Short-term fencing solutions with long-lasting benefits
There are plenty of reasons you might need to install a temporary barrier for your outdoor space. Renters who want to protect their kids and pets or homeowners who can’t decide on a permanent fence type need not worry. These DIY temporary fence ideas can inspire you with a short-term boundary solution that doesn’t break the bank.
A portable wire fence offers a sturdy barrier without any digging or building. Instead of one long unit, this type of fence is made up of individual, freestanding panels that you can move around freely and set up in minutes.
You’ve most likely seen this type of fencing around construction sites, and the panels can be rented out individually or in bulk, but they’re not cheap. This setup works great for short-term outdoor projects or keeping animals out of one specific area while you work on a permanent solution, but is probably too costly if you need a lot of panels and plan to have them for a long time—those rental fees add up.
Easy assembly
Portability
No digging required
Expensive
Can be knocked over
Not aesthetically pleasing
You can purchase sections of vinyl fencing online that stand alone and place them on almost any outdoor surface. These temporary vinyl fence packages come with everything you need for setup, and you can order more or less based on the size of the area you need contained. Vinyl fencing costs around $10 to $30 per linear foot, so you can find a solution that works within your budget.
Using vinyl fencing requires very little digging—you’ll just have to install a post firmly in the ground—and it offers an affordable, stylish solution that can be reused for future projects. Vinyl fencing is super low maintenance and comes in a variety of styles and colors, too.
More stable than portable wire fencing
Cost-effective, stylish fencing solution
Low maintenance
Requires digging posts into the ground
May be harder to find the size you want in your color/style choice
Purchase required instead of renting
This is an ideal solution for keeping critters out of your garden or even keeping your dogs contained. Not only is garden netting easy to install, but it’s also cost-effective. A roll of garden netting costs only a few dollars per foot, and you’ll find it at most home and garden stores or online.
Once you measure how much you need, simply trim the netting to fit your exact dimensions. Connect the netting to a T-post or U-post, and you have an instant, no-dig fencing option.
Highly cost-effective
Easy set up and removal
No digging required
Not as stable as vinyl fencing option
May not offer a pleasing design aesthetic
Temporary fences may be a short-term solution, but finding the best one does require thought. Otherwise, you may choose an idea that either doesn’t work for your needs or costs more time and money than you wanted. Before selecting a temporary fence, consider these factors:
Length of time: How long do you need the structure to last? If you only need it for a few days rather than a year, the material you choose doesn’t need to be as durable.
Budget: How much of an investment you’re willing to make is also another factor, as temporary fences run the gamut for cost. If you’re more budget-conscious, look for less expensive materials such as plastic versus vinyl or metal.
Purpose: If you intend to keep your pets safe, then you may need something taller and with considerably more strength than a fence used only as a border around the garden or as a privacy fence.
Climate: Since the temporary fencing is naturally exposed to the elements all day, every day, choose a material that’s well-suited for your location.
A temporary fence can most often be installed on your own for a low cost—after all, it’s not meant to last forever. However, if you need a barrier to solve a long-term problem like keeping out animals or prying eyes, you’ll want to call in a local fence company to build something that provides a long-term solution.
You have a few options for keeping your temporary fence up and helping with overall installation. A sandbag works as a standard weight, but these can easily blow away if there are strong wind gusts or other inclement weather. You can also try spikes and bolts, which are both cost-effective and easy to install but may prove difficult if your ground is frozen or is too soft for drilling. Lastly, wind braces offer another solution but, like spikes and bolts, can be difficult to install if the ground is too soft or hard.
The best type truly depends on the purpose of your fencing. Whether you need it for added security, safety for children and animals, or keeping pests out of your garden area will determine which temporary fencing works best for you. Once you understand its purpose, you can select the most durable, cost-effective material for your yard’s size and project.
