The best patio sunroom kits are a quick, cost effective way to increase your outdoor living space. Once installed, you can enjoy a bug-free cup of coffee on an early spring morning or just as easily host a large outdoor even without worrying about the weather. There are simply put, countless possibilities. It’s easy to see why adding a patio sunroom is one of our top recommendations when it comes to outdoor patio improvements.
While there are hundreds of patio sunroom kits in a variety of colors, materials, designs and styles our favorite by far is the Rion Sun Room. It’s got a reasonable price, solid build quality and is available in a ton of sizes to fit any space.
Best Outdoor Sunroom Kit – Rion Sun Room
- Quickly and easily cover your porch, deck or patio entrance
- Roof panels are 100% UV protected, 4mm twin-wall polycarbonate to protect from direct sunlight
The stunning Rion Sun Room is a perfect example of a sunroom kit done right. With 100% UV protected roof panels made from durable polycarbonate it is both visually appealing and durable. You’ll find the 3mm translucent acrylic wall panels let in ton of sun for a truly outdoor feel. Plus the resin frame is lightweight for easy assembly, yet strong enough to stand up to heavy winds and rain.
There is also a hinged side door to easily access your yard and a roof vent to make balmy summers a bit more comfortable. When coupled with the fact it is available in twelve different sizes from 6’x6’ up to 8’x20’, you can see why it is our number one pick.
If your not a fan of reading too much text, check out the video below for a closer look:
Top 3 Best Patio Sunroom Kits – Comparison Table
In order to make choosing the right patio sunroom kit easier, we’ve put together the below table so you can quickly compare our top choices head to head.
Patio Sunroom Kit Buyers Guide
Buying a patio sunroom kit is a measure twice, cut once sort of deal. You need to know where it’s going, what materials you want and what size is best for your yard. In this section we’re aiming to answer all of the common questions associated with the buying process. We’d much rather you read one article with everything you need to know than read ten different ones with scattered information.
What materials are best for weather resistance?
Polycarbonate is one of the best materials that not only lets sunlight through, but is very weather resistant. You’ll find it nearly impossible to stain and is specifically designed to handle year round sunshine. Plus, when made in thick sheets, it is great at handling even heavy snow loads for northern applications.
Structure wise, resin, aluminum and plastic are all common choices. However aluminum is by far the best option. It is lightweight, won’t rust and has enough strength to take a few windstorms head one. We do recommend you anchor your patio sunroom down just to make sure it doesn’t blow away though!
What size Patio Sunroom Kit do I need?
This question solely depends on two things. One, what size patio do you have available and two, what you intend to use the sunroom for. If you just plan to put a few chairs and a coffee table out there a smaller 8’x10’ option would make perfect sense.
Instead, if you love to host outdoor gatherings, an 18’x10’ patio sunroom kit will give you much more room for a BBQ island, outdoor seating, outdoor TV’s etc. Be sure to check with your HOA as well before installation. Some HOA’s require pre-approval for such installation and we definitely don’t want you to disassemble everything after a few days.
Can a sunroom support a snow load?
Most patio sunroom kits can support a light to moderate snow load. You’ll find most have angled roofs to prevent excess snow built up. However, if you live in a very snow prone area, we’d recommend you clean the roof off every few weeks to keep buildup to a minimum. When the polycarbonate roofing panels get cold, they do tend to become a bit brittle. Excessive snow can cause them to snap, which is not a good sound to hear.
What is a standard patio sunroom kit warranty?
Any quality patio sunroom kit will come with a 1 year full warranty. Some especially well designed kits can come with an additional 10 year limited warranty. This is great for a little peace of mind and can save you a considerable amount of money and time if something goes wrong.
What roof height should I consider?
To keep it simple, you should buy a patio sunroom kit that, at its lowest point, is taller than the tallest person in your family. Typically you’ll find they are over 6’ and this isn’t an issue. However if you’ve got a few exceptionally tall friends you might want something that is 6’-5” tall. That height will give you a little bit of breathing room and will make your outdoor sunroom much more appealing
Do I need to worry about insulation?
