Build a three season room
The Three-Season Porch - This Old House
Until the porch was built, poolside umbrellas provided the only sanctuary from the midday sun.
Photo by William P. SteeleOn the border that divides indoor and out sits the screened porch, architecture's easygoing response to the scorching sun, lightning storms, and biting bugs of late summer. Even one afternoon spent in this iconic place leaves you thinking about how to extend its pleasures beyond the sultry months.
A season-spanning porch was just what the owner of this Cape Cod-style cottage had in mind when she approached local building contractor Guy Clermont. She dreamed of creating a bright, airy room where she could relax on warm May evenings and entertain friends on chilly October afternoons. And as a creative director in the fashion industry, she had definite ideas about how she wanted the space to look: handsome mahogany flooring, whitewashed walls with traditional moldings, panel and pilaster details, and a vaulted beadboard ceiling with exposed beams.
She was also sure she'd never be able to bankroll it all at once. "I was convinced that to do it right, I'd have to build the room in stages over a few years. First the deck, then the peaked roof, then the screening. Then later, maybe add windows," she recalls. "Guy suggested a way to make the whole thing affordable at once."
The pro's advice: Go ahead and build the addition you want but, instead of installing curtain screens and windows, use stock wooden storm doors with interchangeable screen and window inserts as stationary porch panels. When temperatures cool, the panels' screens can be lifted out and swapped for divided-light inserts of tempered glass, stretching out the porch season along with the available living space.
"With a three-season room, you don't need to excavate a foundation, install heating or plumbing systems, or insulate the way you do with a year-round addition, so you start saving right there," says Clermont. Employing stock doors as porch panels cuts the budget one step further, eliminating the need for a lot of extra on-site carpentry and custom millwork.
"Basically, you put in piers and girders, frame out the roofline, lay the deck, pop in the doors shiplap-style, and do the finish carpentry—which can be as simple or as intricate as you want," says Clermont. The idea is not original, the builder emphasizes, but it's one that makes a lot of sense. "Think about it: I could charge you to build custom-fitted porch screens on-site, or I could measure out the framework to accommodate standard-size wood doors and cut down my labor costs by about a third."
The kitchen's French doors once led straight to the sun-filled backyard. The three-season addition creates a more gradual transition from house to garden to pool, leaving the interior cooler but still bright.
Photo by William P. SteeleWhile many companies around the country make wooden screen doors and porch panels, Clermont typically uses sturdy Ponderosa pine doors handcrafted by CDC (Combination Door Company), a fourth-generation manufacturer in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
The style he chose for this project in Bridgehampton, New York, even comes with a true-divided-light insert to match the French doors that lead into the kitchen. The inserts are held in place with factoryinstalled thumblatches, "a beautiful thing," from this man's point of view, "since it means we don't have to screw a bunch of hardware into every panel, which can get pretty tedious." The easily operated mechanism (no tools required) also makes life easier for the homeowner when it's time to switch out the inserts or remove them for cleaning or repairs.
Situated off the home's large country kitchen and adjacent dining room, the addition measures 16 feet 6 inches by 19 feet 10 inches and uses a total of 14 doors: a dozen of them stationary, and two hinged and bolted to create a wide double entry. "Guy convinced me to make the room as big as possible, and to jut it straight out into the backyard to expose three long walls to the ocean breezes," says the owner. Ceiling fans, a smart option for porches with less airflow, are not necessary here, two miles from the Atlantic.
The resulting room is one of the most welcoming parts of the house and has made the whole place feel bigger. "This is where everyone wants to be now—it's the dining room, family room, and living room," the owner says. "Even in the dead of winter, when I look out through the kitchen's French doors, it feels like summer."
How to Create a 3-4 Season Sunroom
Dec 29th 2021
With colder temperatures already here and the holidays approaching, it’s time to start winterizing your porch enclosure and turn your screens into sunroom windows. Most homeowners choose to winterize their porch enclosure using winter porch panels and removing or covering their screens. This allows them to potentially create a three- to four-season sunroom — and enjoy their outdoor space all year — or, at least, more of the year.
Stick around to learn more about creating a sunroom and how we can help you create a space that will be comfortable and you will enjoy.
What is a Sunroom?
A sunroom is a room that was most likely created by installing windows or glass panels in a porch or patio enclosure. Technically speaking, a sunroom is a three-season porch; a four-season porch is called an all-season porch. However, for simplicity’s sake we will call them both sunrooms as that is how most people understand them.
