House numbers for your front door

How to choose a house number

Start with where the number will live. A number that screws in from the back sits flush and hides its hardware, which suits a smooth wall or a mailbox post. A number that screws in from the front shows two small screw heads, which suits brick, siding and any surface where you want a firm hold.

Then pick the material. Zinc alloy and aluminum alloy hold up outdoors and keep a clean edge. Solid brass ages into a warm tone over time. Walnut wood brings a softer, indoor-friendly look.

Finally, match the style to the rest of your entry. Floating numbers read as modern. Front-fixing plates read as classic. A brass sign with a letter reads as traditional.

Sizes and measuring

Measure the space before you order. The Floating Zinc House Number and the Float White House Number are both 5 x 0.5 in (125 x 12 mm) with a 0.5 in (12 mm) thickness. That slim profile suits a narrow trim board or a mailbox side.

The Walnut Adhesive House Number is 3.1 x 1.6 x 0.4 in (80 x 40 x 9 mm). It is the widest of the group, so leave room around it if you plan to stack numbers in a column.

The Brass House Number and Letter Sign stands 4 in (101 mm) tall. It reads well from the street and works as a single number or as a number paired with a letter.

For a front door, aim for numbers that are easy to read from the curb. For a mailbox, keep the number within the flat face of the box. For a porch wall, center the number at eye level or slightly above.

Materials and finishes

Zinc alloy is the base for three listings here: The Floating Zinc House Number in black, the Number / Zinc House Plate, and the Float White House Number. Zinc alloy takes paint and powder coating well, so the black and white finishes stay even. It also resists rust in wet weather.

Aluminum alloy is the base for the Number / House Number Sign. It is light, strong and holds a crisp edge, which suits a simple front-fixing plate.

Solid brass is the base for the Brass House Number and Letter Sign. Brass is dense and has a natural sheen. It can be polished or left to patina, depending on the look you want.

Walnut wood is the base for The Walnut Adhesive House Number. Wood brings warmth and pairs well with a covered porch or an interior door.

Mounting and hardware

Back-fixing numbers use screws from the back. The Floating Zinc House Number and the Float White House Number both mount this way, so no screw heads show on the face. You need access to the back of the surface, such as a mailbox post or a hollow door.

Front-fixing numbers use screws from the front. The Number / Zinc House Plate, the Number / House Number Sign and the Brass House Number and Letter Sign all mount this way. The zinc plate and the aluminum sign include M2 screws. The brass sign includes its screws. Front fixing works on brick, stone, siding and solid wood.

The Walnut Adhesive House Number uses adhesive backing. No drilling, no screws. Clean the surface first, then press and hold. This suits a door, a mailbox face or a smooth panel where you would rather not drill.

Care and everyday use

All of these numbers are easy to keep clean. Wipe them with a dry cloth. For the zinc, aluminum and brass pieces, a dry cloth removes dust and fingerprints without dulling the finish. For the walnut number, a dry cloth keeps the wood free of grit.

Check the screws once a season. Front-fixing screws can loosen over time on wood, and a quick turn keeps the number tight. Back-fixing numbers stay put once seated, but check them after a hard storm.

If you live near the coast or in a wet climate, rinse the metal numbers with plain water and dry them right away. Skip harsh cleaners, which can strip a finish.

Mixing numbers and letters

You can build a full address from a few pieces. Use the Brass House Number and Letter Sign for the number and a second sign for a letter if your address includes one. Pair the Floating Zinc House Number in black with the Float White House Number for a two-tone look on a dark door.

Keep the height consistent when you mount more than single-piece. A level line across the numbers reads as intentional. If you mix materials, keep the finish in one family, such as black zinc with black screws, or brass with brass.

For a mailbox, the Walnut Adhesive House Number is the quickest path. For a brick wall, the front-fixing zinc, aluminum or brass pieces give the firmest hold. For a modern entry, the floating zinc and white numbers keep the wall clean.