Bringing more nature into your home can feel like an overwhelming task, but the good news is that you don’t need to renovate at all if done correctly! A sunroom greenhouse offers the perfect solution.

This blog will guide you through DIY ways to attach one, making it an ideal addition to any home and giving you a beautiful place to look after plants, read a book or drink your coffee in the morning.

Let’s transform your space together. 🌱

Looking for the best polycarbonate greenhouses in 2024? The Best Polycarbonate Greenhouses To Buy In 2024 For People On A Budget

But first, let’s get any confusion out of the way…

What Is A Sunroom Greenhouse?

It’s built in a way that captures the sun’s warmth while protecting you from the cold, making it an ideal spot for both plants and people who enjoy being close to nature without being outside.

Why Would You Want One?

A sunroom greenhouse has lots of perks. It’s a cosy spot to grow plants all year, even the ones that usually can’t handle your local weather. It’s like having an extra room filled with sunlight where you can chill, eat, or work feeling pretty relaxed. This room can catch and hold the sun’s warmth, which might help you cut down on heating costs when it’s cold.

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Best Sunroom Greenhouse Kits To Buy In 2024

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The whole point of this article is to give you easy DIY ways to have a sunroom greenhouse attached to your home without needing to get renovators to rip apart your home (too much).

So in order to do that correctly – the easiest way is to get a sunroom kit.

Here are the best kits that I’ve seen on the market so far:

#1: Palram Canopia Rion Sun Room (Best Suited For Warmer Climates)

Overall Thoughts:

If you want a sunroom greenhouse then this is easily the best option in my opinion. Not only is Palram one of the leading companies in the greenhouse space, but they also made a really nice product here. It’s relatively quick and easy to install, makes a nice cosy environment for your plants (and you)… And it comes at a good price. The only negative is that it is better to keep it out of heavy snowfall (light snow is fine).

PROS

CONS

– Really easy to assemble with the clear instructions provided. It should take about 6 hours with two people to get it attached. – Nice size that’s big enough for a few chairs and a small table while having some plants around you. – They have doors and vents to allow for proper ventilation to make a good environment for plants. – Good price compared to other sunroom greenhouse competitors. – Multiple size options, so if you want something a bit bigger then it’s possible.

– This is better suited for warmer climates where there isn’t a large amount of snow. The roof doesn’t support heavy snowfall well.

Details:

The best everyday sunroom greenhouse we found is from Palram, with dimensions of 102.4″L x 101.6″W x 104.7″H and weighing 294.4 pounds. It’s built to last with high-impact polycarbonate panels that block all harmful UV rays while letting in 90% of the light. These panels are backed up by strong, powder-coated galvanized steel rods. Its smart design includes a wide hinged side door for easy access, allowing you to customize the space to your liking. The greenhouse comes with DIY instructions for easy home assembly using a sliding panel system.

It’s designed to blend seamlessly with any home and outdoor space, providing extra room for your hobbies, whether as a greenhouse or additional living space. It promises year-round protection for your plants with minimal maintenance, thanks to its durable aluminum structure and polycarbonate glazing that’s resistant for a lifetime.

Also included are smart accessories to boost your gardening game, like a fan heater with a digital thermostat, a training kit for maximizing growth, an automatic roof opener for ventilation, and a sturdy shelf kit for more workspace. This setup is 100% maintenance-free, making it a comfortable, protected outdoor space with little effort.

Check Price ➡️ Amazon

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#2: Palram Canopia San Remo Sun Room (Well Suited For Any Climate)

Overall Thoughts:

This is a really beautiful greenhouse sunroom that would make any home better. Not only is it extremely sturdy and well made, but it also create a super cosy environment for your plant. They added extra protection to the roof so it is better suited for heavy snowfall. The only negative I found was that it was more expensive than other models.

PROS	CONS
– Has an extra layer on the roof to handle more harsh weather conditions. – Really high quality with lots of space to add plants and furniture. You can really make this room beautiful. – Raises the value of your home because it is a really nice addition that anyone would love to have. – Really good customer service so if you have any issues with assembly they’ll help immediately.	– More expensive

Details:

The San Remo by Palram is a top pick for anyone looking to add a stylish, yet functional space to their home without renovating. This model, with its dimensions of 169.3″D x 116.1″W x 122″H and weighing 564.1 pounds, is made from durable materials like aluminum and polycarbonate, ensuring it stands up to harsh weather while blocking out harmful UV rays. Its construction features powder-coated galvanized steel and rust-resistant aluminum, making it a seamless fit with any home design. The enclosure includes everything needed for a two-person DIY setup, with pre-drilled profiles, pre-cut panels, and all the necessary hardware.

Designed as the perfect outdoor extension, the San Remo offers privacy without sacrificing the beauty of your backyard, making it ideal for a variety of uses such as an outdoor dining area, hot tub enclosure, or a place to hold special gatherings. It boasts crystal-clear acrylic wall panels and a virtually unbreakable polycarbonate roof, allowing for stunning views while keeping you protected from the elements. The structure’s reinforced aluminum frame ensures durability and longevity, and three lockable double sliding doors offer both security and multiple access points. This maintenance-free addition to your home is specifically designed for those comfortable with DIY projects, but checking local building codes or consulting a contractor is advised before installation.

