A sunroom allows you to enjoy the warmth of the sun even during the coldest days of winter. Getting enough sunlight during the winter is essential, as many people get depressed during the winter without it. Not only can a sunroom be used during the winter months, but they also make a great place for you to relax during the summer. Because sunlight can come in through the windows, sunrooms are a great place for you to grow flowers and other plants. Unfortunately, building your own DIY sunroom can often be expensive. Sunroom kits can be thousands of dollars, and buying brand new materials can be just as expensive. Because of this, many people give up on the idea of building their own sunroom addition.

But what if I told you that you could not only make an inexpensive sunroom, but you can also help the environment at the same time? This can be done by making a DIY sunroom out of recycled materials. Instead of throwing away these materials, you can reuse them to create a warm and sunny environment. In this article, I'll go over everything you need to know about how to build a DIY sunroom. Hopefully, this article will inspire you to build your own sunroom addition. Let's begin!

How to Build a DIY Sunroom

Step 1: Collect Your Materials

The first step you must take before you begin building your DIY sunroom is to collect your materials. Because you will be making your DIY sunroom out of recycled materials, it may take some time to find all the materials you need. If you happen to have old windows that you don't need anymore, then great! You can scroll down to the next step. Otherwise, shop at garage sales and stores that sell recycled items.

Also, most towns have an upcycle or recycle page on Facebook where you can look for old windows for sale. If you don't find any, you can post what you are looking for on the page. Craigslist is another site to check out. If you still can't find anything that will fit your needs, try searching on the internet "old windows for sale near me". A lot of different sites and stores that sell recycled materials should pop up when you type in those words.

Besides the windows, you'll also need screws and wooden posts. If you don't already have a deck, you'll need to purchase some wooden boards. You may not find recycled screws or wooden posts, so don't worry if you have to buy these materials brand new.

Step 2: Choose Your Design

Once you have collected all the materials you need, it is time to choose a design. There are so many different sunroom design ideas. A lot of them depend on what kind of porch you have built already. For example, building a DIY sunroom on a deck will be slightly different than building a sunroom on a patio with a roof. Consider what kind of deck you have before you begin building your sunroom. If you don't already have a deck, you'll need to build your deck first. Click here to learn how you can build a deck with sustainable materials.

There are so many sunroom construction plans to consider trying. These Do It Yourself sunroom plans are usually fairly easy to build. They help give you an idea on how you want your DIY sunroom built. You can find sunroom ideas here.

Step 3: Start Planning Your Electrical System (If You Want Electric)

If you want to have electric in your sunroom, now is the time to plan that out. Determine how many outlets you want to install and where you want them located. If you have no experience in electrical work, you will need to contact an electrician about having the work done. If you already have electrical outlets on your porch, you may not need this done. While electric isn't necessary for your sunroom, it gives you the option of using electrical devices in it.

Step 4: Build the Walls

Next, put as many wooden posts as you'll need into the ground. These posts are what will hold your windows up. After that, frame the walls to your sunroom. Cut the walls so that the windows will fit in them. You can also screw your windows directly to the posts for an easier option.

Step 5: Add Your Windows and Door(s)

Position the windows into the wall's space (if you installed walls). Be sure they sit properly. Use a drill and screws to secure the windows. Position the door into the door frame. Be sure it is sitting plumb and level. If necessary, insert shims to position the door. Use your drill and screws to secure the door into the frame. If you didn't use walls to build your sunroom, you can drill the windows directly into the posts. Drill the hinges of the door to one of the wooden posts.

Step 6: Add a Roof

If your porch doesn't already have a roof, you can build one using glass or plastic roof panels. While a tin roof is an option, you'll want to allow as much light to come in as possible. A clear roof allows sunlight to come in from the rooftop.

Step 7: Finishing Touches for the Exterior

If you built walls on your sunroom, add siding to the exterior of it. Make sure the siding goes well with the color of your house. Another option is to paint the walls. If you didn't use walls to build your sunroom, you can still paint your wooden posts. Not only will this make the exterior look nicer, but it will also help your sunroom last longer.

Step 8: Finishing Touches for the Interior

Your DIY sunroom is almost finished! Install insulation in the walls in order to save on energy costs and to allow you to use the space year round. Then screw wallboard over the insulation. This may not be necessary if your sunroom is small. If you installed electrical outlets, attach the switch and outlet plates. Finish your sunroom by painting the interior with the color of your choice. If you want, you can install flooring. But the deck boards may be enough if you don't want to spend money on flooring.

Benefits of Adding a Sunroom to Your Home

So, are there any benefits to adding a sunroom addition to your home? The answer is yes. There are many benefits to building a sunroom. Below is a list of such benefits.

1. Sunrooms Are an Enjoyable Place to Be

Building a sunroom is like adding on another room to your house. It is another space where you can relax and soak in the sun. You may enjoy eating your breakfast out in your sunroom or even simply reading a book in there. If you have electric in your sunroom, you may enjoy watching TV in it. And if you have guests visiting, a sunroom quickly converts into a guest room. The benefits of a sunroom are endless.

2. Sunrooms Allow You to Get Vitamin D

It can often be difficult to get as much vitamin D as we need. During the winter, the days are darker and it may not be pleasant to go outside. And during the summer, some people avoid going outdoors due to the heat. No matter what time of year it is, a sunroom allows you to soak in the vitamin D while remaining in the comfort of your home.

3. Sunrooms Can Be Used for Growing Plants

A sunroom can also be used as a greenhouse. Whether you want to grow your own food or simply grow flowers, a sunroom creates the perfect environment for plants. If you live in a cold climate where it is difficult to grow plants, a sunroom is a great way to grow your own plants.

4. Sunrooms Make a Great Workout Space

Some people choose to turn their sunroom into their workout room. No matter what kind of workouts you do, a sunroom is a great way to get sunlight as you workout. You won't have to deal with the cold weather, heat, harsh weather, or insects that you would otherwise deal with if you were outdoors.

Final Thoughts

I hope this article has inspired you to build your own DIY sunroom out of recycled materials. There are so many sunroom designs to choose from. Building a sunroom out of recycled materials is much cheaper than using brand new materials or buying sunroom kits. In this article, I went over the steps for building your own DIY sunroom. As you can see, building a DIY sunroom is not nearly as difficult as you may think. In the end, all your hard work will be well worth it. Not only does a sunroom allow you to get vitamin D, but it also makes a great space for growing plants. In addition to this, some people use their sunrooms for working out or even turning it into a guest room. Whatever you choose to do, I'm sure you'll enjoy your new sunroom space. Have fun building your DIY sunroom!