How I made a stone mailbox (moveable) Mike Haduck

I made what I call a moveable stone mailbox. I built it out of pressure treated lumber and but the artificial of cultured stone on it. It was what the owner wanted and picked out. and If they move they could always, take it with them. All my videos are my ways and ideas I always suggest anyone doing any type of work to consult professional help.

[@joshtischler6461]

This guy is the Bob Ross of stonework

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Josh, I appreciate it, Mike

[@paulh2606]

He's the Barack Obama of mailboxes.

[@Gino20202]

@@paulh2606 gross.

[@harley5029]

I revisited your series of videos on "How I lay stone veneer"and part 4 of 6 spoke to my questions pretty well about selecting the right pieces of veneer stone and tweaking them to fit. I want you to know that your down to earth presentation style is appreciated and you have empowered me to be almost fearless of new challenges with my weekend warrior masonry and concrete projects. I realized that the worst I could do was screw it up and learn my lessons along the way. It's been fun learning....thanks for all your videos!

[@emiliosalinas4052]

I totally understand about people stopping you in the middle of your work that’s the way to do it👍

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@KMoran-cw2fd]

You have such a calm natural style to doing the work. Your vast experience comes through by making it all look so easy. I really enjoy your videos.

[@MikeHaduck]

+K. Moran I try, thanks mike

[@startugpictures]

That stone pillar mailbox looks beautiful. I would love to have one just like that! That's a quality build!

[@Havanah2006]

Great skills & fantastic mailbox 😊 had a giggle when you said “I’m old school” love that !!

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Sani, I appreciate it. mike

[@jelbuilderfilms]

Finished product looks awesome. Love your work. Thanks for the vids!! Always learning new things.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks John, I appreciate it. mike

[@Bigskyguy56]

As always , a great , well done, informative video. Thank you for sharing your vast experience & knowledge with us. God Bless.

[@MikeHaduck]

Tha k you, God bless also, mike

[@atorac]

Your videos fill me with joy and hope

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Michele, I appreciate it , mike

[@lostinmyspace4910]

Mike, absolutely beautiful job, and you opened my eyes on prefab movable things...and you're absolutely right about it. Off topic now, I had stonework done on my chimney chase for the woodburning stove. It went up 24 feet. More importantly, the gy that did the stonework used a snow brush that we use for cleaning snow off our windshields. He used the snowbrush (looked like an oversized toothbrush) to brush out the joints after the cement set up. He just brushed and brushed until all the joints were smooth. Worked and looked great. But yours does too!

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi lost, anything that works I always say, making things movable bypasses a lot of the permit process, thanks, mike

[@JFPSolar]

Great idea of constructing it off site. You've developed great methods from your experience-thanks for sharing it.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks JFP, I appreciate it, Mike

[@AlexWhyte901]

Thanks for another great video Mike. Found you about two months ago and really enjoy your work. Great videos!

[@MikeHaduck]

+Alex Whyte thanks, I appreciate it mike

[@karatekid4984]

Thank you for the videos mike.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Karate kid, I appreciate it. mike

[@mickyc4003]

Great video mate, really enjoyed your down to earth professional style. Well done.

[@MikeHaduck]

I appreciate it, thanks mike

[@zachvires9898]

I wish i could post a picture! Ive never touched stone but with this tutorial video i was able to build a beautiful mailbox for my driveway. Your instructions are perfect and to the point. Thank you!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Zach, Mike

[@dslynx]

Wow! Amazing work as usual.

[@MikeHaduck]

+James Zawacki I am not 100 happy with it, but it is something different, thanks James,. mike

[@robertkelly3313]

Brilliant work, it’s difficult not to watch all the educational videos, so enjoyable.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks robert, I appreciate it. mike

[@MrJlima5]

Great job Mike love your videos nothing like doing work old school

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Jose, mike

[@supurbian]

you do beautiful work......thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@MikeHaduck]

+supurbian I appreciate it, thanks mike

[@timothylwarnerful]

So reasonable, intelligent, logical, and easily comprehensive. Love it keep it up!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks metalman, Mike

[@eyeonart6865]

You are a real pro. Thanks for sharing. I would love to see a red brick one.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Eye, Those mailboxes take a lot more time than I wanted, but I knew it was going to make a good video, I appreciate it, like

[@asdasd-be5ww]

The quarter ton, cemented-to-the-ground, movable mailbox.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks asd, I appreciate it. mike

[@relerfordable]

Awesome job! I'm going to try it! No fancy tools either.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks L. Mike

[@johnknipe5752]

Once again Mike ! You kicked Ass! Your the best!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks John, Mike

[@harley5029]

While I continue to enjoy your masonry videos as well as your music, I could not help but notice that creepy looking thing in the neighbors driveway behind you in the beginning of this video. Some kind of suburban scare crow looking thing? What the heck is that!! Keep up the good work Mike!