No, I wouldn’t worry about insulation. You want the sun and a lot of it. With thin transparent walls and ceilings, even a small amount of insulating material would make little difference. If you had anything more, you’d be blocking your view and the sunlight from filtering in. In the winter a sunroom will pretty much be cold all the time. We’d suggest you opt for a patio space heater if you want to keep toasty warm.
Can a patio sunroom be used as a greenhouse?
No, a patio sunroom cannot be used as a greenhouse substitute. Due to their lack of insulation, the wintertime weather would pretty much kill whatever you put out there. However, during the summer, you can place plants in the sunroom for a boost of sunlight. Plus, the limited insulation will make sure they don’t crisp in 100 degrees F weather.
Best Patio Sunroom Kits Detailed Reviews
Okay, so now that you’ve got an idea of what you want to purchase and how to go about selecting the right one, lets go over the best choices we’ve found. We’ve specifically selected a variety of sizes, configurations, color options and designs. This way, no matter your budget or yard size there will be something perfect.
Plus, it’s always a good idea to make sure you’ve looked at what the competition is offering before pulling the trigger on a larger purchase.
#1 Rion Sun Room
- Quickly and easily cover your porch, deck or patio entrance
- Roof panels are 100% UV protected, 4mm twin-wall polycarbonate to protect from direct sunlight
The Rion Sun Room is the ultimate patio sunroom kit available. It’s not too difficult to install, looks amazing and has pretty much every major features available. If you’re looking to improve your outdoor living experience and not spend too much time or money doing so, this would make for a great choice.
You’ll find the Rion Sun Room is available in the following sizes: 6’x6’, 6’x8’, 6’x10’, 6’x12’, 6’x14’, 8’x8’, 8’x10’, 8’x12’, 8’x14’, 8’x16’, 8’x18’, and 8’x20’. No matter what space constraints you might have or your desired use, you’ll find a size that fits perfectly. As you’d imagine the smaller options are much less expensive, but still remarkably robust and well built.
As you’d expect from any large DIY kit, assembly will take some time. However, it isn’t overly complicated and can be completed in 2 to 3 days even if you aren’t to DIY savvy. Check of the video below to get a sense of how the assembly takes place.
The strong, yet lightweight, resin frame is the perfect compromise between cost and durability. It’ll last for season after season of outdoor use will still looking great. Plus, resin is extremely sun resistant and won’t become overly brittle during sub-zero temperatures. We also like how it can be easily be moved around during installation. This makes the overall assembly process much easier.
Arrived in good condition. The directions were very good. Took me about a day and a half to set up. It exceeded my expectations I would recommend this to anyone who likes to sit outside out of the elements
User Review
The wall panels themselves are made from solid 3mm thick translucent acrylic. This makes them 100% UV resistant (ie. the sun won’t damage them or fog them up) and you’ll find they are stunningly clear. In fact, unless you run into them you’ll find they are nearly identical to glass. However, they are MUCH safer. They won’t shatter as easily and are much more budget friendly. This will give you a bit more monetary freedom to explore an upgrade BBQ island, with your significant other’s approval of course.
Moving up to the roof of the Rion Sun Room, it’s made of even thicker polycarbonate material. At over 4mm thick, this stuff is built to last and can definitely handle some snow. While acrylic is UV resistant, polycarbonate is all but indestructible to UV rays. This is great as the roof will be absorbing the vast majority of any sunlight.
You’ll also find that this patio sunroom kit includes and hinged side door for backyard access and a roof vent to help with circulation. Unlike a screened in room, it can get a bit stuffy in a sunroom. As such a roof vent is a great addition and will vastly improve comfort levels, especially if you live in the hot and humid south.
Overall, the Rion patio sunroom kit provides unparalleled value and outstanding looks. It’s easy to set up, available in a wide array of sizes and comes with both a door and vent. If you want something that’ll put your backyard on the map, this is our #1 recommendation.
