall of the building is also permitted.

The design of the letterbox

The insertion opening of your letterbox must be horizontal (horizontal). The opening must be at least 265 mm long and 32 mm high. The postman must have easy access to the opening. A height of 110 cm measured from the ground where the postman stands is ideal. The opening of the mailbox may not be lower than 60 cm and not higher than 180 cm. The mail must always be able to pass through the opening easily. For a reception or storage space behind the opening, the following minimum dimensions apply: 150 mm deep, 270 mm wide and 380 mm high.

Modern mailboxes

Modern mailboxes have revolutionized the design of these everyday objects. The classic red and wooden mailboxes are increasingly making way for sleek and stylish models, with black and stainless steel (stainless steel) predominating in the market. The popularity of black mailboxes is partly due to their timeless appearance that suits any facade, while stainless steel mailboxes are sought after for their durable and modern appearance that requires little maintenance.

This new generation of letterboxes is not only aesthetically more attractive, but often also more functional. They are designed to be more resistant to weather influences and to ensure the security of mail through advanced locking mechanisms. In addition, they are often equipped with smart functions, such as built-in lighting or a notification system that alerts the owner when mail has been delivered.

The trend is also accompanied by an increasing awareness of the importance of good material choice for both aesthetics and environmental impact. Stainless steel, for example, is fully recyclable, which contributes to the circular economy. Both the black and stainless steel mailboxes represent a shift towards a more design-oriented and sustainable approach in the world of mail receiving.

If you have any questions regarding your mailbox, call or chat with us. Door Hardware Expert Locks Specialist .