Best Ways to Fence a Short-Term Rental: 7 Ideas for a Beautiful and Functional Backyard
BY MIKEL HUBBARD
FORMER HGTV PRODUCER | CO-FOUNDER, THE HOST CO |
OWNER, TIMES EIGHT PROPERTY & DESIGN
Fencing is a crucial element in creating a private, secure, and visually appealing backyard for your short-term rental property. Plus, it’s great for being pet and kid-friendly. The right fence can enhance the overall guest experience while providing privacy and safety. Here are seven fence ideas that are well-suited for short-term rentals, highlighting their unique features and benefits.
Wooden Privacy Fence: A classic choice, a wooden privacy fence offers seclusion and creates a cozy ambiance in the backyard. It effectively blocks views from neighbors and passersby, ensuring privacy for your guests. Wooden fences can be customized with various stain or paint options to match your property's aesthetic, and they are durable and long-lasting with proper maintenance. And you don’t have plank it vertically. Horizontal wood fences are way more chic!
Cowboy/Goat Fence: Got a great view and don’t want to block it? Cowboy or goat fencing are those large wire square fences that keep pets in and lets the views shine.
Wrought Iron Fence: Wrought iron fences add elegance and sophistication to any backyard. While they may not provide complete privacy, they offer a stylish way to define your property boundaries. Wrought iron fences are durable, require minimal maintenance, and can be customized with ornamental details. With those spikes on top, it definitely deters people from trying to climb over them!
Bamboo Fence: A bamboo fence offers a natural and eco-friendly option for short-term rental properties. It provides a tropical, Zen-like atmosphere and offers some privacy while allowing airflow. Bamboo fences are durable and require minimal maintenance. Additionally, bamboo is a renewable resource, making it an environmentally conscious choice.
Chain Link Fence with Privacy Slats: Chain link fences are known for their affordability and durability, but not their looks. To enhance privacy, you can opt for chain link fences with privacy slats. These slats are inserted into the chain link mesh, blocking the view and providing an added layer of privacy for your guests. Privacy slats are available in various colors, allowing you to customize the appearance to suit your property.
Corrugated Metal Fence: A corrugated metal fence offers a modern and industrial aesthetic to your backyard. They can be paired with wood or metal frames to create a unique and visually striking design or rusted with chemicals for a more rustic look.
Living Fence with Shrubs or Hedges: A living fence composed of shrubs or hedges can provide both privacy and natural beauty to your backyard. Select dense and fast-growing shrubs or hedges that are well-suited to your climate. They create a living barrier that not only offers privacy but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the outdoor space.
With the perfect fence in place, you can enhance the guest experience, provide a safe and private outdoor space, and elevate the overall charm of your short-term rental property.
MIKEL HUBBARD
is the co-founder of the Host Company. He's run a property management company in California’s high desert and has owned three Airbnbs since 2013 in Lake Tahoe, Joshua Tree and Death Valley. Mikel is a former HGTV producer and is the owner of Times Eight Property & Design, a real estate investment and interior design firm.