Sunrooms
The full answer: an enclosed room with toughened Low-E glazing, single or double glazed.
Ideas
Using your outdoor area through winter
Most outdoor areas are used for a few summer months. Getting real winter use takes three things together: a roof, shelter from wind at seated height, and light after dark.
What works best
Outdoor Blinds
Windproof side blinds turn a covered deck into a sheltered space on cold, breezy days.
Opening Louvres
Built-in LED lighting and a roof that closes flat in rain keep the area usable after dark.
Things to plan for
- Wind is usually the bigger problem than cold - shelter the prevailing side first.
- Plan power for lighting and outdoor heaters at the design stage.
- Opening roofs let low winter sun in on fine days.
Not sure about consent? Check the building consent guide for your council →
Compare and explore
- Opening louvre roof vs fixed canopy
- Sunroom vs canopy
- Outdoor blinds vs fixed panels
- Opening louvre roof vs metal pergola
- Opening louvre roof vs sunroom
- Sunroom vs fixed glass panels
- Outdoor blinds vs sunroom
- Single vs double glazed sunrooms
- Covers for spas and hot tubs
- Roofs for outdoor kitchens and BBQ areas
- Carports and vehicle shelters
- Covering an existing deck