A solarium addition to any home brings a lot of value. You can utilize it as a living space or arrange a get-together for your loved ones. A dedicated solarium room gives homeowners the flexibility and customization room they wish for.
When we talk about such open spaces, two terms really confuse almost every homeowner. It’s solarium vs sunroom. Everyone wants to know what special door glass solarium room’s offer. Well, there is a lot to highlight here.
This detailed guide is all about solarium rooms, their advantages, disadvantages, and cost. So, let us get into this guide!
What is the Purpose of Solarium?
Let us first talk about the purpose of a solarium room. The primary purpose of a solarium is to let maximum sunlight pass through it. Since even their roof is made of glass, they give an unobstructed view of your surroundings.
Therefore, a solarium room has become a go-to extension room for various modern and contemporary homes. The contractor often builds such rooms to grab the attention of potential buyers.
Pros
- Offers an Unobstructed View
- All Glass Construction Looks Classy
- Allows Maximum Light Passage
- Can Be Utilized In Different Ways
Cons
- Quite Expensive To Build
- Often Requires Maintenance
Are Solarium and Sunroom the Same Terms?
Many folks often confuse these two terms, solarium vs sunroom. In reality, there are some major differences. A sunroom is usually attached to a particular portion of a house (For example, a backyard). It is mostly made of glass (except the roof).
On the other hand, a solarium room is built entirely from glass. Apart from doors and windows, its roof is also made of glass. Usually, solariums are not attached to a particular section of a house. Instead, they are independently built and have their own lighting, heating and cooling systems.
Material Options for Building a Solarium:
Here are a few material options that are commonly used to build solarium rooms. Let us explore these material options.
Glass
First and foremost, it’s the glass that is commonly used to build solariums. As mentioned, even the roof of these solariums is made of glass. So, here homeowners will have to choose glass panels wisely.
Here, you should choose a durable glass panel for the roof of the solarium. Ideally, double-pane glass or triple-pane glass would be the best option. These glass panels ensure maximum heat and noise insulation.
For the windows or doors, you can opt for toughened glass since it is an impact resistant glass. In this regard, you should always buy your chosen glass panels from a reliable glass marketplace.Glass Genius is your trustworthy glass marketplace. You can buy any glass panel in various sizes, shapes, thicknesses, and styles.
Plexiglass
Plexiglass Panels is also an excellent material option for building a solarium. Here is how:
- Plexiglass is less expensive, so homeowners who have a low budget can opt for this glass.
- It is quite durable since it is unbreakable glass.
- Ideally, plexiglass should be used for windows and doors of a solarium.
Aluminum
Aluminum is the best material option for enhancing the structural rigidity of your solarium. You can use aluminum for building the whole frame of a solarium room. Aluminum is a strong, durable, and solid material option.
Wood
Like aluminum, wood can also be used for building a solarium room. Wood is a relatively cheaper material option here. It not just looks good but also gets the job done. However, wood may not offer the best protection from harsh climate conditions.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is a renowned material used for house roofing. Therefore, homeowners can also use it for building a solarium. It is a lightweight material compared to aluminum and wood. In terms of durability and longevity, there isn’t anything to complain about this material.
How Much Does It Cost To Solarium?
Building a solarium isn’t child’s play. So, you will have to invest some bucks to get that open and luxurious living space. On average, building a solarium room costs around $25,000 to $80,000. Note that it’s a lump sum solarium cost figure.
Solarium Rooms – A few Alternatives
In case you find solarium rooms an expensive add-on, here are a few less expensive alternatives.
Sunrooms
Sunrooms are probably the best alternative to solarium rooms. They may not offer that open feel of a solarium but surely allow maximum light passage. You can sit back and relax in a sunroom. Further, sunrooms can also be used to grow plants.
Screen Porches
You can install a screened porch if you have a limited budget. A screen porch also allows maximum light passage while keeping the bugs out. This way, you can easily enjoy the sunshine out on your porch.
Greenhouse
A greenhouse serves both purposes. You can use it as an outdoor living area and grow your favorite plants at the same time. Homeowners can opt for any type of greenhouse design that best fits their home’s exterior look.
Final Thoughts:
So, now you know all about solarium rooms. We highlight their pros and cons along with suitable material options. In this regard, homeowners have the liberty to choose the appearance, glass styling, and size of the solarium according to their preferences.
Further, there are some good alternatives to solarium available. For example, you can go with a screened porch or a greenhouse for enjoying an outdoor living space that gets you closer to nature.
We recommend using high-quality glass panels for your solariums. No matter which glass you go with, always buy it from a reliable glass marketplace.