[@alspies10]

beautiful..nice work Mike

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks, mike

[@Debbyiamme]

Another wonderful job; I love watching this. Thanks Mike! Debby

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Debby, Mike

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Debby, Mike

[@DANNFIGDESIGNS]

Awesome. Wish I had the time and resources. Plus it would look to good in this neighborhood, lol. Love it Mike... good work.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Danny I appreciate it, Mike

[@thomasfoster5200]

Building off site probably makes the owner and neighbors happy that your in and out quickly. And no mess.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Thomas, very true, Mike

[@GunsHarleysUSA]

Looks Fantastic Mike!!

[@MikeHaduck]

+GunsHarleysUSA I appreciate it. thanks mike

[@Brooklynsfinest718]

Hey Mike did you place the mailbox in the wet cement or let it get hard first then place it on top of the cement and fill with dirt?

[@MikeHaduck]

+Kevin Smith I actually placed it on the gravel and poured the cement around it. thanks mike

[@PsychoAxeMan]

that turned out great

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks, mike

[@timothychrist3913]

I enjoy your videos thanks Mike. TIM

[@MikeHaduck]

+Country City I appreciate that, thanks mike

[@ericmourinho9589]

Mike you're a legend mate

[@MikeHaduck]

HI eric, maybe in my own mind, lol, thanks mike

[@spacecoastkid5033]

That looks amazing! Love that it's movable. You sell the house, you could take it with you.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@RA-zl6iw]

Very nice Mike. I always look forward to your videos. I agree with you about inspectors & code people, there always seems to be someone bothering you about something.

[@MikeHaduck]

+RJ A it gets worse every year. thanks mike

[@AlphaGeek8]

Thanks for the video Mike! Good work. I know nothing about stone work, but I think I could do this following your video.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks, I hope it works out, mike

[@Brian-vz7xe]

Mike great video but I don't know why such a waste of space. Small mail box for such a big pedestal. With all the UPS stealing going on, do you know how much of a package drop box are in demand nowadays. Please show me how to make one!

[@MikeHaduck]

Its the fad around here now, I haven,t had no request for a drop box but who knows, thanks mike

[@shawnlion4778]

Mike , you're the greatest

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Shawn, If I have any gifts it would be God given, Thanks mike

[@universalchiro]

I clicked on this video to learn how to DIY. After watching this video I concluded that this guy is a skilled craftman, and I'm an idiot. Sincerely, Overwhelmed.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi ,not so, I just do it every day, a lot of things I am not to good at, thanks mike

[@georgemaxted2957]

Your a master! Learnt so much from you thanks Mike 👍

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Gd, I appreciate the kind words, Mike

[@lenaely6146]

Thanks for the Pro Tips. I'm glad I watched your videos and learned so much before attempting to DIY or hire anyone 👍🤠 😪I was just thinking of stacking rocks I like and cement until it was the size I wanted 😁🏁😒😹

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi lina, do some experiments on the side, until you get the hang of it, thanks mike

[@thomasheller1526]

Another masterpiece

[@brunorosales7387]

Just awesome great job!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Bruno, mike

[@mtec8743]

great video keep them coming

[@MikeHaduck]

+Mtec thanks, I appreciate it . mike

[@dukeman7595]

Great job Mike, looks like a lot of work , but the outcome is worth it..

[@MikeHaduck]

+Joseph M thanks Joe I appreciate it, Mike

[@justwondering5540]

lol> sidewalk supervisors nice job and built strong !

[@MikeHaduck]

+Donald Baus thanks Donald, I not 100% happy but it was the best at the moment, thanks mike

[@michaelmaker8169]

Awesome job

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Michael, mike

[@NYERIC14]

Mike is my Portland Pastor! Preach brother!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Mr, Personality, I appreciate it, Mike

[@AlexGreenwoodUkulele]

6:50 Pahahahha best dub over EVER! Great video, m8. I'm thinking about building this!

