Useless Sun Room - Need Ideas!

13 years ago

I have a solarium style sunroom off the back of my house and it is pretty much useless for a variety of reasons - too hot in the summer, too cold in the winter, leaks water from above, sun damages anything you store in there, etc. I need help with ideas of something creative to do with this pace. I was thinking of a patio/deck that runs flush with the brick planter that lines the perimeter of the sun room and building a white pergola over the patio. This would give me a two level patio in my backyard...is that odd? Take a look and let me know if you have any ideas!! Much appreciated!

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Comments (8)

Brenda
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
not a gardener? ... that would make one heck of a greenhouse ...

actually, where do you live? -- If you decide to rip it off, I might come pick it up from your trash heap! ;)
Anders Rønning
13 years ago
The most important thing is to have a proper roof when all the walls are glass. This keeps heat out in the summer and heat in in the winter
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PRO
A Crew of Two
13 years ago
Yes, remove it, it is dated and not attractive. You can do a two level patio, but you probably will have to do something to the existing brick so it can support the new patio- whether pouring a concrete one or using some pavers. You could do concrete for the patio, but stain it and add a pattern for interest. Or go with a larger stone for a contemporary look.
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Cathy Carr, APLD · More Info
kellyography
13 years ago
I would replace it with a walk-through screened-in porch. It's a bigger job than just removing the sunroom entirely, but you retain the same amount of three-season living space, only it's fully shaded and will still allow for furniture and entertaining space. Plus, you'd still have access to an outdoor patio for barbecuing, etc.
handymam
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
I agree with Anders, I think maybe for your purposes, you may want to consider changing the roof to something else or finding shadeing for the "roof." You certainly don't need all that sun roasting you in there. I would investigate the possibility of putting a door on the back as the exit to the patio, but over to one side to allow more use of the space. You may want to see if you can change some of the glass to operable windows as well. With all of the storage boxes removed, you could use that room in the fall or spring nicely when you just feel it is a bit too nippy to sit outside. It has a lot of potential! :)

Yes, I also agree that you could just remove it and start over with what you really want!
PRO
HX Home Solutions and North Star Stone
13 years ago
A two level patio would look beautiful. French doors and the pergola would be beautiful. If the pergola extended just over the 1st (top) level, that would give it some depth. What materials would you use for the deck?
roosterdavis
13 years ago
It does make the back of the house look like a Wendy's. I like the screen porch idea. Or just demo it and get yourself a nice patio.
jbrockman25
11 years ago
I would love this for a greenhouse..but I love to garden :)