How to Build a D.I.Y. Sunroom

Jan 20, 2011
Cara Moore

Sunroom give year-round access to sunlight. - Dreamstime

Enclosing a deck, patio or porch to make a sunroom gives access to sunshine year round which is beneficial to both people and plants.

Design plans for building a sunroom range from a lean to that is attached to the house, a Victorian conservatory or enclosing a porch. A sun room requires a decking or patio foundation and enclosed walls of windows or a dwarf wall with windows to let in light. The roof can be either completely clear or solid. Access to sunshine year round is a main benefit of a sunroom for people as well as plants.

Planning and Laying the Foundation

Measure the area to be used for sunroom and make a plan drawing. Check local building regulations for planning permission requirements. Decide which foundation will be used, either decking or a patio. For a decking foundation supplies needed include: decking boards, deck bearer boards, exterior screws, spirit level, drill driver and saw. For a deck a ledger board will be needed to attach the decking to the foundation of the house. Addition footings will also need to be added to support the weight of additional walls and roof. For a patio conversion the extra footing required can be trenched around the outside of the slabs. For a patio foundation supplies needed: building sand, wood for border of patio, bricks, broom to sweep sand between bricks. For a more durable patio base granite gravel can be used.

Attaching Surrounding Walls and Roof to Foundation

Use 2 x 4’s spaced either sixteen to twenty-four inches apart with a 4 x 4 or 6 x 4 post spaced three or more feet across connected to a horizontal beam to make the wall frame and attach to the sub flooring foundation. Leave space for doors and windows. Attach a ledger board to the end of the roof rafters to bolt the roof structure to the house. The other end of rafter is attached to a header board affixed on top of the enclosed post and beam wall structure. Cover roof with corrugated plastic panels, or use exterior plywood as sheathing to enclose roof and cover with roofing felt. Roof flashing will be needed where the roof structure is attached to the house to prevent any water leakage. Install windows in wood support framework. Enclose walls with exterior plywood, cover with building paper or house wrap and attach exterior siding boards. Install door frame and door. If using electrical wiring, have electrician install plugs and lighting before enclosing walls internally. Insulate and close walls for interior decorating.

Laying Flooring, Heating and Lighting for the Sunroom

Choices for flooring include azek panels, an indoor outdoor water and mould resistant material, indoor/outdoor carpeting, slate panels or laminate flooring. For heating, low cost electrical panel heaters can be attached to the wall or freestanding. Under floor heating or a solid fuel stove can also be installed. Portable Calor gas mock stove heaters are another option. For lighting lamps, lanterns, and candles make nice features. Curtains will be needed for privacy and to filter sunlight.

Resources: German, Roger, Porches and Sunrooms: Planning and Remodeling Ideas, 2006