Chances are likely, if the headline above piqued your interest, you are considering the addition of an outdoor room to your Columbia-area home. You may have heard various terminology used to describe different types of outdoor rooms such as screened porches, three season rooms, sunrooms, and depending on what part of the country you hail from, four-season rooms. We realize as a homeowner, it is often hard to decipher what the differences are between the various choices. Each type of outdoor room addition is different in the benefits each provides and in their design and construction profiles. Archadeck of Central SC is here to discuss the specifics of each type of outdoor room and make choosing the right outdoor room easy!
Typically, here in Central South Carolina, outdoor rooms can be classified into three different categories. These are screened porches, 3-season rooms and sunrooms — all of which include a roofed structure.
Columbia Screened Porches
Screened porches consist of a covered porch with screened openings instead of windows. The screens serve as a barrier from bothersome insects, allergens and inclement weather. Having a screen porch gives you the opportunity to enjoy your Columbia backyard without exposure to the harsh elements. Since screened porches are roofed structures, they are also a welcome source of shade on those warm Central SC days.
Screened porches can be built using a large selection of materials. These include pressure-treated wood, ceramic tile, composite and vinyl to name a few. Interior trim finishes such as beadboard and wooden ceilings can add character and uniqueness to your structure, too.
Screened porches can also be custom designed to reflect your individual tastes. This may include integrating an outdoor fireplace or outdoor kitchen into your design. Many of our customers like to install wall-mounted flat screen televisions on their screened porches. TVs such as this will require cable hookup and electricity. Your electrician will need to know ahead of time to make preparations for you.
Columbia Three Season Rooms
Taking the ideals of a screened porch a step farther are three season rooms. This type of outdoor room is a great fit for those wanting the feel of a sunroom without the requirements of an interior room addition.Three season rooms are more fully enclosable than a screened porch because they include a four-track window system or convertible window system such as the EZE Breeze porch system. These use window panels in unison with screens by allowing you to control the amount you leave exposed. You can close completely to create a room with the feel of a sunroom without the extra installations required to have a sunroom. By pairing this enclosure system with a space heater you can make use of the screened porch beyond the typical Central SC outdoor living season, even through the winter months.
Keep in mind that three season rooms still require the use of outdoor materials, because the room is not completely weatherproof. All of the same flooring and finish options available on a screened porch would also be recommended for use in a 3-season room.
It is a common misconception that all-glass windows are required to have a bright and sunny room. As long as your porch or three season room has wide openings and is positioned well in relation to the direction of the sun, you can essentially have as bright and airy of a room as you desire.
Columbia Sunrooms
Sunroom additions consist of a conditioned space attached to the home. Being a conditioned space means it has insulation as well as heating and air conditioning. A sunroom addition requires the same construction fundamentals required of any interior room addition.
— Lexington, SC, sunroom addition by Archadeck of Central SC
Sunrooms open up a greater realm of interior finishing choices that you cannot get with other outdoor living structures. The materials available include hardwoods, wooden detailing and moldings, just to name a few. Since the use of sheetrock comes into play with a sunroom, you can use paint, faux finishes, wainscoting, and even wallpaper to show off your personal style. The possibilities are endless. A sunroom will often have a dual entry from the interior of your home as well as the exterior via a patio or porch to offer you the ultimate in convenience for indoor/outdoor entertaining.
— Imagine celebrating the holidays in your own sunroom!
Choosing an outdoor room design that is the best fit for your home’s architecture, your desired function and your budget is important. This is why consulting with an experienced outdoor room builder is crucial. Archadeck of Central SC has been designing and building custom outdoor rooms for homeowners all over the Columbia area for over 13 years.
If you are thinking about the addition of an outdoor room or another custom outdoor living space, contact us today! You can reach us by phone at (803) 784-1566.
The Archadeck of Central SC team – Mike Reu, Marshall Reu and Tucker Reu.
