How to Build a Solarium

This was once an outdoor patio!

Building a solarium is an excellent project for the intermediate to advanced DIY-er. However, even beginners can achieve success by carefully selecting a simple plan, obtaining expert advice and using pre-assembled components wherever possible. In cooler climates, a solarium is an energy-efficient way of adding heat and light to chilly days. In warmer climates, it can reduce electrical bills by adding a source of abundant natural light to one’s home. Being certain to follow your plan’s directions is the best way to ensure a successful project.

Things You'll Need

• Large glass panes
• Pressure-treated wood for building and framing
• Concrete
• Hammer
• Nails
• Glue
• Levels
• Measuring tape
• Pencils and felt-tipped pens
• Hand saw
• Solarium plans of your choice

Instructions

1. Plan your design. Everyone has a different reason for creating the room, so you will need to design it according to your intended vision. Obtain a book of solarium plans at your local home improvement store. The slanted-front type of room addition is the easiest to build. Remember, for DIY jobs, it’s always best to keep it simple.

2. Create the room in an area facing the sun. The main windows of your solarium are supposed to face the solar south. Contrary to popular belief, this is not the south that your compass will show. If this is impossible due to the orientation of your home, orient the solarium towards the sun at an angle of no more than 15 degrees.

3. Follow all directions outlined in your plans. No matter what plans you choose, you will have better success if you extend an existing room in your home, or better yet, if you replace a screened in porch or a patio with your new solarium. If you choose to do the latter, begin by building a wooden frame along the perimeter of the concrete base of the patio or porch after removal of the screens. The windows should consist of larger glass panels instead of many smaller panes in order to better transmit light and heat. Insert the panels also according to the plans you have chosen.

4. Maintain energy efficiency by adding brick and concrete to the interior of this room. Doing this will make it more heat absorbent. Remember that the quality of building materials also makes a difference.

5. Add plants to also help make your solarium more energy efficient. Remember to maintain them well.

Tips & Warnings

• Your solarium should be exposed to plenty of sunlight for the greater part of the day.

• Keeping water and plants in the room will maintain adequate heat and proper humidity levels in the structure.

Resources

• DIY Network