Conscious Choice: Sun Room Kits

October 2000 | Sensible Home

Sun Room Kits

by James Dulley

Dear Jim: At a home show, I saw some beautiful attached sunroom/greenhouse kits. They are out of my budget, but I would like to try to build one from scratch myself. What are some of the key factors to consider? — Tonya F.

Dear Tonya: By the term "sunroom/ greenhouse," I assume that you plan to use it for both living space and some gardening. Container gardening can be productive while still leaving space for a few comfortable chairs and a TV.

Before you totally write off premade kits, consider some of the less expensive modular ones. They often have aluminum frames and low-cost clear acrylic glazing. As your budget allows, you can add on more bays or modules.

If you plan to build a sunroom/greenhouse yourself using lumber, expect to spend a minimum of $500 for the materials. Locate the door, windows, vents, fans, etc., in one end or in the front. This leaves one simple end for expansion at a later time when your budget allows.

High humidity and temperature variations are concerns. Use pressure-treated lumber throughout and paint or stain all the surfaces of each piece after it is cut to size. Don’t forget the cut ends. This increases the overall construction time for the project unless you can cut and paint all the frame members at one time.

To minimize material costs, design your sunroom/greenhouse in multiples of four feet. Since most lumber is available in eight-foot lengths, this reduces waste. Check at your home center or building supply outlets for any pieces of discounted scratched acrylic. You can locate a vent or door in the damaged area.

In the design phase, consider how you plan to use it. If you are using it primarily for living space, you will get the most usable floor space and headroom with a vertical clear front wall. Glazing only part of the roof is good to provide enough light for a few plants and shade for occupants.

A lean-to design with a completely slanted front or a low kneewall is simpler to build and reduces the material costs because less roofing is needed. This design is ideal mainly for growing plants with a smaller living space. Its main drawback is that, with a slanted front, it tends to overheat.

If you are planning to grow plants year-round or to use the space to provide some free passive heat for your home in the winter, true solar south is the best orientation. Check with your local weather service because solar south varies from compass south. An orientation within 15 degrees to either side of south is acceptable.

Plan on using a brick, stone, or concrete floor for thermal mass. Without it, it will surely get uncomfortably hot in the summer and not stay warm in the winter. Decoratively painted barrels, filled with water, work well too.

Write for (or instantly download) Update Bulletin No. 529: do-it-yourself instructions, diagrams, and materials list to build a low-cost sunroom/greenhouse and a cold frame, a thermal mass chart and a guide for growing common greenhouse plants. Please include $3 and a business-size SASE. James Dulley, Conscious Choice, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244.

Recommend this page to a friend

Top Ten pages recommended to friends: