National Average Improvement and Repair Cost
Pro
DIY
Hours:
0.6
1
Cost:
$ 84
$ 45
Would you do this project? According to our survey, 48% of respondents preferred DIY compared to hiring a pro.
The average price to Install a Door Mail Slot noted above is cost data to compare a contractor’s estimate with doing it yourself.
The contractor cost to install a door mail slot is $84 vs. doing it yourself for $45 and saving 46 percent.
We get a pile of magazines and catalogs delivered every day and couldn’t find a box large enough, so we installed a mail slot in the front door.
Our carrier doesn’t have to struggle stuffing everything inside the box, and when we’re traveling our mail is waiting for us safely inside the house when we return. It’s a good improvement we’re glad we did.
Mail slots are sold at home centers, in home-related catalogs and online (type “mail slot” in any search engine). Most are made of brass, but they come in a variety of finishes, such as oil-rubbed bronze, satin and antique nickel, satin chrome, and polished brass to coordinate with door hardware. They come in a variety of sizes, but the most popular size was with a 2-inch by 11-inch opening.
If you have carpentry experience and tools, you can make the installation for $45, the cost of the mail slot, and save 46 percent. You’ll need a tape measure, screwdriver, power or handsaw, and electric drill. If you use a power saw, make the cut from the inside of the door – and make it from the outside if you use a handsaw – to prevent the wood from splintering.
Tip: To prevent the wood from splintering when you cut with a power saw, make the cut from the inside of the door. If you cut from the outside, use a hand saw.
The average price to install a door mail slot noted above is cost data to compare a contractor’s estimate with doing it yourself.
Check out some other related information on door installations:
