Many businesses don’t give a second thought about the type of mailbox they install at their premises. But that doesn’t decrease the importance of choosing the right mailbox for your business!
In this post we’ll be taking a look at the differences between steel and aluminum mailboxes, and which one will suit your business’s needs best. The next time you’re looking for mailboxes, don’t simply go for the cheapest or the one that you come across first.
You probably haven’t thought about this, but there are several materials that mailboxes are made out of. Here are some of the common ones and their characteristics. These all vary in price, and you can find a variety of models in different price ranges over at Budget Mailboxes.
Steel Mailboxes
Let’s get to the first main material in question for this topic: steel. Steel mailboxes tend to be quite sturdy, and that’s one of the reasons to choose them for outdoor settings. They’re quite durable and tend to last a long time.
There are inherent drawbacks to using steel in construction, however. It can be easily scratched, dinged and bent. Steel mailboxes are indeed robust but they end up looking worn after a couple of years.
Cheap steel mailboxes are also prone to rust. For long-term use, stainless steel mailboxes are highly recommended for businesses, as they look classy and hold up to the elements quite well.
For a more modern aesthetic, you can go for brushed stainless steel mailboxes. They’re even better at not showing scratches or dings and in our opinion look the best of all stainless steel mailbox options.
Aluminum Mailboxes
Aluminum mailboxes are another option for businesses that want to go for robust metal mailboxes. Right up front, we have to mention that aluminum mailboxes will in general cost more than steel mailboxes.
Aluminum is a more expensive material than steel, so it’s natural the material cost will make it to the actual mailboxes as well.
Whereas steel mailboxes can be very heavy, aluminum mailboxes are very lightweight (relatively speaking). Aluminum is also highly malleable, so aluminum mailboxes come in varying shapes, some with very intricate designs.
Cast aluminum is an option for businesses located in wet areas as it’s more robust than regular aluminum and less prone to rust. A trade-off is weight, as cast aluminum is heavier than its regular counterpart.
All in all, aluminum mailboxes, especially cast aluminum ones, are very robust and present a good option for buyers who want a relatively maintenance-free mailbox.
Steel or Aluminum for Your Next Mailbox?
Both steel and aluminum are high-quality materials, but regular steel is more robust than regular aluminum. For long-lasting aluminum mailboxes, you’ll have to choose cast aluminum.
We’re also partial to the brushed steel look, so be sure to check that out as well. Either way, you can’t go wrong with any of these materials. If cost is a factor, go with steel.
Other Mailbox Materials to Consider
Wood
Wooden mailboxes are great if you want that vintage and rustic look, but that’s about all they have going in their favor these days. They’re susceptible to weather elements, even with modern protective coatings.
They also have a fierce enemy in termites, and moist weather can warp them over time. If you’re keen to go for wood, mix it with a metallic frame.
Plastic
Plastic mailboxes are cheap and easy to maintain, but they also look, well, cheap. They’re prone to fading and cracking over time, so for businesses they’re simply not robust enough.