What is a Three-Season Sunroom?
A three-season porch is usually enjoyed during the spring, summer, and fall depending on the climate and weather. This type of structure is usually enclosed with screen panels or glass panels. This type of enclosure usually doesn’t have a heat or cooling source. It may not have any electricity.
What is a Four-Season Sunroom?
An all-seasons porch is usually built as an extension of the indoor living space with insulation, a different type of framing (like that used in your home), heating and cooling, and electricity so it can be enjoyed no matter the temperature outside.
Both types of structures can add square footage to your home.
What Kind of Sunroom is Best?
Neither type of structure is objectively better than the other. Deciding which is best for you, depends on several factors:
- Your needs
- When you want to use your porch enclosure
- Your budget
A three-season porch can be created simply by replacing the screen panels of your screen enclosure with tempered glass panels: it is the most budget-friendly option. However, depending on your climate, you may not be able to use your porch during the winter and colder months of spring and fall.
Heating & Cooling Options: Making Your 3-Season Structure Comfortable
Having the same heating and cooling capabilities as your home will make your structure more comfortable. However, there are ways to help control the heat and cold in your porch enclosure without having to pay the four-season-sunroom price tag. Be sure to also consider the amounts of natural light that your sunroom will receive, as that can significantly impact the temperature of your porch enclosure.
- Cooling - add transoms (small windows installed at the top of the enclosure) to let heat out and let fresh air in.
- Heating - add an infrared heater to take the chill off of colder days. Be sure to always follow safety instructions. We also suggest stocking your porch area with warm blankets for the ultimate cozy factor.*
*always consult building code and safety instructions for best results
How to Make a Sunroom
If you’re ready to construct your sunroom, we suggest getting started now as it’s the perfect time to winterize your porch enclosure. Also, our lead times for delivery are shorter! Here are some basic steps to take to start enclosing your porch. If you wish to turn your enclosure into a four-season room, you may want to do more research to make sure that your enclosure passes building code.
Step 1 - Decide On Your Enclosure Material
There are several material options for replacing screens: plexiglass, vinyl plastic, tempered glass panels, and combination window/screen systems.
When choosing your material you should keep in mind:
- Curb appeal
- Durability
- Budget
Plexiglass sunroom windows, though inexpensive and easy to store when not in use, will yellow and bow overtime. A special cleaner is also needed.
Vinyl windows for sunrooms are also inexpensive and offer insulating benefits. They are a budget-friendly option, but keep in mind that they have to be replaced each year. You can learn more when you shop Winterview.
Tempered glass sunroom windows are one of the best options for 3-season porch windows. Tempered glass, also called safety glass, is stronger and safer than regular glass; if it does break, it crumbles into pebbles rather than breaking into shards. We offer stock size and custom size tempered glass winter porch panels that can be easily installed into the frame opening using casement clips. If you’re just creating your enclosure or need to replace a screen, we offer screen panels for a reduced additional cost.
Shop our tempered glass panels.
If budget is the deciding factor, when you buy with us, consider using Affirm, a monthly financing option.
Step 2 - Install Transoms and/or Infrared Heat
Once you know how you’re going to enclose your porch, next you must consider installing options for heating and cooling. Transoms and a fan may help your porch be more enjoyable during the hotter months of the year, while installing infrared heat, electric heaters, or a space heater might help during colder temperatures. Make sure you follow all safety precautions when using a heater in your space.
Step 3 - Make It Your Own
Next, it’s time to add furniture, decorations, and other elements that will make the space truly your own. There are many options for how you choose to use your space:
- Dining/entertaining space - reserve this space for dinner parties and entertaining
- Cozy hangout - use a couch, coffee table, blankets, rugs, and more to create a cozy place to have coffee with friends or curl up with a good book and escape the cold air.
- Pet or child play place - an enclosed porch is a great place to let kids and pets play within the security of your own home. If there is a heater or other appliances, always follow safety procedures and supervise.
- Hobby room - want a place to do your hobbies? Your porch enclosure could be the perfect spot. Set up your easel or work table!
- Home office - Create your home office with the best natural light in the house – you’ll feel like you scored the corner office!
And more! There are many ways to make your sunroom a space that you’ll love to spend time in. Visit the Metro Screenworks Pinterest to get more ideas!
Is it Worth It?
