Building a Sunroom

Option 1: Building a Sunroom On Your Existing Porch

Covered back porch ideal for sunroom conversion

Since the roof is already in place, this is probably the most economical sunroom addition project. Depending on the age of the porch you may want to consult with your local building codes and/or a reputable contractor to make sure your structure is adequate to handle the additional weight. We strongly encourage you to do so.

Select Your Windows

Window size and placement often dictate the overall design of your sunroom.

Mary and I recommend selecting high quality windows. Determine whether you need insulated or non-insulated glass.

Insulated windows are recommended if you plan to use your sunroom year round. Other considerations include tempered versus non-tempered glass and window framing, i.e., double hung, hinges, sliding, fixed, bow or bay, etc.

See our Windows for a Sunroom Section for more options.

Size matters: Consider the size of windows you need and design configurations. Windows from floor to ceiling obviously give you the most light but also increase heat build-up in the sunroom. You may also want a transom light above the door or other custom designed window shapes.

Determine Your Electrical Requirements for Building a Sunroom

Existing porches will normally already have some electrical components like lights and outlets. However, you may want to increase your electrical options to accommodate additional furniture or add fans and additional lighting or switches.

Because a sunroom is mostly glass, you'll need to know where the electrical features will be located so you can frame the structure accordingly. We highly recommend contacting and using a qualified electrician to not only do the electrical work but also help during the design phase.

Select Your Flooring Option

Depending on the composition and condition of your existing porch floor, you may want or need to change the sub-floor. The sub-floor will carry the decking or flooring material.

Again, depending on your porch's foundation, you many need to reinforce the piers, posts, joists or beams depending on which option you choose. You may need to consult with a qualified contractor to ensure your porch foundation can carry the additional load.

Often adding a layer of exterior plywood over the existing porch floor will suffice; but again, you may want to consult with a reputable contractor.

You have many flooring options from which to choose: wood, carpet, tile, stone, brick, concrete, etc.

Frame It Up

Now that you know the size of the windows, your overall sunroom design, your electrical requirements, and after the subfloor has been installed, it is time to frame your existing porch.

Typically you will have already removed the porch balustrade, if applicable.

Generally speaking, you will frame to the dimensions of your window allowances. Although not difficult, it is one of the most important steps in the process. The more accurate and level the framing the easier it is to install the windows.

Be sure to follow the instructions for window and door installation that come with the products you selected. Not all windows or doors are installed the same way so it is critical you adhere to the specific installation process for your selected windows.

You may want to run electrical wiring prior to installing windows depending on your specific sunroom design.

Install Your Windows and Door

Follow the directions for installing your windows and door.

Install the Electrical Wiring and Fixtures

Once framing has been completed and windows installed, run electrical wiring and install fixtures if not already done.

Jazzing It Up on the Exterior

Complete the exterior work depending on your sunroom design. This could range from installing some type of siding to just adding exterior trim work.

Finish the Interior

Install your selected flooring and add lighting fixtures, fans, etc. Add hardware and trim as applicable.

Delightful and inviting sunroom with a brick floor

photo courtesy of buddyspotz

Option 2: Building a Sunroom on Your Existing or New Deck

Photo courtesy of DIY Eze Breeze

Vertical 4-track sunroom windows

You can often save substantial money by building a sunroom on your existing deck. However, most decks are not constructed to support the weight of a sunroom's windows, framing, and roof let alone snow if you live in a cold climate.





Before you contemplate building a sunroom on your deck, you need to ensure it can support the new structure:

• Piers: Extremely significant when building sunrooms, both pier size and the amount of weight your piers can support are critical factors.
  
  Unfortunately, most deck piers are insufficient to carry additional loads. You will more than likely have to add additional support. Line and pier size and the amount of weight that it can support against the local soil pressure is one of the most important factors when determining if a deck can be used for a sunroom foundation.
  
  Most existing decks are built with 8 inch piers. While these piers are adequate for a deck, an 8 inch pier usually cannot support additional concentrated loads. If the piers are not adequate, additional foundation supports will likely be needed.


See our Porch Foundation section for more detailed information about foundations and flooring.



