A Three Season Porch

One of the most popular front porch designs

A three season porch is sometimes confused with sun rooms or four season porches.

Sun rooms are fully insulated and normally have heating and air conditioning.

These porches, on the other hand, are not insulated making them less expensive to build.

They are built for the express purpose of extending use during the year and can also be great during inclement weather and chilly days.

We were able to use our porch often during Nebraska winters as it faced the south and we were able to capture the heat generated from the sun. So location should be a consideration when building this type of porch.

Three season porch pictures

Three season porch plans

Three season porch characteristics

• In cold weather windows can be moved into place to extend the season of use.
• In warmer months screened openings offer all the advantages of a screened porch. If you live in a rural area and like the night time sounds of nature, a three season porch may be just right for you.
• Three season porches can be an energy saver! In the winter windows or doors connecting the porch to the home can be opened allowing solar-heat to access the home. At night the doors or windows of the three season porch are closed. It then serves as a buffer between the cold outside air and the heated inside air to help conserve valuable heat.
• A three season porch can be aesthetically pleasing and more durable! Add fancy architecture to a glassed room such as arches, lattice-work, columns, and beaded ceilings to further enhance your three season porch. Furnish with porch furniture like tables, rocking chairs, porch swings, and greenery to make it just for you!
• Use casement, double-hung, or awning windows to eliminate the need for storing glazed windows. Consider using different configurations of windows to enhance the appearance as it relates to your home. Upgrading windows is a long term investment so be sure the supporting structure will be adequate many years from now.
• Add a portable space heater to enjoy your porch into the cool months

Three season porch options

• You can build it yourself
• You can build it yourself using a three-season porch kit
• You can have a contractor build your three-season porch

You can usually modify your existing porch rather easily to make it a three-season porch. Enclosing it with panels, screens, and glazed windows can transform it rather quickly and easily.

For your convenience we've provided a guide for those who have the skills to convert their existing porch to a three season porch!

Three season conversion kits are also a great way to go if you want to do it yourself but would rather have a clear set of instructions.

NOTE: Whether you build it from scratch or purchase a kit you need to comply with your local building codes. In addition, if applicable, you must also comply with your homeowner's association rules. Obtain the necessary permits.

Considerations for building or
installing a three-season porch

• Location. To capture the true benefit of a three-season porch it should be located so it faces south to capture the sun's rays for heat.
• In the vast majority of cases, build your three-season porch on the side or rear of the home; they just don't look very good on the front unless they architecturally fit the style of your home, are upgraded for curb appeal, etc.
• To minimize costs make window frames standard sizes to accommodate glazed standard glaze windows. This will make replacements easier and you may have more options. Check with your local building supply provider to see what's available and at what cost before you begin.
• Consider window storage space. Where will you keep the windows in the warmer months? This is especially true if you will have many windows to store. Fortunately, we had space underneath the porch for our windows but that may not always be the case.
• One way to reduce the cost of windows is to use wood panels around the bottom of the walls. This is much safer (may be required by code) and will stop snow from blowing onto the porch in winter (for those of you who have snow to enjoy!).
• Consider using outdoor carpeting if you do not have solid flooring. We used outdoor carpeting on our three-season porch and it worked great! Another great flooring product and an easy DIY project is interlocking deck tiles. They can be installed over almost any surface, look great, and wear really well.
• Consider installing ceiling fans (it can get warm if the outside temp is not too cold and the sun is shining).
• You can dress up your 3 season porch with decorative moldings and trim work. Our porch decorating section is absolutely loaded with great ideas for decorating porches.
• Add radiant space heaters to lengthen your time you can use the porch.

Cost savings

• Use stock wooden screen doors instead of building individual frames for your screens and windows. These doors possibly have both screens and window inserts. This will not only save money but time as well.
• Another great option is to search salvage yards for old screen doors and storm windows. You can then build framing to accommodate them on your porch -instant screens!
• If you are building your porch from scratch make sure you know the glazed/storm window size before you start. Use standard sizes to ensure that you can replace them easily.
• Another option is to use fixed glass along with storm windows. This is especially helpful if you have limited storage space! Don't forget you can also use bow or bay windows! Additional framing is required. Make sure you contact your local building codes department to ensure you comply with local codes.

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