3 Temporary Fence Ideas You Can DIY for Any Space

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. 

1. Portable Wire Fence

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.

Pros

• Easy assembly

• Portability

• No digging required

Cons

• Expensive

• Can be knocked over

• Not aesthetically pleasing

2. Temporary Vinyl Fencing

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.

Pros

• More stable than portable wire fencing

• Cost-effective, stylish fencing solution

• Low maintenance

Cons

• 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

3. Plastic Garden Netting

Photo: Catherine McQueen / Moment / Getty Images

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.

Pros

• Highly cost-effective

• Easy set up and removal

• No digging required

Cons

• Not as stable as vinyl fencing option

• May not offer a pleasing design aesthetic

Choosing a DIY Temporary Fence

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.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

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.