#2 Palram HG9060 Sanremo Patio Cover
- Affordable solution for adding square footage to your home
- 8 mm multiwall polycarbonate roof panels are virtually unbreakable and block 99.9% of harmful solar UV rays, protecting you and your belongings
While a bit more expensive than our #1 choice, the Palgram HG9060 Sanremo Patio cover is downright amazing. With clean lines, easy assembly and an appealing white coloring, it just the thing to elevate your outdoor living experience.
We were pleased to note that this patio sunroom kit is available in three different sizes. In addition, you can purchase each size both with and without screen doors for added flexibility. Those sizes are 10’x14’, 10’x18’ and 14’x13’.
Unlike some competing models, the Palgam HG9060 Sanremo Patio Cover ceiling height can be adjusted from 112” to 122” at its peak. This is amazing for getting the roof flush to your existing structure and eliminating any modifications. You’ll also find the reinforced corrosion resistant aluminum frame is durable, yet lightweight. This makes for quick and easy assembly.
If you’ve got some serious snow every year, this might actually be better than our top choice. It’s got incredibly thick polycarbonate roof panels that measure in at over 8mm thick. Not only will they block almost all of the sun’s rays, they will last for years in even the worst conditions. If you hate doing maintenance, this is the sort of roof you need. The manufacturer recommends you install the roof peak at no less than 112.2” to help eliminate any drainage issues or excessive snow loads. At that angle the snow will mostly just fall off if it gets too heavy.
If you’ve decided to get the optional screen door, you’ll find it comes in two parts for an extra wide opening. This is great for letting loads of people in an out without a tight squeeze. Plus a double sliding door is much more visually appealing than a single hinged model. You can even lock it for a bit of added security. Once installed, the door access measures in at 47.6” wide and 79.9” tall.
The Palram HG9060 Sanremo Patio Cover offers 100% solid acrylic wall panels for added UV protection. Not only that, but they are extremely impact resistant and provide exceptional clarity. Even up close, it’s hard to tell they aren’t glass.
Another great feature of this already amazing patio sunroom kit is the reinforced aluminum frame. Simply put, this thing is built like a rock. It’s specifically engineered to withstand anything mother nature can throw at it. Snow? Check. Rain? Check. Strong wind gusts? Check. Even more, since it’s aluminum you won’t need to worry about rust or structural integrity.
From the above paragraph, you can already tell just how robust this patio sunroom kit is. However to really put the cherry on top it comes with a gosh darn built in gutter system! This is basically like an extension of your house at this point. The gutter is great for promoting water drainage and will keep you high and dry in even the worst rainstorm.
With all of the fancy features, gutters and doors you’d expect assembly would be a nightmare. Thankfully it’s not at all that difficult. The Palram HG9060 Sanremo Patio Cover is specifically designed for DIY assembly and utilizes a Click N’ Lock roof connector system to increase speed and efficiency. Furthermore the doors come pre-assembled and all the necessary hardware is included in the kit.
When you factor in the 10 year limited warranty, the Palram HG9060 Sanremo Patio Cover is an amazing patio sunroom kit that will be a perfect addition to your backyard retreat. With stunning features, a clean modern design and sliding doors, you’ll make even the most stoic neighbor a bit jealous.
#3 Palram HG9185 Garda 19.5′ x 17′ Closed Garden Gazebo
- 16 mm multi-wall polycarbonate roof panels with bronze tinted glazing - Panels maintain their integrity, provide complete UV blockage, and are 100% UV protected; they do not discolor, fracture or...
- High impact, crystal-clear acrylic wall system is resilient, easy to clean, maintains high light transmission and perfectly integrates with any home design and outdoor environment
The Palram HG9185 Garda Closed Garden Gazebo is perfect for when your patio just doesn’t have quite enough space. With 360 degrees of beautiful transparent walls, this is one of the best looking kits we’ve seen in a long time.
Looks wise, the Palram HG9185 Garden Gazebo is about as good as it gets. The high end bronze tinted roof panels go perfectly with the darker coloring of the structural elements. When coupled with the hexagonal shape this gazebo is simply amazing to look at.