Check Price ➡️ Amazon

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How Do You Turn Your Sunroom Into A Greenhouse?

Now that you have a sunroom (or maybe you did already), but let’s talk about how to properly convert it into a greenhouse (2).

Here are the steps that you should go through:

Step 1: Assess the Space:

Consider the amount of sunlight your sunroom receives and its current layout. For your sunroom greenhouse to work best, it needs a lot of light and as little shade as possible. South-facing setups are usually the best because they get a ton of sunlight, which helps with keeping the place warm without needing extra heaters.

If your sunroom isn’t facing south, no worries. You can still make it work by choosing the right plants for the direction it does face. East-facing spots are cooler and get less light, so go for plants that can handle that. If your sunroom faces west, it’ll get more afternoon heat, making it a great spot for plants that love warmth, like peppers and tomatoes.

Step 2: Control The Temperature

Plants in a greenhouse need a stable environment. Install a thermometer to monitor the temperature and consider adding heaters for the winter and fans or cooling systems for the summer to maintain an optimal climate.

To keep your sunroom greenhouse from getting too hot in the summer, try putting some plywood and shingles on part of the roof. This helps pull heat away. Also, using brick tables and stands for your plants can help because they soak up some of the heat.

Step 3: Make Sure You Focus On Insulation

To keep your greenhouse warm in winter without skyrocketing heating costs, ensure your sunroom is well-insulated. This may involve upgrading windows to double-glazing or adding thermal curtains for extra warmth.

Here’s what you need to know about insulation: 16 Genius Ways To Insulate Your Greenhouse For Year-Round Growth

Step 4: Keep Ventilation Consistent

Proper airflow is crucial to prevent mold and keep plants healthy. Install vents or use fans to circulate air. Automated vent openers can be a great addition, opening when it gets too hot and closing as it cools down.

Both of the Palram sun room kits that I recommended above are well suited for ventilation, but it’s always worth considering a fan.

Step 5: Consider A Watering System

Depending on the size of your greenhouse and the types of plants you’re growing, you might want to set up an irrigation system. This can range from a simple drip irrigation setup to a more complex automated system.

Not only will this make sure that your plants stay happy, but it can also provide a cooling effect to your greenhouse sunroom in the hot summers.

Step 6: Add Lots Shelves and Make It Look Nice

Step 7: Choose the Right Plants:

Select plants that will thrive in your sunroom’s conditions. Consider both the temperature range and the amount of light available. Some plants require more light and warmth than others.

Conclusion:

Wrapping it all up, turning your sunroom into a greenhouse isn’t just about boosting your home’s charm; it’s about creating a personal oasis where you can grow your favorite plants, enjoy a sunny spot for your morning coffee, or just kick back with a good book.

With the right kit, like the ones from Palram, and a bit of DIY spirit, you can set up a space that’s not only great for plants but also adds value and beauty to your home. Remember to pick the right spot for your greenhouse, keep the temperature steady, make sure it’s well-insulated and ventilated, and choose plants that will love living there. With these steps, you’ll have a thriving sunroom greenhouse that’s as practical as it is picturesque. I hope that you got some nice ideas, happy gardening!

Here are some of my favorite greenhouse accessories: 14 Best Greenhouse Accessories That You Need In 2024

FAQs

Can a Sunroom Be Used as a Greenhouse?

Absolutely! A sunroom can double as a greenhouse with the right setup. By ensuring it gets plenty of sunlight, maintaining a stable temperature, and choosing plants that suit the environment, a sunroom can be an ideal spot for growing a variety of plants year-round so it’s a great addition attached to your home.

What is the difference between a greenhouse and a sunroom?

The main difference lies in their primary use. A greenhouse is designed specifically for growing plants, optimizing conditions like humidity, light, and temperature to support plant health and growth. A sunroom, on the other hand, is more of a living space that brings a lot of natural light into your home. While it can be used to grow plants, it’s also a place for relaxation and enjoying the outdoors without being outside.

How much does a glass sunroom kit cost?

The cost of a glass sunroom kit can vary widely depending on the size, materials, and features. Basic kits can start from a few thousand dollars and go up to $30,000 or more for larger, more elaborate setups. It’s best to research and compare options to find one that fits your budget and needs.

What’s the difference between sunroom and solarium?

The terms sunroom and solarium are often used interchangeably, but there is a slight difference. A solarium is a type of sunroom fully enclosed in glass, including the roof, providing a 360-degree view of the surroundings. It’s designed to offer maximum sunlight exposure. A sunroom may have a solid roof and more traditional construction elements, blending more seamlessly with the rest of the home.

Can you put plants in a sunroom?

Yes, you can! A sunroom is a great place for plants, especially those that thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. It’s perfect for creating an indoor garden with a variety of plants, from tropicals that love the warmth to herbs and succulents. Just make sure to consider the light levels and temperature of your sunroom when selecting plants.

References:
1 – Nick Gerhardt, Samantha Allen, Should You Add A Sunroom To Your House?, taken from: https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/outdoor-living/should-you-add-a-sunroom/
2 – Christin Perry, Samantha Allen, Here Are The Most Popular Types Of House Additions, taken from: https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/article/types-of-house-additions/