With any home improvement project it is always important to understand the cost and how it will affect your home’s value. A recent study showed that a porch is one of the one of the top five items that homebuyers want in a new home. What’s more, 65% of new homes have a porch.
With more people working from home than ever, they are looking for more ways to effectively use their space during work hours and enjoy leisure after the work day.
Ready to Get Started?
We understand that there is a lot that goes into building a porch enclosure, and you might have a lot of questions about how to best navigate this project. We at Metro Screenworks are here to help! Contact us with questions about your project, how to measure, and any other concerns you may have. You can also visit our showroom in Highlands Ranch, Colorado to see our products in person. We love helping our customers make their home improvement projects a success. Visit our website today — we ship nationally!
- #diy screen porch
- #screen porch winter panels
- #three season porch panels
- #winter porch panels
- #3 season porch windows
- #4 season porch windows
- #screen porch window inserts
- #screen porch window systems
- #combination screens/windows for screened in porch
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Design of a veranda in a dacha, in a private house
Usually, the owners perceive a veranda mainly for its applied purpose - as an additional area where you can set a table for summer dinners and tea parties, leave shoes at the entrance, store some things.
And rightly so, because a good veranda can be a real additional room for relaxation, leisure in the country. However, the verandas have another purpose - they form the idea of incoming guests about the building of the house itself, serve as a kind of its calling card. nine0003 Therefore, when planning the construction of an extension or thinking about how to change the design of an already built veranda, you must immediately take into account many nuances, including those associated with the main structure.
Sliding porch
What parameters should be considered?
Contents of the article
- 1 What parameters should be taken into account?
- 2 Veranda types
- 3 Functionality and design
- 3.1 In the same style
- 3.2 Is it from the south, from the north?
- 3.3 Purpose - Rest
- 3.4 On the size and form
- 4 How to decorate the veranda for three seasons
- 4.1 Select colors
- 4.
2 Lay the flooring in accordance with your decor - 4.3 Paint the walls
- 4.4 furniture
- 4.5 Decorate the space
- 4.60005
Types of verandas
The type of extension open or closed will depend on the style assumed on the veranda. So, the design of a closed veranda allows you to use any furniture without restrictions, including upholstered furniture, without fear for the safety of interior elements. And since we practically do not have climatic zones that allow year-round use of open terraces for recreation, traditionally verandas are made either glazed or open, but in the latter case, special folding garden furniture is used to place the summer veranda. Custom-made designer furniture for verandas is here. nine0005
Functionality and design
There are interesting ways to design ordinary verandas in such a way as to combine space and maximum access to light and air, while protecting it from wind and rain. For example, original sliding walls that add functionality to the room.
The essence of the method is that, having pushed such walls apart, in an instant you will find yourself practically in the garden, among greenery, light, fresh air. This will be an open building. But in autumn and winter, it is enough to move the glass walls, and the room will become closed from wind, cold, bad weather. nine0005 Glass on the veranda is also functional, which, on the one hand, gives light and a feeling of spaciousness, and on the other hand, retains heat.
Modern white porch
Finally, options such as installing accordion-shaped sliding doors are also functional and save space on a small veranda.
In the same style
Designers consider the creation of a veranda according to the principle like with like to be the best style solution. That is, a wooden house looks great with a wooden veranda. The same is true of brick buildings and those made of other materials. However, it is not always technically, and financially, it is possible to make extensions in a single style solution.
In this case, it is possible to make a veranda to a brick house, for example, a frame one and decorate it with an imitation of a brick. As a last resort, there is always a simple one. But a win-win option is a beautiful veranda made of timber, a different tree, which is “completed” in the best way with any material. nine0005 The architectural style of the extension must also match the style of the main country house. That is, if the house is made in the Art Nouveau style, then an extension in a natural style will look strange with it. And, on the contrary, the modern style of an extension to the house will become discordant with a wooden house, although sometimes we really want to “modernize” old houses with newfangled materials.
Is it from the south, from the north?
Mixing white and black
A very important point when choosing the finishing of an extension is its location. When the terrace is located on the north or east side, then the best solution would be to decorate it in light colors.