You’ll find the multi wall polycarbonate roofing panels provide excellent UV blockage and won’t let even the smallest of those pesky rays hit your skin. Plus, due to their robust design and incredible 16mm thickness they are extremely fracture resistant and won’t discolor or become brittle due to sun exposure.
The side wall are made from wonderfully clear acrylic panels for maximum clarity. You can see a trend with all of our top choices using the same side wall material. This is honestly because it’s the best choice out there. Acrylic is extremely resilient to outdoor environments, easy to clean and allows the maximum amount in given it’s glass like qualities. Plus, the crystal clear design fits perfectly with nearly any home decor.
This outdoor patio sunroom kit’s frame is made with a heavy duty aluminum frame and extremely robust steel connectors. The connectors are also finished with a galvanized coating to prevent rust and increase weather resistance. Users were exceptionally pleased with the anthracite powder coated frame as well. It provides an exceptional even coloring as well as a bit of extra durability for the entire frame.
Due to the incredible engineering design that has gone into the Palram HG9185 Garda 19.5′ x 17′ Closed Garden Gazebo it is able to withstand wind gusts up to 75 mpg and snow loads of up to 30 lbs. per sq. ft. Having such high load ratings makes it great for northern climates where snow is more common. However, it’ll do just a well near the coasts where wind is more of a concern.
Due to the included six pre-assembled sliding double doors, airflow in this patio sunroom will be incredible. It’ll also prevent any traffic jams and is perfect for large gatherings were people will be going in and out. Each of the doors are lockable for added security as another added bonus.
As can be expected from a high end garden gazebo, the Palram HG9185 has an integrated gutter system to direct rainfall and snowmelt away from the unit. This will prevent any soil erosion and will increase the lifespan of the sunroom considerably. When you also consider the 10 year warranty, you can see that the manufacturer really stands behind their products.
This is a full DIY assembly kit and includes everything you’ll need to fully assemble it. All of the panels are pre-cut and pre-drilled for added convenience. You’ll just need to stand them up, pop on the frame and screw everything together. Makes sure that you have a solid level surface before proceeding with installation. This will prevent any warping and give your garden sunroom a professional finished look.
Overall, the Palram HG9185 Garda 19.5′ x 17′ Closed Garden Gazebo is great if you’ve got the available space and budget to make it work. When compared to the other choices on our list it is by far the most breathtaking. Whether you want to have a big outdoor party or just enjoy the pitter-patter of rain on a lazy Saturday morning, this will be a marked improvement to any outdoor space.
#4 Sojag Outdoor Charleston Solarium Wall-Mounted Sunroom with Mosquito Nets
- ALL-SEASON GAZEBO: Structure made of dark grey powder coated aluminum. Withstands the harshest weather conditions and can be left up year round. Two steel winter posts are included for additional...
- DURABLE GALVANIZED STEEL: Strong roof made from dark grey, premium powder coated galvanized steel panels. Protective zinc coating prevents premature rust and corrosion
If you want the most sturdy patio sunroom kit out there, the Sojag Outdoor Charleston Solarium Wall-Mounted Sunroom with Mosquito Nets will get the job done right. Of all the choices on our list, this is by far the most robust. If you’ve got heavy snows, excessive winds and are worried about flimsy material, this’ll solve your problems in a heartbeat.
This patio sunroom kit is available in two sizes to fit any patio. The structure is made of dark gray powder coated aluminum and is extra durable. You’ll also find that it includes two all steel winter posts for added stability. This is great if you got heavy rains and are worried about your structure blowing away.
Another thing to consider is this patio sunroom kit needs to be anchored to a concrete or wood platform. The gazebo itself does not have a floor due to this requirement. However, once anchored, this thing is virtually indestructible. You’ll find that assembly takes about 6 to 8 hours and about 1 hour to unpack. So if you’re trying to assemble this one person it’s possible but you’ll probably want two or three people to really speed up the process.
The roof panels are made from solid steel so they’re a bit heavier and are a little harder to put together. However, if you’ve got a second person helping you, it’ll actually go together pretty quick. We do recommend that if you’re in a hot and environment you insulate the steel roof panels. The reason for this is they can get hot very quickly and will sometimes become uncomfortable. We also want to note that the panels are 0.4 mm thick making them exceptionally strong.