[@MikeHaduck]

Ho Yolo, yep I make mistakes and got to go over them, (If I catch them) lol thanks mike

[@johnpelitidis6297]

Thanks Mike. 😀

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks John, Mike

[@CandiceWA]

Nice work!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@FireplacesRock]

Rock ON Mike !

[@MikeHaduck]

+Jaime Visions In Stone , thanks Jamie , your the man,

[@jorgedanielmolina4780]

muy buen trabajo Mike si bien no entiendo el idioma me las arreglo para enter el trabajo saludos desde argentina ¡¡¡¡

[@JamieDunne]

nice job.. im in the process of doing the exact same!

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Jamie, great, I am sure it will work out, thanks mike

[@GodseyKnives]

nice work !

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks.MIKE

[@cschnitker8865]

Mike this one made me laugh so hard it's exactly the kind of stuff I try to avoid. My time is more valuable to me I guess than the guy I'm doin the job for.ah? I thought so. Have a nice day.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks C, I appreciate it. mike

[@yohanduarte6165]

Very nice !

[@MikeHaduck]

+Rique Duarte thanks , mike

[@YATESA8]

Clearly the work of a lost ancient civilisation. We can not move these stones with modern techniques! :p Love your Channel, Mike!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Mike, check out the video,"amish shed move" thanks mike

[@YATESA8]

@@MikeHaduck Amish collective work is a great example indeed. Somehow weird many people think the ancients were not able to achieve great works. I like your channel, because you give good insights on how to work with stone.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@johnwayne2103]

Awesome!

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks John, I appreciate it. mike

[@GSMSfromFV]

Mike, another outstanding job! I will say this, ever since you started to upload in HD, you look a lot younger than you used to look. ;o))

[@MikeHaduck]

+GSMSfromFV I hope the wimmin notice, lol. mike

[@stevevenn1]

@@MikeHaduck you know the 3 words you don't want to hear when your in bed with your girlfriend? 'Honey, I'm home!'

[@lakeend5702]

Damn that’s impressive! Makes a brick mailbox look like plastic.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, mike

[@codeforfreeinc]

Mike I’m copying I hope mines comes out as good your an amazing mason.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Scottie, I am sure it will, Mike

[@rvvrn]

"Why did I build it off site and deliver" Because every other neighbor would either pester him to build them one or ask him how he built it. Lol

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks rv, verytrue, Mike

[@garybrown9719]

Nice job

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Gary, mike

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@harley5029]

I'm doing similar cultured stone on my front porch columns. Struggling with stone selection and placement. Seems like so many of them need cutting in order to fit together in a reasonable manner. Is a lot of cutting par for the course or am I missing something? Perhaps in a future video you could show and explain more about selecting stones and cutting them to fit. Thanks!

[@campbejouc]

good work

[@MikeHaduck]

+James Campbell thanks James , I appreciate it. mike

[@franklettering]

Great videos,no faff ,succinct and to the point.!!! Unlike the usual prima-donna acting to the gallery.

[@franklettering]

P S. What accent is that.?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Frank, Scranton pa area, we all talk different up here, lol. Mike

[@franklettering]

@@MikeHaduck . Cheers for the info.! Of the many American accents we hear from this side of the pond yours is the most pleasant. Is your accent specific to Scranton or Pennsylvania in general.?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Frank, yep we get some laughs for sure, thanks, Mike

[@USNERDOC]

Sweet!

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks again, mike

[@jamesogle6070]

How are you doing Mike you make excellent videos, have attempted a larger mailbox actually cutting quarried stone to fit, started with riverstone on the bottom which was extremely hard to cut, then honed and cut a square piece of flagstone as a secondary water table then went to fieldstone cutting my own veneer, not quite sure how to post an image or if you even can on here. I'm about half done now and would love your opinion and also pointers. After the veneer is finished I plan to add a boulder (very small for a boulder but still quite heavy) with some geodes implanted in the Boulder.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi James, I am sure it will be a eye catcher, make sure you got the right distance from the curb and height or the postman will go ballistic, thanks Mike

[@maldorasi]

Really nice work. I am in the process of building a similar mailbox. Doing a peaked limestone roof, any suggestions on how to secure it to the concrete block?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Michael, I can't answer that, I would look around and see what others did, thanks Mike

[@daydreamdesign]

The drip edge part was the detail I needed. This is a amazing video. I have a question. What’s your recommendations for adding one of these in a swell area or drain ditch. Should I build it on site?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi, the whole concept was it is movable, so that would be up to you, thanks mike

[@MattG125]

That really is a nice job. Inspiring. The arch adds a great touch. So with the scratch coat plus the buttering you allowed about 1/2" total cement ?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi matt, I would say a little more, and the size of the mail box has a lot to do with how thick the stone was, So best to lay everything out dry first, to gage it. thanks mike

[@hvactech77]

I just got stone on front of my house and wanted matching mailbox but mason wanted another $1350. This looks like an alternative I could do myself for sure. So you used one bag of concrete under the box and how many around it? This just hardens with rain over time and no footer needed? Love all ur videos btw.

