Living in a four-season climate makes it important to enjoy the outdoors whenever the weather permits. Your porch, deck, or patio may be a great relaxing place, but pesky insects, critters and the elements can plague it. If you want to maximize your outdoor space, consider enclosing it.

Sunrooms and screened-in porches are two popular options for outdoor living spaces. Both options are living spaces that blur the line between outdoors and indoors and are extremely popular because people love being outdoors and connected to nature without the inconveniences of cold winds, mosquitoes, and bright sun.

When comparing the two sunroom options, you may find yourself asking the following questions:

• What are the key differences between a screened porch and a sunroom?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of each option? Are there any specific factors one should consider before deciding between the two?

Before choosing which option is best for you, consider some essential differences. In this article, we will discuss how a screened porch differs from a sunroom and the pros and cons of each. This will help you make an informed decision about which option is best for your needs.

How is a Screened Porch Different from a Sunroom?

What is a Screened-in Porch?

A screened porch is an outdoor living space that protects you from insects and elements while allowing you to enjoy the outdoors.

• Purpose: When considering enclosures, the first and most straightforward option is a screened porch: You take an existing porch and add a frame and screening around the perimeter. You are still intimately connected with nature, and if you choose black aluminum screening, you will hardly notice the barrier between yourself and the great outdoors.
• Cost: A screened-in porch is the most affordable sunroom option.
• Maintenance: Minimal. Check screening material once a season for wear.
• Season of Use: A screened porch is only comfortable when the weather is neither too cold nor too hot to enjoy, and blowing rain may prevent usage.
• Heating and Cooling:The space cannot be heated or cooled since a screened-in porch has no solid barrier to prevent the conditioned air from escaping.

What is a Sunroom?

On the other hand, a sunroom is an enclosed space with windows that allow natural light to enter. A three-season room will give you more protection from the elements; it costs a little more but allows you to enjoy the outdoors in all but the coldest months of the year. A four-season sunroom or solarium is a bit pricier because of the added construction and heating and cooling costs, but they expand your living space year-round.

• Purpose: A three-season or four-season sunroom will give you more protection from the elements; they cost a little more but allow you to enjoy the outdoors most, if not all year-round.
• Cost: A three-season sunroom costs more than a screened-in porch, and a four-season sunroom or solarium is a bit pricier because of the added construction and insulated components.
• Maintenance: Minimal. Simple maintenance includes checking the operation of windows and doors to ensure smooth opening and closing and checking screening material once a season for wear.
• Season of Use: Three to four seasons out of the year, depending on your selected option and area of residence. For those living in warmer climates, a three-season room may be perfect for year-round use. Meanwhile, those living in northern climates may find a four-season room to be more comfortable for year-round use.
• Heating and Cooling:A three-season sunroom isn't heated or cooled, while a four-season sunroom ties into your home's heating and cooling system.

What are the pros and cons of a screened-in porch?

Pros

• Provides an outdoor space with protection from bugs and critters
• Most affordable option
• Ability to use the area more often than a traditional un-enclosed patio

Cons

• Unable to use the space in the colder months
• Screens provide little protection from the elements compared to a four-season sunroom.
• It does not prevent pollen and dust from entering your space and making a mess of your furnishings.

What are the pros and cons of a sunroom?

Pros

• Additional space in your home for 3 to 4 seasons
• Protection from the outdoor elements, pollen, and yard debris
• Option to open windows for a nice cross breeze on cooler days
• Use the room more often
• Helps to protect your furnishings from the elements

Cons

• The addition costs more than a screened-in porch.

Contact Us Today to Learn More about How You Can Add a Sunroom or Screened-In Porch to Your Home

So, how do you decide what is best for you? Consider your goals, budget, how you plan to use the space, and how each option may increase the resale value of your home. A screened porch is an excellent option if you want an outdoor space that protects you from the bugs and critters during the warm weather months and is still intimately connected to nature. A sunroom is one you can enjoy and use for extended periods during the year. Ready to learn more? Schedule your free in-home design estimate or call 800-230-8301 today!

Learn More About Sunroom Types and Options ​