Sunroom vs Screened Porch: Exploring the Differences

It's comfortable. It's beautiful. It's relaxing. It's your favorite room in the house - the outdoor living space. There are many advantages to upgrading your space. The hard part comes when you have to choose between a sunroom vs a screened porch!

screen room enclosure

Do you wish you could enjoy the summer without suffering from the smoldering heat? Do you love the sun but hate the tiny critters that love to nap in your backyard? Without the worries of bugs, heat, or humidity, your sunroom, patio room , screened porch or screen room can easily become your next best friend. Enjoying nature doesn't get more comfortable than this!

If you're wondering whether you should get an outdoor living space, take this guide as your green light. A home without an outdoor living space can feel empty and trapping. To feel freer within your own home, think about adding a sunroom or enclosed porch. They will make all the difference in your living experience! 

As the hot summer weather approaches, there is nothing better than enjoying the sun from the comfort of your own home. Learn about the differences between a sunroom vs screened porch to properly find the best space for you.

Why Should I Get an Outdoor Living Space?

Let me ask you this question: how much do you prepare to spend a day outside? You can't forget to grab iced water since you're in the hot sun. Make sure to apply sunscreen. Oh, and don't leave behind the bug spray. Insects love the nice weather, too! 

You can skip each one of these steps with an outdoor living space. Enjoying nature has just gotten ten times easier. These living spaces are ideal for people who adore nice weather but aren't a fan of the negatives that come with it.

Are you convinced yet? If so, find the perfect balance by planning to add a sunroom or screened porch to your home today! With our help, we can assist you in designing the outdoor living space you've been dreaming of. 

Sunroom vs Screened Porch

As you begin your designing process, it's important to know the differences between two key outdoor living spaces: the sunroom and the enclosed porch. Continue reading to make sure you're getting the best living space for you. 

What is a Sunroom?

A sunroom represents its name well: it is a room where the sun shines through the brightest. 

To be more particular, a sunroom is an insulated room with plenty of windows. It is temperature regulated and the hot spot for house plants. A sunroom installation is ideal if you're looking for an extension of your home; these rooms will offer a space that this great for relaxing under the warm sun. 

Advantages of Having a Sunroom

If you appreciate nature from the confines of your own home, then there isn't much to dislike about sunrooms. However, there are a lot more positives that can convince you even more to purchase one.

Extra Space

Having more space in your home can be a sigh of relief for many homeowners. If you have a big family, you know how difficult it can be to make sure your house doesn't get too crowded. Luckily, a sunroom can act as a living room, playroom, or even a guest room. These spaces are very versatile, so have fun rearranging your house!

Increase Home's Value 

A sunroom not only looks fancy to you but to others as well.

These beautiful spaces are an eyecatcher to many who want to purchase your house in the future. Sunrooms increase property value by as high as $34,000. In this case, you'll hardly have any trouble selling your house!

Let's not forget that a sunroom is beautifully photographed. In investing in a sunroom, your benefits will surely outweigh the costs in the future by increasing the value of your home.

Save on Electric Bills 

Sunrooms can be extremely energy efficient in the summer. These spaces will trap heat and insulate your room well. Kick your feet up on the couch in your sunroom, and enjoy those low electricity bills.  

Disadvantages of Having A Sunroom

Of course, there can be a sour apple in any bunch. Sunrooms can have a few drawbacks like any other home installment.

That is why it's important to choose a trustworthy company. Check out the reviews for each company you research; this will maximize your advantages. You'll hardly be concerned with any cons of sunrooms.

It's Expensive

Installing any major home extension is going to be expensive. Because sunrooms are built on your home's foundation, it is going to cost a hefty penny to install them properly.

It's Hard to Keep Cool

Sunrooms are energy efficient, but they can become a problem during those steaming hot months. Sunrooms have the sun as their main heat source; it can be hard to keep a sunroom cool this way. You may find yourself never stepping foot in the space on those hot days. This can make you feel like you aren't reaping the benefits of your sunroom. 

To avoid this issue, speak with a reliable installation company who can make sure your sunroom is properly insulated. Then you can enjoy the room all year round!

What is a Screened Porch?

A screened porch is an outside porch with enclosed thin windows or screens. They lack full insulation and act as a porch, not a living space. Don't be mistaken, and try to nap on your screened porch. These outdoor spaces are perfect for those wishing to fully immerse in nature but not be overwhelmed by the heat. 

Unlike sunrooms, screened porches are similar to an outdoor tent. You are safe from the heat and critters but can still hear and enjoy nature. If you aren't a fan of a sunroom's indoor feel, a screened porch is perfect for you!

Advantages of Having a Screened Porch

All the nature-lovers will find that enclosed porches are their ticket to relaxation. But look again, because screened porches have more advantages than you think.

It's Less Expensive

A sunroom can cost up to $60,000, but a screened porch can cost as low as $3,000. For such a low price, you can essentially get the same benefits as a sunroom. 

It Doesn't Need a Permit

Adding a new living space to your home means you'll need a permit. Thankfully, screened porches can save you from this trouble. Skip all of the trouble with the permitting office and get your enclosed porch as easy as today!

It's a Perfect Hang-out Space

These spaces are ideal for BBQs or fun activities with friends and family. They offer space between outdoors and indoors. You get the best of both worlds with an enclosed porch!

Disadvantages of Having a Screened Porch

The disadvantages of a screened porch are few but may be a dealbreaker for some homeowners. Be sure to research this outdoor living space to make sure it's the best fit for you!

It Has Less Insulation 

Dissimilar to sunrooms, enclosed porches have next to no insulation. Your porch will be the same temperature as it is outside. If it's cold during the night, then you may opt to stay indoors.  

It Has a Filtered View 

Sunrooms have windows that offer you a clear view of the outside. However, enclosed porches usually have screens that can block or filter your view. Do you use your outdoor living space as a place to watch the midnight sky? If so, a screened porch may not be the best for you. 

It Adds Little Property Value 

Because a screened porch is less expensive, their return property value is low as well. Don't expect your home's value to skyrocket after this installation. 

Sunroom vs Screened Porch: Which One is Right for You?

What are you more focused on? Location? Cost? Versatility?

If location is your main concern, know that having harsh winters will make a sunroom your best choice. Screened porches are the best fit for locations where the weather is nice year-round.

The cost of a screened in porch vs sunroom is a wide gap. An enclosed porch is by far the cheapest option. If you don't mind the expensive cost, a sunroom is more versatile. You'll gain an extra living space and have some nice property value in the future. 

Design Your Ideal Outdoor Living Space Today!

No matter where you stand in the sunroom vs screened porch debate, both spaces will enrich your home experience greatly. Nature doesn't seem so scary anymore, does it?

Have a design project in mind? Bask in the sun and live with luxury for once. Contact us, and we can help you get started today! 

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