Expert Overview
- Three-season and all-season (or four-season) sunrooms differ in functionality and climate control, with all-season being the most energy efficient and usable year-round.
- Patio enclosures and screen rooms or screened-in porches are essentially three-season rooms, but still offer benefits.
- Florida room, Arizona room, and lanai are three distinct room styles, all of which crossover in some way with sunrooms.
If you're a homeowner just starting to think about sunroom ideas, one of the first things to figure out is which type of sunroom is right for your home. The materials you choose and the sunroom type you select will affect how you and your family use the space.
A sunroom is a fully enclosed, glass room that you attach to your home. You enter it from your house, through a door, and it may also have direct access to the outside, via an exterior door. Beyond this basic definition, sunrooms can vary greatly in construction, style, and design.
For example, some sunrooms are constructed to be used all year-round whereas other sunrooms are constructed to be used only during the warmer months. Spaces such as screened porches have things in common with sunrooms, but aren’t quite the same thing.
Next, we’ll define each type of space, including the different names people use. The articles that follow in this section can help you get more clear about which type of space is right for you. Ultimately, you should work with your contractor or sunroom installer to ensure that the sunroom you choose will match your budget and meet your needs.
WHEN TO USE
- Year-round use
HEATING/COOLING OPTIONS
- Optional HVAC
GLASS TYPE
- Comfort 365® glass
ROOF TYPE
- Gable
- Studio
- Under existing porch
FRAME MATERIAL
- Vinyl covered 6-inch wide aluminum
ELECTRICAL OPTIONS
- Optional
FLOORING SUGGESTIONS*
- Carpet
- Hardwood
*Not included. Flooring installation is responsibility of homeowner
SUGGESTED ROOM USE
- Living/Family room
- Office/Study
FURNITURE IDEAS
- Comfy couch
- TV room
- Office desk
DOORS
- Interior entry door to home
- Exterior sliding patio door or entry door
WHEN TO USE
- Typically 3 full seasons in a mild climate
HEATING/COOLING OPTIONS
- Fan/space heater
- Optional HVAC
GLASS TYPE
- Single pane glass
- Gen 1 insulated glass
ROOF TYPE
- Gable
- Studio
- Under existing porch
FRAME MATERIAL
- 4-inch wide aluminum
ELECTRICAL OPTIONS
- Optional
FLOORING SUGGESTIONS*
- Tile
- Indoor/outdoor flooring
*Not included. Flooring installation is responsibility of homeowner
SUGGESTED ROOM USE
- Recreation
- Dining room
FURNITURE IDEAS
- Indoor/outdoor lounge furniture
- Dining table
DOORS
- Interior entry door to home
- Exterior sliding patio door or entry door
WHEN TO USE
- Late spring to early fall
HEATING/COOLING OPTIONS
- Enjoy the outside air temperature without the bugs
GLASS TYPE
- No glass, only screens
ROOF TYPE
- Gable
- Studio
- Under existing porch
FRAME MATERIAL
- 2-inch wide aluminum
ELECTRICAL OPTIONS
- Optional
FLOORING SUGGESTIONS*
- Existing floor in space
- Weather-resistant options
*Not included. Flooring installation is responsibility of homeowner
SUGGESTED ROOM USE
- Outdoor entertainment
- Yoga/meditation
FURNITURE IDEAS
- Outdoor dining table
- Outdoor patio furniture
DOORS
- Interior entry door to home
- Exterior sliding patio door or entry door
