Do it Yourself Sunroom Designs

A sunroom can be filled with plants to create an outdoor atmosphere.

A sunroom may be described as an indoor-outdoor room. It creates the feeling of being outdoors but can be enjoyed in all weather conditions. Decorating it to fit your home or theme adds to the fun. The design of a sunroom should match the type of home to which it will be attached. An ultra-modern cube-style sunroom would not fit with a plantation-style home. A south-facing sunroom may need blinds to keep the sun out in summer but will act as a passive solar heater in winter.

Instructions

1. Decide whether the sunroom will be glassed-in or screened. A screened sun room is less expensive to build, allows the air to flow more freely and has more of an outdoor feel. A glassed-in sunroom makes it easier to control the temperature and is more secure, but the windows are more expensive.

2. Calculate the measurements. Use a tape measure to determine the location and size of the sunroom. Include lengths, widths and heights of walls. The roof will most likely be joined under the eaves of the existing home's roof and may slope downward to facilitate rain runoff. Draw a plan showing the dimensions and heights of windows or screens and the locations and sizes of doors.

3. Explore sunroom kits. Look online or visit your local builder's supply store and get information on the different styles, prices and ease of installation of sunroom kits. Sunroom kits can be installed by the homeowner and may be made of glass, aluminum or vinyl. Some kits can be customized to fit each individual's needs and design choices. Make a note of the most appealing design ideas to use in your own design.

4. Determine the material types and quantities of your design. These will include a concrete or wood floor and floor covering, aluminum or wood framing, walls and siding if any, windows or screen material, doors, roof trusses or posts and beams for a flat roof, roofing materials, plus nails, screws and bolts. Some sunrooms have glass roofs or skylights. Compare the cost and potential time frame of starting from scratch or installing a kit.

5. Plan the furniture and decor to fit in with your theme. Rattan or cane furniture and tropical plants in colorful planters will create a tropical island feel, while cactus plants, Southwestern patterns and saltillo floor tiles will make your sunroom feel like a Mexican hacienda. Alternatively, wood furniture upholstered with floral designs and a riot of flowering plants can give the sunroom an English country garden feel.

References

• Finer Living: Sunroom Design Ideas
• Home Improvement Corner: Sunroom Designs