[@MikeHaduck]

+hvactech77 I used another 4 bags around the mailbox , I mixed it like regular cement,, I now I could just bang it out or cut it to get it free, I had to make sure it would not tip over. thanks mike

[@captainh3831]

Mike, your standards of workmanship are second to none. I'm confident you could build a battleship from the ground up if you needed to and had the necessary materials. One thing that concerns me is that you never wear a mask of any kind when you're exposed to a variety of airborne materials from the work you do. Obviously you've been at this a long time with no discernable negative effects, but it does concern me.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks captain, I usually do but it gets in the way filming and talking, mike

[@mariodinovo4400]

if u want to pick up speed when doing culture stone stick your stone on and angle short drywall screws on edge of stone this will keep pieces from falling off then point and brush joints

[@MikeHaduck]

+Mario Dinovo ,anything that works, good tip, thanks mike

[@patrickmurray2220]

Tidy job. Good idea building it off site then deliver it. Less hassle that way

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Pat, I agree, thanks mke

[@JoeBrennan]

Mike I really like your video and that mailbox looks nice. About how thick is the screen, mud and mortar do you think? I ask because I have these nice stone veneer corner pieces that are about 18.5" interior dimensions so I need to figure out how big to make the frame. Thanks again.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Joe, just lay it out dry first, stand back and give it a good look, then make it appropriate to the top cap and you should be fine, I appreciate it, Mike

[@LLWW]

Your skill level is lightyears better than mine. How you made this video makes me feel like I could do this if I got all the right tools though. Thanks! Also why do you do the layer of mortar then scratch it let it dry and use more mortar to hold on the stone? Why couldn't you just put the mortar on once with the stone without all the dry time & scratching it? Sorry if this is a dumb question lol

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Leslie, you could do it that way and I know some masons that prefer that way and maybe for such a small project it might be better, but the scratch holds it together a little better and a little more water proof , my opinion, anything that works, I hope it helps, thanks mike

[@bjvande1]

Nice Video Mike. How is the mailbox anchored? I saw where you drilled holes for bars, but not following how you actually get it anchored...looked like you pour concrete around the outside? Thx!

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Bruce, I missed filming that, I just mixed some fast drying cement and dropped it in, thanks mike

[@mrosas2403]

Mike can you give a little more detail on how you anchored it I'm a beginner and catching on some of your ideas and also on the stone cap what was holding it ?? I seen the 2x4 you but on it but didn't catch where did you screw it to

[@danknugz7605]

Hey mike. Brandon from sault ste marie canada again. Great work. I love these videos of you showing your deadly skills. Im in the process of making one of uncle lous How much would a job like building that moveable mailbox be? Excavation materials. What did you charge the client so i know ball park to adjust accordingly to the tine difference and location. Thank again mike.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Brandon, they bought all the materials and it was a relative so I didn't make much on it, but I was happy to get the video, thanks Mike

[@eyeonart6865]

I would hire him

[@levankhmaladze1951]

Mike I do not scratch coat when using cultured stone and spec-mix. stiffens up pretty quick

[@MikeHaduck]

HI Levan, there are times I did it the same, anything that works for that job I am doing at the time,, I appreciate it. mike

[@levankhmaladze1951]

Correct. Like you said before. There is no right way or wrong way doing it. It's just to make the job moving. I like your grinder...lol there has being times when I left the generator home and there is no electricity on the site, so I whip out the 14inch demo saw and cut stones with it. Love that saw to cut curves on the paver and stone patios tho

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Levan, your right, just keep it moving, thanks mke

[@vaffanculo2958]

Great video I built the frame today stone veneer come in next week with cap. I was wondering how is the cap attached did you just use mortar on the edges and gravity? Also i plan on digging around 8-10” then gravel and concrete everyone is telling me code is 42”s I’m in Chicago and we do freeze deep. Thank you for any suggestions.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Val, I forget but I think I used a couple L brackets to keep the stone down, the mailbox was movable so no footing required, thanks Mike