• Other Deck Framing Issues: Your deck's framing, i.e., beams, joists, and supporting posts may well need additional support as well.
• Constructing a Roof: If you don't have a roof already, you will need to construct one and tie that into your existing roof. This often requires considerable construction knowledge to do it correctly.
  
  We highly recommend you work with a reputable contractor to complete this portion of the construction.
  
  
  See our section on How to Build a Porch Roof for more detailed information you must know.

As tempting as it might be, building a sunroom on top of your existing deck can be catastrophic if you do not ensure it can support the weight. It may just require additional piers or other reinforcements which still can save you money.

Photo courtesy of DIY Eze Breeze

Option 3: Building a Sunroom on Your Patio

Cozy and comfortable sunroom with tiled floor
photo courtesy of buddyspotz

This is not unlike building a sunroom on your existing deck except your foundation will be different. Depending on the type of patio you have additional foundation materials may need to be added.

Once that is satisfactory, sunroom construction is basically framing and installing windows and doors. Again, if you have to construct a roof we recommend you consult with a reputable contractor.

Watch This Informative Video - Patio Sunroom Kit Option

Option 4: Building a Sunroom from a Kit

Mary and I really like this option - a sunroom kit you can install yourself on your patio or deck. They offer outdoor living space in a range of standard sizes and many come with screen window options too.


Sunroom kits come with everything you need and you normally have a choice of either a sloped (shed) roof or gable roof design with insulated panels.

Extruded aluminum framing has structural integrity, will last indefinitely, and is engineered to meet most building codes. Some kit models offer various color choices also.

Sunroom kits have ratings for both wind and snow; important factors to consider when purchasing a sunroom.

Many may be rated for 80 to 100 mph winds and snow loads up to 30 pounds per square foot. In addition, look for roof panels that provide the most structural strength.

Four foot wide roof panels are somewhat standard in the industry but we recommend finding kits with 3 foot wide panels. The narrower the panel the more support they need thereby creating an overall stronger roof.

Some sunroom kits come with sliding door panels for each of three walls giving you a maximum of 6 sliding door panels along with 6 non-moveable door panels. Some only offer standard stationery wall panels.

Glass selection is very important. Most sunroom kits usually come with glass options ranging from single pane to tempered, low-E, argon filled, and several other options.

Option 5: Building a Sunroom from a Plan

Given you have the right carpentry skills, you can choose to build your sunroom from a plan. You get detailed construction plans and drawings to ensure your new sunroom is a safe and compliant structure for the whole family to enjoy.

Sunroom plans with gable style roof - Family Home Plan #90022

Sunroom plan for two story home - Family Home Plan #90021

Like These Sunroom Plans?

Be sure to check out these three season porch ideas too!

Awesome three season porch ideas

Option 6: Building a Sunroom Using a Walls Only Sunroom Kit

If you already have an existing roof over your patio or deck, you way want to investigate and consider a walls only kit or a vertical wall system.

Most walls only kits allow for both wall height and width modifications to permit almost seamless design with your current home's architecture.

Watch This Short Video - Walls Only Window Details

Option 7: Vinyl Sunroom Options

If you are looking for both versatility and functionality, check out this option - EzeBreeze windows. A lot lighter than traditional glass, these windows are an optimal solution to creating a sunroom on your existing deck or porch.

Photo courtesy of DIY Eze Breeze

Designed to provide both maximum window and screened window views, EzeBreeze ® windows can be custom made to fit almost any opening.

Photo courtesy of DIY Eze Breeze

Aesthetically pleasing sunroom

Made from high quality vinyl, these windows will give you 3-season comfort along with the ability to open them easily to let the outdoor breezes in.

Less expensive than glass, this high quality vinyl can withstand abuse and return to its original shape.

If you already have a roof over your porch, patio, or deck, you can easily install these DIY vinyl windows - learn more about this less expensive option.

Option 8: Custom Built Sunroom Option

Magnificent sunroom ceiling

Don't have the skills or time to do it yourself? Then consider hiring a contractor to build the perfect sunroom for you!

Even though it may cost more to hire a reputable and experienced contractor, you will have the benefit of knowing it was constructed to meet local building codes and it will be designed to meet your needs.