The Differences Between a 3 Season Room vs Screened In Porch

When it comes to improving the curb appeal and resale value of your home, it’s a good idea to consider building outward with outdoor living spaces. Although many homeowners may know they want to include porches or multi-season rooms in their new construction or renovation design plans, they often don’t fully understand the differences between a screened porch vs a 3 season room.  Since most of our porches become the biggest room in the house, it’s important to know these differences to make an informed decision in the planning phase.

At Pro-Built Construction, we’ve been helping Raleigh and surrounding area homeowners improve their home’s aesthetics with 3 season rooms and screened porches for over 15 years. 

Let’s explore everything you need to know in choosing a 3 season room vs. a screened porch.  Looking at the design features as well as the pros and cons of each room, we’re here to help you understand the differences between these two popular home renovation additions and the value they add to your home. 

What is a Screened Porch? 

Most people know what a screened porch is. Fundamentally, a screened-in porch is a covered deck that is attached to your home, has a roof, and is enclosed by screened walls. The roof protects you from outdoor elements, while the screened walls protect you from bugs and allow for the enjoyment of fresh air. This feel, along with the sounds of nature, give you the sense you’re in a more open & natural environment. 

Screened porches are ideal for anyone wanting to have an outdoor living space where you can see, hear, smell, and feel the experiences of being outdoors. The sense of being outside is paired with the luxury of our enclosed spaces to make an amazing living space.

What is a 3 Season Room? 

A 3 season room is very similar to a screened porch but offers much more versatility. The basic structure is the same. The difference is that whereas screened porches have screen-only walls, a 3 season porch has clear vinyl, and sliding panels that can be closed to seal in the room behind the screening. These panels are all-inclusive, meaning that they are movable, sealed panels with an integrated screen that stays in place. This really allows you to have both a 3 season room and a screen porch. The difference between having a 3-season room is that 3-season rooms offer much more versatility in use throughout the year.  The panel product we use is Sunspace. You can see more details on our blog post, Benefits of Sunspace Panels vs Eze Breeze Panels.

This inclusion of Sunspace panels makes our 3-season rooms much easier to heat and are more adaptable to harsh weather conditions. They’re also great for keeping out that North Carolina pollen!

How to Choose Between a 3 Season Room vs Screened Porch

Having the luxury of closing your living space off entirely from outside elements, unlike with an always-open screened porch, makes a 3-season room preferable to some homeowners. However, other homeowners may like the idea of having a screened porch that they only use to enjoy during certain times of the year. Choosing between a 3-season room vs a screened porch for your home’s renovation comes down to your specific needs, goals, and budget. 

Understanding the differences in terms of the pros vs cons of both types of home additions can help you make the decision of which is best for you and your family. 

Pros and Cons of a Screened Porch

Some of the advantages of a screened porch added to your home are: 

• Protects from sun, light rain, pests, fallen leaves, or other outside elements. 
• Lower installation and design costs when compared to 3-season rooms. 
• No additional energy costs for heating and cooling. 
• A new, semi-outdoor space for entertainment and family time. 
• Added curb appeal to your home’s aesthetics. 
• Gives the feeling of being outside, without the nuisance of bugs, rain, or other distractions. 

Despite having a few disadvantages when compared to 3-season rooms, screened porches offer homeowners a lovely space that can be used as a zen oasis or an al fresco family dinner setting.  

Pros and Cons of a 3-Season Room

3 season rooms offer not only beautiful design aesthetics to your home but can transform your living space to be more adaptable to the needs of your family and your interests. 

Some pros of a 3-season room addition are: 

        Very easy to convert from a 3 season room to a screened porch by sliding a few panels.

• Protects from most weather conditions.
• Ability to heat and cool room.
• Keeps pollen out.
• Can be used as a living/dining space, playroom, home office, etc.
• A multi-use space for entertaining guests and time spent with family. 
• Expands the livable square footage of your home. 

Although the upfront costs of a 3-season room are higher than a screened porch, being able to enjoy your addition nearly all year round makes it a very popular option. 85% of our projects are 3 season rooms. With versatile uses and design ideas, a 3-season room can become everyone’s new favorite space in the home. 

Contact Our Raleigh Screen Porch and 3 Season Room Company Today

Are you in the market for a screened in porch or 3 season room for your home? Our experienced porch and patio specialists have served the greater Raleigh area for over 15 years, helping local homeowners get the most usage out of their living space and adding value to their homes. 

At Pro-Built Construction, our team of professional contractors can build the screened porch or 3-season room addition you’ve always dreamed of. We can create a concept that will add to your home’s beauty as well as your long-term enjoyment! 
Contact us today at 919-235-5582 or get started by filling out our contact form below to schedule a consultation.