Four-Season Sunrooms VS Three-Season Sunrooms VS Screened-In Rooms

three season room

Outdoor living spaces have exploded in popularity in the last few years; in fact, a survey found that 58% of homeowners prioritize having an outdoor living space within their homes. After a few years of near isolation, people are eager to spend quality time with friends and family. An outdoor living space is a perfect place to host gatherings. However, you don’t need to have a party to enjoy your outdoor living space: spending time in outdoor living spaces has been shown to improve people’s moods. They let in ample sunlight which is known to increase happiness, boost sleep quality, and regulate blood pressure. Four-season sunrooms, three-season sunrooms, and screened-in rooms are among the most popular outdoor living spaces. Keep reading to find out the characteristics of each one!

Four-Season Sunrooms

A four-season sunroom is an addition that is made to brighten up a home. They usually have large windows to let in ample light. As the name suggests, they can be used all year round no matter where you live. This is because the walls and windows are insulated, which then makes it possible to expand your heating/cooling system into the addition.

How much does a four-season sunroom cost?

Four-season sunrooms have a large price range depending on the size, quality of materials, structure type, and dealer. A four-season room that is fully insulated with air conditioning, heating, and electricity, typically costs between $25,000 and $80,000. This high cost makes it by far the most expensive option for any outdoor living space.

How long does it take to build a four-season sunroom?

A four-season sunroom typically takes 2-4 weeks to build but obtaining permits and creating design plans takes around 2 months alone. However, timing can vary depending on customizations and additional features.

What are the advantages of a four-season sunroom?

  • Can be used year-round, wherever you live
  • Is always included in the square footage calculation of your home

What are the disadvantages of a four-season sunroom?

  • Does not have screens around the windows, so you have to rely on indoor heating and cooling methods, which can be expensive
  • Takes a long time to design and construct compared to other outdoor living spaces
  • Is the most expensive type of outdoor living space

Three-Season Sunrooms

A three-season sunroom is a fully screened-in porch enclosure with windows. In most climates, they are ideal for spring, summer, and fall. You can control the elements in your three-season sunroom; for example, you can open the windows to let in crisp fall air or close them during a storm.

How much does a three-season sunroom cost?

Three-season sunrooms cost anywhere from $8,000 to $50,000. This large range is because the cost depends on many factors, such as the size of the room and the quality of the products.

How long does it take to build a three-season sunroom?

Three-season sunrooms can be installed very quickly since the only steps are to measure the porch and install the enclosure. Most three-season sunrooms can be built in less than a day, once you have all the materials ready.

What are the advantages of a three-season sunroom?

  • Allows you to enjoy the elements as you please (ex: open the windows to let in a cool breeze, close them when it rains)
  • Can be used for at least three seasons in most climates
  • Is able to be installed quickly

What are the disadvantages of a three-season sunroom?

  • Can be difficult to create a heating/cooling system within the enclosure

Screened-In Rooms

Screened-in rooms are outdoor living spaces constructed on a pre-existing deck. They have a roof overhead and a framework. In most climates, they can only be used for less than half the year. Since they only have a framework and no insulated walls, it is not feasible to expand your heating/cooling system into the room.

How much does a screened-In room cost?

As of 2022, the average cost of adding a new screened-in room in the U.S. ranges from $4,600 to $22,000, in addition to installation costs which are typically around $2,000. Developing a screened-in room from an existing porch costs significantly less, usually around $2,000 to $2,800. Screened-in rooms are the cheapest option of outdoor living spaces.

How long does it take to build a screened-In room?

If you already have a pre-existing covered porch, creating a screened-in room can take just one day once you have all of the materials to do so. However, if you need to add a roof and framework too, it can take anywhere from four to ten weeks.

What are the advantages of a screened-In room?

  • Constantly lets fresh air into the space
  • Is the most affordable option
  • Can be installed quickly

What are the disadvantages of a screened-In room?

  • Offers no protection from the elements (i.e., wind, snow, and rain)
  • Does not count toward the square footage sum of your home
  • Can only be used for half the year or less in most regions
  • Is difficult to create a heating/cooling system within the room

What Makes a PorchPros Three-Season Sunroom Different?

A three-season sunroom is a happy medium between a four-season sunroom and a screened-in room. A PorchPros three-season sunroom offers the best of both worlds. It allows you to connect with the outdoors as a screened-in room does, but also protect yourself from the elements like a four-season room does. Our three-season sunrooms are more durable than four-season sunrooms and screened-in rooms thanks to our flexi-glaze vinyl windows. We offer many different products and customize them to perfectly match the design of your home.

Ready to add a three-season sunroom to your home? Click here to get your free estimate!