Letterplate or not?

1.  When letterplates are installed onto your door, remember:

• The Security Risk:  it's placement too close to the middle of the door could be a security risk - enabling easy access to the lock.
• Considering the Postman: Our customers are sometimes concerned about the postman having to bend down if they place a letterplate at the bottom of the door.  This is entirely a personal choice but letterplates do look more up to date and attractive lower down and out of the way.

2. Letterplates may not be suitable for Passive House

Or zero carbon rated houses with high insulation values because they are a source of heat loss. It is possible to buy certified letterplates, however they are not always attractive or contemporary

3. The placement of letterplates on timber doorsets with grooves is important:

If the door is vertically grooved,  then the letterplate should be vertical to prevent water rolling down the door and sitting in the grooves where the letterplate is. The same applies if the door is horizontally grooved - the letterplate should be horizontally fitted as well.

4. Mail chutes might be a solution

But are best implemented when the building is being built as they are hard to fit after the fact. 

A postbox sits on an outside wall, with a tunnel through the wall with an internal basket for the post to fall into on the inside. A very good option for new builds when an abundance of space is available. 

5. Creating a special place for the letterplate on the door is another option.

This is usually done in the side lite in a dedicated panel at the bottom or middle of the door.  The benefit of this is that it is not in the door.

6. Be mindful if you have glass side panels (sidelights)

It's worth noting that if there is a clear glass side lite by your door, there is s security risk if post is left on the doorstep while you are away. Would be burglars will know you are away. In this instance, sandblasted glass could be a good glass option.