Adding a fully enclosed sunroom or conservatory to your home may not always be your best option in creating an outdoor space for entertaining or relaxing. That's when it's nice to know that there's a wide range of alternatiaves in costs, materials, and functionality to deck and patio additions that lend warm-season utility and charm to your home. Screen rooms, retractable awnings, and patio covers can meet your needs--and your budget.

 

Retractable awnings are a great option for homeowners looking for energy savings and low installation costs. Closed in the winter to prevent damage, retractable awnings project outward in warm or hot weather, cooling your deck or patio and protecting you and your family from the sun's harsh rays.

 

Looking Over Other Sunroom Alternatives
Screened-in porches and partial patio enclosures provide great alternatives to a sunroom or solarium in terms of utility and cost. Screen rooms allow for summertime breezes while protecting your family and guests from pesky insects. And you'll enjoy a range of panels or cloth materials that require low maintenance while adding value to your home. Some models can even be modified later, allowing you to add glass to extend seasonal use or allow for heat and air conditioning.

 

Patios and decks can also gain partial protection from direct sun when you opt for solid or open-lattice additions. These extend from your roof, providing shade or protection from dew and light rain. Open-lattice covers allow you to grow plants that prefer dappled sunlight or shade. Many homeowners opt for solid patio covers that create protected carports or patio-deck areas secure from sunlight, rain, and snow.