How to Make a Solarium

Solarium framing materials usually consist of fiberglass or pressure-treated wood.

Homeowners build solariums to enjoy the comfort and warmth of sunlight year-round. Many solariums are for a general purpose; others may serve as a location for a spa or breakfast room. Solariums have a large amount of glass, which allows the sun to penetrate the room. Homeowners may purchase solarium kits and have them installed or perform the work themselves. Another option entails building the room from separate components.

Things You'll Need

• 2-by-8-inch pressure-treated lumber
• Lag bolts (1/2-inch diameter)
• 1-by-2-inch stakes
• String
• Gravel
• Concrete
• 6-inch bolts (washer and nuts)
• Steel trowel
• 2-by-4-inch pressure-treated lumber
• Carpenter's level
• 2-by-2-inch stakes
• Drill
• 2-by-6-inch pressure-treated lumber
• Construction adhesive
• Roof covering
• Wall covering
• Floor covering

Instructions

1. Plan the location of the solarium facing south or southwest for maximum sun exposure. Some homeowners plan the orientation according to their lifestyles. Find out the local building codes on constructing solariums. Obtain a permit if necessary before beginning the project.

2. Determine where the structure will connect to the house. Locate the studs or band joist on the interior of the wall. Attach a pressure-treated 2-by-8-inch lintel against the side of the house. The lintel provides support for the roof structure. Secure the lintel with half-inch diameter lag bolts to the studs or band joist. Predrill the holes to guard against cracking the wood.

3. Drive 1-by-2-inch stakes into the soil at the outside corners of the structure. Excavate the trench for the footer around the perimeter of the slab and the holes for each 4-by-6-inch post. Pull a string taut, from the house to each stake and between the two stakes, at the height for the concrete slab. Follow local building codes to determine the depth and width of the footings for the post and for the concrete slab.

4. Build the forms out of 2-by-4-inch lumber. Make the top of the form even with the string. Add a layer of gravel and compact the material, which protects against settlement. Make the posts out of two 2-by-6-inch boards secured together with fasteners and construction adhesive.

5. Place the posts in the holes and attach 2-by-4-inch braces. Drive 2-by-2-inches stakes in the ground and screw the braces to the stakes. Use the carpenter's level to ensure the posts are straight. Pour the concrete for the footings and slab. Install the 6-inch bolts (2 inches exposed above the surface) for the base plates before the concrete cures. Use a steel trowel to hand-trowel the concrete surface to a smooth finish.

6. Fabricate the support beam from two 2-by-8-inch pressure-treated boards. Cut the top of the post if necessary to ensure the roof has the proper slope per local codes. Some regulations require a quarter-inch per foot. Attach the beams to the posts with post cap hangers. Attach metal joist hangers on the lintel board. Install the end rafters and roof rafters made from 2-by-8-inch lumber; complete the rafter installation. Add an extra 12 inches to the rafters to provide an overhang. Install the roof covering.

7. Drill holes in the base plates and secure them to the bolts with washers and nuts. Use 2-by-6-inch pressure-treated boards for the base plates. Use 2-by-4-inch lumber to construct a short knee wall between each post. Make the walls out of 2-by-4-inch lumber. The height of the knee wall, 36 inches high or less, depends on the length of the window panels. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the glass panels. Install the flooring and interior wall.

References

• LSU Agriculture Center: Solarium
• Build It Solar: Design & Installation Guide
• Signature Contractors: Building a Sunroom or Solarium