If you’re looking for ways to make your outdoor areas more comfortable, you may want to invest in a screen room or a sunroom.

Both types of additional living spaces bring in natural light, give you a place to enjoy the outdoors without the bugs (and sometimes without the heat), and can add value to your home.

But which one is a better fit for your lifestyle and budget? Below, we’ll compare sunrooms vs. screen rooms, so you can decide which option makes the most sense for your home.

What Are Screen Rooms?

A screen room is a covered outdoor space with mesh screens instead of solid walls or windows. Usually added onto a patio, deck, or porch, it lets you enjoy the view without bugs, leaves, or other nuisances getting in the way.

Typically, screen rooms are: 

• Open-air, but protected. The mesh screens let fresh air in while keeping mosquitoes, flies, and other pests out.
• Lightweight and easy to install. Most are made with durable materials like aluminum and fiberglass.
• Almost entirely customizable to your needs.

Why Choose a Screen Room?

Screen rooms are a great choice for homeowners looking for an affordable way to stay connected to nature. Plus, since they’re simpler to build, you can have yours set up in no time

Another big benefit is that screen rooms are extremely low maintenance. Cleaning mesh screens is easy, and there aren’t any complex systems like HVAC or insulation to worry about.  You can use screen rooms to dine, relax with a book, or as a play area for kids.

However, note that while the screens offer some protection from light rain, strong winds, and heavy downpours may still get through.

 What Are Sunrooms?

A sunroom, sometimes called a four-season room or solarium, is a fully enclosed space with insulated glass walls and large windows on three sides. It can be temperature-controlled and utilized year-round, even in the dead of winter.

Sunrooms in Jacksonville FL can be built on top of an existing deck or patio, or installed with a solid foundation if your yard is currently just grass. Granted, you won’t get the open-air feel of a screen room, but you also won’t have to deal with the sound of your neighbor’s weedeater.

Why Choose a Sunroom?

Regular porches only let you enjoy the weather for so long before you have to head inside. A sunroom, on the other hand, can be heated and cooled, so you can relax or entertain outdoors—no matter the season.  

Sunrooms also make a great escape for when you want some quiet time. Whether you’re reading or just need a break from the noise inside your home, you can add soundproofing between your sunroom and the rest of the house to maintain a tranquil area to relax.

Although sunroom enclosures are expensive, you can keep costs down by using a prefab kit, opting for a smaller size, and foregoing heating and cooling. They also offer an impressive 49% return on investment, according to Angi.

Key Differences Between Screen Rooms and Sunrooms

Both screen rooms and sunrooms look good on paper, but how do they compare head-to-head?  

Let’s find out.

Cost:

Screen Rooms: The budget-friendly option. Even high-end models are more affordable than sunrooms.

Sunrooms: A bigger investment. Costs are higher due to materials, labor, and extras like insulation.

Comfort

Screen Rooms: The open-air design means no temperature control. Your comfort depends on the weather.

Sunrooms: Fully enclosed, insulated, and can be heated or cooled for year-round comfort.

Usability

Screen Rooms: Great for mild seasons but not for extreme heat, cold, or heavy rain. 

Sunrooms: These work in nearly every season with proper insulation and heating.

Aesthetics

Screen Rooms: Feels like an extension of your patio or deck.

Sunrooms: More like an extra room in your home. They can serve as a cozy lounge, a bright dining space, or anything else you need.

How to Decide Which Is Right for You

1) Your Lifestyle

First, think about how you’ll use the space. If you enjoy dining on your patio, hosting summer BBQs, or just having a breezy place to relax, a screen room might be enough for you.  

In contrast, if you’d rather have a comfortable space for working, reading, or entertaining with a full view of the outdoors in all seasons—a sunroom makes more sense.  

For those who entertain frequently, a sunroom serves as an extra indoor-outdoor living space where you can seat guests. A screen room also works well for casual get-togethers, but may not be as comfortable during extreme heat or cold. 

2) Your Budget

Next, consider the cost of sunrooms vs screened rooms.  

Adding a screened porch is far more affordable than building a sunroom. You won’t need flooring, insulation, drywall, or extensive HVAC and electrical work, which keeps costs much lower.  

For example, if you clean up your deck or patio and install a basic screen kit, you might only spend $1,800 to $2,500. In contrast, sunroom enclosures in Florida average around $20,000 to $80,000, or $200 to $400 per square foot with full insulation.  

You could also consider budget-friendly compromises, such as winterizing your screened-in porch by installing space heaters. You’ll pay a little more, but far less than a sunroom.

3) Your Local Climate

Where you live can make a big difference in which option works best. In regions with mild weather, a screened porch is just fine for all four seasons. But if you live somewhere with harsh winters, a fully enclosed, insulated sunroom is a better investment.

4) Your Preferred Aesthetics

Both screened porches and sunrooms in Jacksonville allow for customization, but since they’re built differently, your choices will vary.   

With a screened porch, you can pick from different screen types, layouts, furniture, lighting, decor, and flooring to suit your style. However, because it’s exposed to the weather, your options are more limited compared to a sunroom.  

If you want more control over how you design and use your space, we recommend going for a sunroom.

Screen Room vs Sunroom: The Verdict

That’s a wrap! We’ve covered everything you need to know about screen rooms vs. sunrooms and how to decide which one is right for you. Hopefully, this guide has answered all your questions, but if you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to consult the experts at Lifetime Enclosures!

As North Florida’s leading enclosure provider, we’ve been helping homeowners create beautiful, functional outdoor spaces for over 33 years. Whether you’re leaning toward a screen room or a sunroom, we’ll evaluate your needs and recommend the perfect fit for your home.  

Reach out to us today!