The white veranda is not only a feeling of additional light and cleanliness. The white veranda is a fashionable, stylish trend in interior design. Construction in the so-called British colonial style involves light shades of walls and frames, as well as the presence of wicker chairs, pillows made from natural materials, etc. A white veranda may well have a dark-colored floor, since it will not heat up on the north side of the house. nine0005 For the southern walls and the west side, a cold interior is recommended. The white veranda here will only dazzle, but the method with the involvement of Provence style elements will be excellent. The so-called Mediterranean style involves blue, white-greenish, olive and beige colors and shades that tend to visually “cool” the interior or soften the sharpness of the bright sun. Roman blinds or simple curtains made of light colored fabrics, many colors, bright and wicker furniture look great here. nine0005
But if, regardless of the direction of the world, a solution with full, floor-to-floor glazing of the wall is chosen, then it is necessary to plan the interior to be lightweight, but to provide for the presence of blinds and sun-protection film on the windows for the sunny side.
The best sun protection comes from natural vertical gardening. Appointment - recreation
The best shading and decoration - flowers
Basically, the verandas are intended for relaxing in the country, where a general family gathering, joint tea parties and other events are expected. But sometimes people arrange a kitchen, a pantry on the veranda, use this additional area for another purpose. nine0005
Most often, the terrace becomes a living room, so the design and interior are chosen accordingly. There are calm tones, furniture corresponding to the purpose - a sofa, a coffee table, armchairs or chairs.
There are also interesting ideas and applications of the veranda - for example, under the office or work area. Then the design becomes restrained, businesslike, and among the furniture there is a desk, a work table where you can install the necessary tool, for example, a sewing machine, perhaps a set of shelves or a cabinet for accessories. nine0005
The tasks of arranging a winter garden on the veranda are not new, but why not make a home garden on it in the summer as well, so that by installing potted flowers, decorate the appearance of the entrance to the house, and at the same time unload the main room for the summer from home flowers, which are in the houses is there enough?
About the size and shape
Cozy Mediterranean design style
How to decorate the veranda also depends on the size of the room and the shape of the outbuilding.
It is accepted that the size of the veranda should not be less than 12 square meters. meters, otherwise it will not be functional. The form is very different. It can be traditional rectangular, semicircular, made in the form of a bay window and enveloping the main building. The interior design is also selected accordingly. nine0005 It is important to understand that all elements of the verandahs should serve as an addition to the elements of architecture, design, decoration of the main building and, of course, be functional, comfortable for those who live in them.
Any type of porch provides protection from the elements, providing you with a pleasant place to enjoy nature, gather with family for a casual meal and chat, or watch your neighbors. A three-season porch, unlike an open or screened porch, shelters you in spring, summer, and fall. Three-season verandas have many windows that let in sunlight, but they are not insulated or heated from freezing temperatures, making them nearly unusable during the winter months.
Decorate your three-season porch with everyday comfort in mind. nine0005 How to decorate your porch for three seasons
Choose your colors
Vibrant colors of reds, blues, yellows and greens give a cheerful feel to the room, while pastels bring a calmer mood.
Veranda and roof decking in vibrant colors
Lay flooring to match your décor
If you prefer country, cottage or shabby chic design, consider wood flooring. Being a natural material, wood adds visual warmth to a space. Lay bright rag rugs on it or buy an oriental carpet with precious stones. For a plantation-style room, you can use tiles. Add texture with a sisal rug. Vinyl flooring is a less expensive option. Choose from the many available designs to bring together all the elements of your three-season room. nine0005
Cozy little porch with carpet
Paint the walls
Tri-season porches usually have glass walls or lots of windows, but if your porch has a solid wall or part of a wall, paint it to match or stand out from the rest of the room's color palette background.
Popular porch colors blue and white
Furnish the room
Traditional porch furniture, such as wicker chairs with soft cushions, is well suited to a space designed for relaxation and conversation. Add a wicker sofa, dining table and chairs and you have a place for casual gatherings and family games. A large rectangular harvest table or farm table surrounded by Windsor chairs would be appropriate for a space used primarily for entertaining guests at dinner. Bring here a soft sectional daybed and leather club chairs. Add a vintage cabinet that acts as a media center and you have the perfect place to watch your favorite TV show or game. Position your desk for a great view. Add a comfortable chair, table lamp, and computer to create an inviting home office space. nine0005
Vintage style
Decorate the space
Throw a blanket or knit over an armchair or sofa to keep out the late fall chill. Hang a ceiling fan to circulate air for comfort during the summer months.
Install Roman shades or bamboo blinds for privacy and protection from the midday sun. Hang plants in windows and place them in wrought iron plant stands to bring fresh air into your home. Add garden-themed architectural elements such as sundial and birdbaths. Place your collection of birdhouses on a ceiling beam or shelf. nine0005 What does sqft mean in real estate? – Wiki Reviews
Simple definition square meters A home is the area of living quarters contained within its walls. However, the concept of "square meters" is something more. Certain parts of the house are excluded from the square footage calculation, and parts you may not be aware of are included.
