Backyard and outdoor-space ideas for vacation rental hosts and homeowners
Gazebos, pergolas, hot tubs and fire pits that guests remember, plus honest research roundups of the host gear that runs a short-term rental: smart locks, outdoor cameras, thermostats, TVs and noise monitors.
Host Gear
All Host Gear →
Best Smart Locks for Vacation Rentals
A research roundup of smart locks for short-term rental hosts: Yale Assure Lock 2, Schlage Encode Plus, August Wi-Fi and igloohome, plus what features actually matter.
Outdoor Security Cameras for Rental Hosts
A research roundup of outdoor security cameras for short-term rental hosts, from Arlo, Ring, eufy and Blink, plus the guest-privacy rules every host should follow.
Smart Thermostats for Rentals
A research roundup of smart thermostats for short-term rental hosts: Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) and Ecobee Enhanced, plus setup tips to cut energy waste.
Best TVs and Streaming Setups for Guests
How to set up TVs and streaming for vacation rental guests: what TV features matter, plus a research roundup of streaming devices like Roku Ultra, Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Google TV Streamer.
Noise and Occupancy Monitors for Rentals
A research roundup of privacy-safe noise and occupancy monitors for short-term rental hosts, including Minut and NoiseAware, and how to use them without invading guest privacy.
Smart Home Starter Kit for Hosts
A practical smart home starter kit for short-term rental hosts: smart lock, thermostat, noise monitor, outdoor camera, leak sensors, smart plugs and lighting, with tips on keeping it simple for guests.
Outdoor Amenities That Help Your Rental Stand Out
Outdoor amenities that help vacation rentals stand out: hot tubs, fire pits, gazebos and pergolas, string lights and outdoor dining, with safety, maintenance and listing photo tips.
Keyless Check-In and Guest-Ready Checklist
How to set up keyless check-in for a short-term rental, plus a printable guest-ready turnover checklist covering the door, smart devices, the backyard and safety.
Backyard Ideas
All ideas →
Gazebo and Pergola Ideas on a Budget
Budget gazebo and pergola ideas: gazebo vs pergola, kits vs DIY, anchoring, shade, curtains, lights and styling a backyard retreat.
21 Small Backyard Ideas on a Budget
21 practical small backyard ideas on a budget: zoning, cheap flooring, lighting, plants and a mini pergola corner you can build in a weekend.
Backyard String Light Ideas (and How to Hang Them)
Backyard string light ideas with step-by-step hanging methods: zigzag, gazebo canopy, pole-and-wire, and tree layouts, plus safety tips.
DIY Fire Pit Ideas Under $200
DIY fire pit ideas with a step-by-step block fire pit build, safe placement rules, seating layouts and cheap alternatives.
Florida Backyard Landscaping That Survives Summer
Florida backyard landscaping ideas: heat-tough plants, Florida-friendly mulch and irrigation, hurricane-smart layout and a screened gazebo for bug-free shade.
Paver Patio Ideas for Beginners
Beginner paver patio ideas and a step-by-step DIY install: layout, base depth, sand, cutting, edging and adding a pergola on top.
Screened Porch Makeover Ideas
Screened porch makeover ideas: how to rescreen panels yourself, paint a porch floor that lasts, fix small wood rot and style the space.
Outdoor Kitchen Ideas on a Budget
Budget outdoor kitchen ideas: a griddle and prep cart setup, a grill gazebo for shade, and how to add a sink when there is no drain.
Backyard Privacy Ideas (Cheap and Fast)
Cheap and fast backyard privacy ideas: fence screens, bamboo rolls, tall planters, trellis vines and pergola privacy panels.
Shed Makeover Ideas: Rust to Refresh
Shed makeover ideas: how to remove rust and repaint a metal shed, organize the inside, and add window boxes and a pergola lean-to.