How to clad a DIY brick letterbox?

[esumon21]

Hi, I'm planning to DIY a letterbox in my new house. It's my first home and my first project. What alternatives do I have instead of plastering with cement to achieve a nice finish? Also any advice is much appreciated thank you

[JacobZ]

Hi @esumon21,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.

Congratulations on your first home purchase. A D.I.Y. brick letterbox sounds like a fantastic project to kick things off at your new home. 

If you're using nice-looking bricks, you can leave them exposed for a classic, low-maintenance look. Just make sure to neaten up your mortar joints with a Tuck Pointer for a clean finish.

You could also clad the letterbox with stacked stone or stone-look tiles such as these Decor8 Beige Java Marble Mosaic Tiles. This would give them a nice modern finish that will create a nice focal point at the front of your new home.

You could also paint the letterbox with a suitable external paint in your choice of colour.

If for whatever reason you decide you just want a simple solution, there are also a variety of already finished letterboxes you could consider. 

Don't forget to grab some matching house numbers so there's no confusion when the postman comes by.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[esumon21]

Hi JacobZ, thanks for your reply. If I want to paint it then what can I use instead of plaster? Thank you

[JacobZ]

Hi @esumon21,

There's no need to plaster or render the bricks if you'd like a painted finish. 

With the proper preparation, you can paint straight over them.

Check out this handy guide from Dulux for some information - How to paint brick.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[esumon21]

Hi JacobZ,

Thank you for your response. 

Would it be wise to use any of the cement cladding then paint over it?

Thank you

[EricL]

Hello @esumon21 

Using cement cladding will change the very feature of your brick letterbox and turn it into a smooth looking post. It is the irregularity of the bricks that give your letter box its character. Painting it surface will hide some of the imperfections, but its surface profile will identify it as a brick letterbox.  

I suggest staying with your profile rather than covering it with cement cladding.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric