Solarium vs Sunroom: What’s The Difference?
When you’re thinking about adding extra living space to your Florida home, you may be wondering if a solarium or sunroom is the right option for you.
Both have their pros and cons, but in the end, it comes down to how you envision using the space. Do you want panoramic views of your backyard? Maybe you want to entertain in a pool or enjoy your home addition year-round.
Depending on your preference and budget, you can create your very own oasis without the headache of knocking out walls.
So, solarium vs. sunroom – what’s the difference? Let’s take a look.
What Is a Solarium?
A solarium is also called a conservatory. All four walls and the roof are constructed of inch-thick double-pane glass. This room can provide a functional and beautiful living space with unobstructed views of your property.
There is no limit to the amount of natural light that a solarium provides with the help of the sun. Whatever the weather decides, this type of room is ideal if you enjoy fresh sunshine.
Solarium Advantages
Bringing the outdoors inside is the ultimate advantage of having a solarium. From stargazing to enjoying the panoramic views while drinking your morning coffee, this room will be a great comfort in your home.
A solarium will also shield you from mosquitos and other unpleasant outside elements that living in the sunshine state can bring while you’re swimming or entertaining friends.
Of course, home resale values vary, but a fantastic advantage of a solarium is that the addition of this living space will add value and curb appeal to your home. Even if you don’t plan to sell today (or ever), a solarium will provide you with years of fulfillment.
Solarium Disadvantages
You may not want a solarium if you prefer a low-maintenance home or are on a tight budget. Upkeep is one of the main disadvantages. Bird droppings, dust, and dirt will need to be frequently removed from the solarium glass.
Cost is another consideration. A solarium is constructed completely of glass. If you don’t want a pricey home addition, the cost of adding a solarium is often higher than adding a sunroom. In certain wind borne debris areas, like in Florida, solariums may not meet hurricane code or standards.
Additional expenses may be incurred to keep the solarium well insulated. For example, custom blinds to close out the sun and proper HVAC cooling units will be needed due to the heat. If you do opt for a solarium, these costs are well worth it to keep the space comfortable and enjoyable.
Who Is A Solarium Best Suited For?
If you have a green thumb, the natural sunlight is great for homeowners who want an indoor greenhouse.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends considering which energy options are most efficient and cost-effective. Solariums with double-pane insulated glass are an excellent choice to improve the energy efficiency of the room. You can save money by constructing a solarium with the best energy-saving HVAC systems.
What is a Sunroom?
A sunroom is a solid structure that extends your living space, includes a roof, and is typically enclosed with large windows. Sunrooms are also known as a Florida room or patio room. Similar to a solarium, a sunroom can be a very useful expansion of your home’s living space.
A three-season sunroom is excellent for enjoying the warmer months, while a four-season sunroom can be used year-round. The solid roof helps to keep the sunroom cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Sunroom Advantages
The addition of a sunroom will provide several advantages to your living space. Climate control is at your fingertips thanks to roof insulation, heating, and cooling systems.
Your design can dictate how low-maintenance your sunroom addition needs to be. Reducing required maintenance and cost is possible when adding a Florida room.
Many Floridian visitors and homeowners alike enjoy the extra space a patio room brings. And the added resale value may give you an advantage when it’s time to sell.
The cost of constructing a sunroom is typically less expensive than the cost of constructing a solarium. Depending upon your design, with the addition of insulated glass – including skylights or other options – a sunroom can be cost-effective.
Sunroom Disadvantages
A sunroom isn’t constructed to be a greenhouse. Although there is an abundance of natural sunlight, you can’t beat a solarium to house plants and exotic flowers.
If the right materials and installation are not used, It can be difficult to properly climate control a sunroom, depending on its design. Without proper insulation, your sunroom can become too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter.
Who Is a Sunroom Best For?
A sunroom is best for homeowners who want to enjoy their Florida sunroom all year long. This four-season room can be used for entertainment, a living room, homeschooling, an office, or pretty much anything you can think of.
Solarium vs. Sunroom Cost
Sunrooms and solariums are both excellent home additions that can provide hours of enjoyment, but they can come with distinctly different price tags. Determining the best size for a sunroom that provides enough square footage, yet accommodates your budget, is key.
So which is best for you? If you’re on a budget, a sunroom may be the way to go. Sunrooms are less expensive than a custom solarium, but that doesn’t mean that a solarium is out of reach.
If you want customization and greater options for your sunroom, working with a professional to design and build your home addition is usually the best option.
Sunrooms and solariums both have many advantages, but ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for in your home. Whatever you choose, Lifestyle Remodeling can help you create the best possible space for your budget.
Which To Choose?
Now that you know the various benefits of solariums and sunrooms, you can choose the one that is right for you.
No matter which option you choose, we know that you will love the added value and enjoyment that a solarium or sunroom brings to your home. They are both perfect spaces for hosting friends and family or simply relaxing after a long day.
Adding a solarium or sunroom to your home is a big decision, and we can help you every step of the way. Schedule your free consultation today!