From here, what is a linear foot? Technically, a linear foot represents is a measurement that is 12 inches long (so one foot) and is measured in a straight line, which is why it is called linear.
Does the Garage count as square meters? The garage does not count towards the square footage of the home as it is considered unfinished space. A garage only counts in square feet of a home if it has been legally converted into living space.
Also, does the base count as square meters? While a finished basement counts as living space when it comes to the value of your property, only in rare cases this living area is counted in square meters . Even if your basement is no exception to the rule, a finished basement is an asset to the value of your property.
Solarium counted per square meter? Solariums are usually not included in the total area of the house. , which appraisers use to determine the value of a home. But adding a full room will increase your home's footprint and bring in a higher return on investment. The cost of a solarium compared to the cost of a solarium extension fell below 50% in 2015. nine0005
What does 10 linear feet mean?
A linear foot is simply a measurement of length, equal to one feet.
To find line frames, you just need to measure the footage, that's all. The term "linear" means the shape or movement in a straight line. … You can also see this measurement called the linear foot. How many running feet are there in a 12x12 room? Multiply the length by the width of the room to get the area of the room. 12 feet x 12 inches/foot (room width) = 144 inches. Thus, the total linear footage of 1 x 12 boards is found by multiplying 5 (boards) by 6 (feet), which equals 30 linear feet .
How many feet are 32 running feet? 2x4 boards: 8 feet x 4 boards = 32 linear feet.
What makes a room accessible?
In order for such a room to be considered living space in a dwelling, it must meet the following criteria: The room must be heated and available for year-round use. The room must be finished to the same extent as the rest of the house. nine0142 The room must be accepted on the market.
Do bathrooms also count as living space? Another general standard is to include all spaces that share the same heating and cooling system in a home.
As a rule, this applies to bathrooms, even if you do not spend much time "living" in yours. Stairs and wardrobes are usually included in square meters. Does the covered veranda count as square meters?
Answer: An enclosed patio usually does not count in square feet unless it looks more like a home than it does. . … Enclosed patios are often of lower quality compared to the rest of the house, and they usually don't make the same impression as other parts of the house.
What counts as free space in a home? LIVING SPACE space in a building for living, sleeping, eating or preparing food . Bathrooms, toilets, corridors, storerooms, storerooms or utility rooms and similar spaces are not considered living spaces. nine0005
Does the laundry room count as living quarters?
Assessors, for example, work under a standard called Gross Living Area (GLA), which essentially considers all above ground space other than attics, even if the attic has been converted into a room as part of the home's living space.
… Laundry does not count as rooms. Do tanning beds add value?
Cost Research Vs.
The Value Report suggests that homeowners nationwide recoup an average of 47 percent for solarium additions to their homes with an average cost of around $73,000, recovering resale value of $34,000. while solarium 9Addition 0141 adds to house , it does not return the full cost of the project to the homeowner.
3 seasons porch count as square meters? Typically, areas such as stairs and toilets are considered finished square meters. Spaces like garages, three-season verandas, and unfinished bases. or attics are not included in the square meters of the house .
How to turn a porch into a utility room? In many cases, it seems easy to turn a glassed-in porch into a sunroom by replacing the screen sections with sliding glass door panels (option 2). nine0217 ...
When converting a screened porch into a solarium, you have the following options:- Build an addition.
… - Build a sun room or a three-season room. …
- Protect the glazed porch with roller blinds.
How many linear feet does a typical house have?
A one bedroom home is equivalent to 8 linear feet of , etc. This estimate should give the buyer a pretty good idea of how much space they need in a moving trailer. nine0005
How many feet are 100 linear feet? Linear feet (often referred to as linear feet) are the same as regular feet. No conversion required. If something is 6 linear feet high, it is equal to 6 feet. It should be noted that the correct term is linear, since linear refers to the line of descent, not the length.
Is linear feet the same as feet?
Linear Foot - This is similar to the standard foot in in that it is also 12 inches (one foot). The linear foot is slightly different in that it measures the distance from point A to point B in a straight line. nine0005
How many linear feet are there in a tube of sealant? a tube of sealant will be filled depending on the width and depth of the joint.
Learn more
- Build an addition.
