Outdoor spaces play a much bigger role in guest satisfaction than many hosts expect. A well-equipped exterior can elevate reviews, increase bookings, and create memorable experiences — while a poorly planned outdoor setup can quickly become a maintenance headache.
This STR outdoor essentials checklist is designed for hosts who want outdoor and exterior spaces that guests actually use, enjoy, and mention in reviews — without adding unnecessary upkeep or fragile décor. The focus is on durable, functional items that improve the guest experience and hold up to repeated stays.
Everything below reflects what works best in real short-term rentals, not staged listings or one-off vacation homes.
How to Use This STR Outdoor Essentials Checklist
This page is meant to be a working setup guide, not a design inspiration board.
Use this checklist when:
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Furnishing outdoor spaces for a new short-term rental
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Upgrading patios, decks, yards, or docks
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Replacing items that aren’t holding up
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Simplifying outdoor areas that feel cluttered or underused
This guide prioritizes:
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Guest-friendly outdoor experiences
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Durable, weather-resistant items
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Easy setup and reset between stays
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Outdoor features guests naturally understand how to use
Core STR Outdoor Essentials (Must-Haves)
If you’re equipping outdoor spaces for the first time, start here. These STR outdoor essentials deliver the biggest impact with the least complexity.
Core outdoor essentials include:
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Comfortable outdoor seating
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Simple outdoor games
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Adequate exterior lighting
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Trash and cleanup solutions
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Weather-appropriate accessories
Outdoor Seating: Comfortable, Durable, and Easy to Maintain
Outdoor seating is one of the most used — and most abused — exterior features in a short-term rental. Furniture should feel sturdy, comfortable, and low-maintenance.
What works best for STR outdoor seating:
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Weather-resistant chairs or benches
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Seating that doesn’t require cushions (or uses quick-dry cushions)
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Furniture that can be easily moved or stacked
Avoid lightweight furniture that tips easily or fabrics that stain, fade, or mildew quickly.
Outdoor Games: Experiences Guests Remember
Outdoor games consistently outperform decorative extras. Guests of all ages instinctively know how to use them, which means they actually get played.
High-Performing STR Outdoor Essentials
These games:
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Store easily
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Work for families and groups
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Don’t require instructions
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Hold up well outdoors
If space allows, outdoor-rated table tennis can be a standout upgrade, but it should only be added when storage and durability make sense.
Fire Pit & Gathering Areas (If Applicable)
If your property includes a fire pit, it often becomes a focal point of the stay.
Best practices:
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Keep accessories simple and durable
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Provide clear tools for safe use
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Avoid decorative fire pit items that break or disappear
Guests value functionality far more than styling in these spaces.
Exterior Lighting: Safety and Usability First
Lighting is a critical part of STR outdoor essentials — not just for aesthetics, but for safety and usability.
Exterior lighting should:
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Clearly illuminate walkways and entrances
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Support evening use of patios and yards
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Feel welcoming, not harsh
Solar or low-maintenance lighting options work especially well for paths, decks, and outdoor seating areas.
Outdoor Dining & Surfaces
If guests can eat outdoors, they will.
Outdoor dining setups should include:
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A sturdy table
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Seating appropriate for the table size
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Surfaces that clean easily
Avoid glass tabletops or fragile materials that don’t hold up to weather or frequent use.
Trash, Cleanup & Maintenance Essentials
Outdoor areas need just as much planning for cleanup as indoor spaces.
Helpful STR outdoor essentials include:
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Outdoor trash cans with lids
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Extra trash bags stored nearby
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Simple cleanup tools if appropriate
These small details reduce mess and protect outdoor furniture and surfaces.
Weather-Ready Extras Guests Appreciate
Depending on your climate, a few thoughtful extras can improve comfort without adding complexity.
Examples include:
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Shade options
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Simple outdoor rugs (weather-rated)
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Hooks or storage for towels or gear
Only add items that can realistically be maintained between stays.
Outdoor Layout Tips for Short-Term Rentals
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Leave clear walkways
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Avoid overcrowding patios or decks
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Group seating to encourage use
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Keep games visible but contained
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Make sure outdoor spaces photograph well
Outdoor areas should feel intuitive — guests shouldn’t have to ask how to use them.
Common Outdoor Mistakes to Avoid
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Choosing décor over function
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Using indoor furniture outside
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Adding too many fragile accessories
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Ignoring storage for games and tools
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Skipping lighting
Simplicity almost always performs better long-term.
STR Outdoor Essentials Checklist (Complete List)
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Complete Short-Term Rental Essentials (Room by Room)
Use the links below to access the complete checklist for each space.
Short-Term Rental Essentials Hub
STR Kitchen Essentials Checklist
STR Bedroom Essentials Checklist
STR Game Room Essentials Checklist
STR Coffee Bar Essentials Checklist
STR Security Essentials Checklist
STR Furniture Essentials Checklist
STR Living Room Essentials Checklist
STR Household Essentials Checklist
Final Thoughts
Well-planned outdoor spaces don’t need to be elaborate to be memorable. When you focus on practical STR outdoor essentials that guests naturally enjoy, you create experiences that show up in reviews — without creating extra work for yourself.
Use this checklist as a foundation, adapt it to your property and climate, and revisit it as your short-term rental evolves.
Last Updated 1/6/2026