Buying A Sunroom? Find Out Which Type Is Best For You | Sunroom Buyer's Guide

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Expert Overview

Learn the difference between three-season sunrooms, four-season (or all-season) sunrooms, screened-in porches, and patio enclosures.
Understand the different styles of sunrooms and the pros and cons of each.
See side-by-side comparisons on the most popular types and styles of sunrooms and outdoor spaces, including cost differences.

What Are the Different Types of 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.

Three-Season Sunroom

A three-season sunroom is designed for use from spring through fall, in regions with cold winters. Insulation is minimal, and it doesn't have an HVAC unit.

All-Season (Four-Season) Sunroom

A four-season sunroom is exactly as it sounds: It’s a room intended to be used all year-round, through all four seasons. Learn if it's right for you.

Patio Enclosure

A patio enclosure adds a glass, or all-season enclosure around an existing covered patio to make the space more versatile. Learn if it's right for you.

Screened-In Porch Enclosure

A screened-in porch enclosure or screen room is an outdoor area with screens that provides protection from insects. Learn if it's right for you.

Lanai

A lanai is a partially covered porch or patio that usually extends off the home and opens into the outdoors. Learn if it's right for you.

Florida Room

When people refer to a Florida room, they generally just mean a sunroom—either a three-season sunroom or all-season one. Learn if it's right for you.

Arizona Room

Today, an Arizona room is akin to a sunroom with Southwestern decor, and can be fully climate-controlled. Learn if it's right for you.

What Sunroom Type is the Most Energy Efficient?

There are many things that a contractor can do to make your all-season sunroom as energy efficient as possible.

Sunroom Ideas and Design Styles

In our sunroom guide we'll cover some of the most popular design styles for sunrooms, and then review a few pros and cons of each.

Should I Choose a Three-Season Sunroom or an All-Season (Four-Season) Sunroom?

These two types of sunrooms are similar in appearance, but function differently. Learn how to pick the right one for you.

What’s the Difference Between a Screened-In Porch Enclosure and a Three Season Sunroom?

So how can you decide between a sunroom and a three-season room? Let’s dig in to learn a more about each type of space and how they can work for you.

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