[@NBSTL68]

Very nice job. I do not have the skill set to do this. For a mailbox just like this, (moveable or not) could you give me an estimate of what I could expect to pay a local mason to build it? I would like to start looking but do not know what would be considered a fair price and don't want to get overcharged. Thanks

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi NBSTL, I would just get some estimates because every type is different and see what to expect from what the mason has done before, I don't know how to answer this any better, I hope it helps, thanks mike

[@adamyao3787]

hands down

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks ivgt, I appreciate it. mike

[@markbennett8463]

hi mike love your videos mike i want to build an out side patio table and set it up on pillers and also make a concreat table top. how do i determin how big the pillers have to be in order to hold the concreat table top which i want to make the top 3 inches thick the whole table top i want it to be 4 feet wide and 6 feet long . thanks mark

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Mark, you got to be careful there, I seen some collapse, a lot of weight, so I don't know how to comment on that, thanks Mike

[@MAgaSUXX]

I am looking for a natural stone piece that I can make some creative use of using perhaps some wood/wrought iron and a mailbox about the same size or so....any ideas? I like taking used industrial junk and making it strong, but attractive.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Mr, Mark, you sound like a artist to me, I bet whatever you do it will come out fine, thanks mike

[@markchristensen6785]

I assume you are wetting the cement that you put down after tamping the earth level for the base?

[@MikeHaduck]

+Mark Christensen I actually mixed it with water by hand but missed it with the camera, Thanks, mike

[@lawrenceclark5492]

Could this method be used for fence posts about 6' to 8' apart. If so what would be done differently? Thanks for the videos.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Lawrence, i have seen it done, cant remember where , I did called a series called building stone piller or columns, mike haduck , maybe that will help, mike

[@suep4530]

cool. wish we could have something like that here but no, sadly.

[@MikeHaduck]

+Sue P too much work it think, mike

[@tengsr]

Hi Mike, have you ever had any problems with stone popping off, during the moving process?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi tengsr, I had no problem with this or other projects, but I only moved them a few short miles, thanks mike

[@Papyrusans]

Can you make a stone triagonal sign next?

[@MikeHaduck]

I PIR, never had the opportunity, maybe some day, lol, mike

[@lawrenceontiveros835]

Mike .. what is the best way to attach one of those mail boxes to a cement pad already in place

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Lawrence, I can't answer that unless I was there to see it, thanks Mike

[@TalksWithRyan]

Like anyone who loves it always takes a little extra push to get things going

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Ryan, mike

[@sendrial99]

I've had 2 different cars hit my mailbox and destroy it. Maybe I need a heavy one like this.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Daniel, most walls get hit by cars get damaged no matter , lol, just one of those things, thanks mike

[@cody_forrest]

Hi, Mike! Is there any way you can shoot me a link to where you ordered these exact stones?

[@MikeHaduck]

HI Cody, I did not buy them, the owners did, quite expensive, but best to go to a brick and stone store becuase every year they change , I hope it helps thanks mike

[@cody_forrest]

Ahh, gotcha! Could you then tell me the name/type of stone you used in this video? Also, the name/type of tread that would look best with this stone if using it to renovate my old concrete front porch?

[@kevalananda4510]

Nice Job. However, having recently moved, it would cost a ton of doe to move that thing and no one in their right mind should even think of it.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Keval, remember, everyone goes nuts different, lol, Mike

[@RubbinRobbin]

Do you know how to make stone hand rails?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Round, usually you get them made at a limestone carvers like i did on my video "limestone caps, carving, plaining (tomassetti stone co) and they pre make them and you pin them in, if that makes sense , thank smike

[@benbulishak7387]

How much stone, corners & reg would I order if doing this?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Ben, I would go to the supplier and I am sure they would tell you just what you need, thanks mike

[@Djpanteramix88]

what's the price for the mailbox

[@jacobbelfield9835]

I’ll be late on the reply: It cost me ~300-350$ for the materials. I finished mine, but don’t understand the cappstone with plastic nipple part

[@RA-zl6iw]

Was that cultured stone, or natural stone that was cut?

[@MikeHaduck]

+RJ A Hi RJA, it was cultured, the owners bought it and I just picked it up. a little hard to work with in such a small space. thanks mike