Top 10 Best Wall-Mounting Letter Boxes in the UK 2020 (Burg Wächter, Sterling and More)

We've created this simple buying guide to include the relevant considerations when choosing a wall-mounting letter box. Whether you live out on the Western Isles of Scotland where rust-resistance is essential or in central London where security is paramount, there's a letter box out there for your needs, and this buying guide will help you to pick the winner.

Wall-mounting letter boxes should be designed to endure the extremes when it comes to surviving the elements, in fact, their very nature depends on it. Aluminium is the top choice as it's known to be rust-proof, whereas steel is a more affordable material but you need to ensure it has been sufficiently weatherproofed. Here's what to look for. 

Stainless steel is the Don of weather resistance when it comes to steel. This is due to its element compounds of chromium and nickel, which harden the steel and make it extremely anti-corrosive. 

The chromium oxidizes naturally upon contact with the environment, and then forms a protective layer of chromium oxide on the steel's surface, creating a rust-proof shield of sorts. Though stainless steel is a winner when it comes to picking a steel letter box, these desirable properties do mean that it is generally the most expensive. 

Galvanised steel is steel that's been given a protective layer of zinc, generally by being dipped in a molten bath of the stuff. This layer of zinc is what gives galvanised steel its weatherproofing properties, as the zinc protects the iron in the steel from reacting with oxygen, which is what would cause rusting. 

This is also a very effective way of ensuring steel will remain rust-free for many years. Being cheaper than stainless steel to produce, it is the most widespread form of steel for wall-mounting letter boxes, though it is not quite as strong. 

Powder coating is another effective method used to protect steel from rust. It is made up of a variety of different compounds, but it's the zinc again that helps to repel the rust. Powder coating is applied as a dry powdered paint, which gives steel an appealing finish and lasts longer than liquid paint. 

It is also the cheaper alternative to stainless and galvanised steel, making it a good option if you're on a bit of a budget but still want a good-looking, long-lasting letter box.

The final material to consider for your wall-mounted letter box is aluminium. It is known to be completely rust-proof as it has almost no iron in it, which as we know, is the compound that oxidizes in other metals to form rust. 

It is also lightweight, strong and can be 'cast' into many different moulds and shapes, so it's a great pick if you're looking for something decorative. However, these impressive design features are what make it a more expensive choice, so keep that in mind if you're swaying to the aluminium side.

Wall-mounting letter boxes come in varying shapes, sizes and designs. Some have sleek and modern touches, while others are an ode to the glory days of British post. Whether it needs to be large enough to fit your growing family's needs or small enough for your flat's tiny entrance hall, you can rest assured there's a box out there to suit your design desires.

Companies have become very savvy when it comes to fitting more post into letter boxes. Some have a built-in newspaper slot for people who still adore print, while others come with extra depth to enable multiple letters. There are also those which are, simply put, 'built big' to cater for larger families who need more space for all sorts of letters and parcels.  

Another key measurement to keep in mind is the actual size of the mail slot as this will determine how large of a letter or parcel will be able to slip through it, whilst still keeping it safe from thieves and the elements. 

For reference, a sheet of A4 paper has a width of 21 cm and a length of 29.7 cm, so if the slot is any narrower it might only be able to accommodate regular-sized envelopes. 

It's a simple design feature, but a very useful one – a letter box with a small transparent glass or plastic viewing window will allow a quick and easy glimpse inside the container, putting an end to forever finding and fiddling around with your keys, only to open the box and realise in vain that it's empty. 

This handy design aspect tends to come with more modern letter boxes, and has a nice sensibility to it that's well worth looking out for. 

Some of the market-leading wall-mounting letter box companies have incorporated a marvellous idea to have your home address printed on the front before posting it out. 

This will help to ensure the postperson knows exactly where to put your letters, and can also help guests to find your house more easily. What better way to say, "This is my house, and I'm proud of it!" than a stylish, personalised letter box?

If you're someone who adores the look of vintage and historical pieces in your home, then a decorative letter box could be for you. As mentioned, these colourful and purposeful letter boxes are usually made from cast aluminium, and come in an array of antique-looking and often quite striking designs. 

The most popular styles are usually those which imitate Royal Mail post boxes, or even post boxes from the Victorian era. They may not have all the mod cons of some of the more contemporay letter boxes, but they're sure to look the part if you're someone who likes to revel in the prestige of the past.

All wall-mounted letter boxes should come with a key locking system as standard, enabling secure mail storage. However, depending on where you live, you may also want to consider how easy it is to get to your post, as smaller or more discreet slots tend to deter thieves who might be eager enough to try and scoop out mail if they can. 

For instance, post inserted via a wide, hinged lid will be easy to grab than if the slot is slimmer and less noticeable. The weight of the letter box and the thickness of the metal used in construction are also important factors to note when a durable, heavy-duty model is desired to ward off anyone trying to break into it.

Now it's time to feast your eyes on the very best, market-leading wall-mounting letter boxes in the UK this year. Taking all that you've learnt from the buying guide, you will be able to discover a clear, evidence-based choice for your home's next letter box, and certainly one that's going to go the distance. 

Why stop there? Now you've found your perfect wall-mounting letter box, why not check out a few more household items that'll help to create your ideal, stress-free home? From recycling bins to shoe racks and steam cleaners, there's scope for perfection across the entire household board. 

After learning all there is to learn about wall-mounting letter boxes and understanding what could be the perfect choice for your unique circumstance, we hope that you've found a special letter box in our top 10. And hopefully, it's one that's going to become part of your life and your home's story, sharing in all your yet-to-be-made memories for years to come. 

Author: Connor Macanally