One of the incredible things about this patio sunroom kid is the premium powder coated galvanized steel panels. This protective coating helps prevent excess rust and corrosion. If you’re worried about longevity you won’t need to be concerned about it for this specific kit.
The Sojag Outdoor Charleston Solarium also features sliding windows with three positions. This allows you to get the perfect amount of air flow with minimal effort. If you’re worried about a hot environment this is exceptional for that sort of situation.
You also find that this patio sunroom kit has two sliding doors. This makes it great for easily accessing it from either side. The wide door openings are also perfect for if you have large gatherings and are prone to human traffic jams.
If you’re worried about potential fire safety issues this salarium is completely flame resistant.in fact, it actually meets the international safety standards just for a bit of extra security.
One thing we do want to note is, if you live in a snowy environment you do want to remove the snow. While this roof is exceptionally strong, a massive snow load will potentially cause it to bow which is not something you want. So it’s best to stay on the safe side and remove snow that gets more than about 3 or 4 in tall.
This particular kit is available in two different sizes, either a 10×13 or a 10×16. this is great for if you’ve got either a small or a large patio. Whichever size you’ve got you’ll be sure to find a perfect match with this unit.
Overall, the Sojag Outdoor Charleston Solarium and sunroom combo is an incredible addition to any patio. It looks great, it’s stable and is built to last. If you got a little bit of money to spend and you’ve got time for assembly and perhaps helper, it will last for many, many seasons to come.
#5 PatioMate 11-Panel Screen Enclosure Model 19165
- Add 221 sq. ft. of 3 season living space to your wooden deck, concrete patio or mobile home
- Heavy duty metal frame has baked on architectural finish to resist fading and oxidation
When it comes to a budget friendly patio sunroom kit, none is better than the PatioMate 11-Panel Screen Enclosure Model 19165. At nearly a fraction of the cost of competing units, it is without a doubt one of the most affordable options on the market.
This patio screen enclosure has a total area of 221 square feet. What this means for you is ample outdoor space for entertaining, relaxing and simply enjoying your backyard without fearing mosquitoes.
Users have found the extra heavy metal frame to be extremely durable year after year. Each structural member is coated with a baked on architectural finish to enhance the color profile, resist fading and prevent excessive oxidation. A lot of lower quality outdoor sunroom kits will skip this step leading to premature failure.
The entire PatioMate 11-Panel Screen Enclosure Model 19165 weighs in at just over 200 pounds. This makes it a bit easier to move the box and assemble than some of the larger units. If you’ve got two people that’ll be enough to make things easy. However users have reported that with three people, the install to about 6 hours which isn’t too bad.
One of the difficult aspects of putting this patio sunroom kit together is sliding in the canopy panels. We’d recommend you spray the slide rails down with WD40 to help slip them into place. Otherwise they may stick a bit causing things to bend and the process to be more difficult.
Another not so critical thing we want to mention about the installation process is waterproofing the seams. The seam are common leak points on nearly any sunroom kit and it’s worth it to take some preventative measures. Adding a bit of waterproofing silicone sealant will go a long way towards making your outdoor room just another extension of the house.
One of the great things about DIY sunroom kits such as the PatioMate 11-Panel Screen Enclosure Model 19165 is how adjustable they are. You’ll find the roof has flexible install options between 7’-8” and 7’-11”. For those folks who are perfectionists, the roof peak is also adjustable in 1” increments to get the exact height your looking for.
The Fiberglass screening included in this kit is extremely durable, and of course rustproof. It is also extremely resilient to the sun and perfect for any outdoor environment. On top of the sunroom kit you will find the Almond roof canopy. This canopy is not only durable, but able to withstand the elements. You’ll find that it’s great about blocking out the Sun, but still allowing air flow in.
This outdoor screen house consists of 11 panels. Each of the panels is 45 in. wide by 75 inches high. This makes them a great size for viewing outdoor activities and for providing extra illumination. You’ll also find that, due to their screen like material no bugs can come in.
The roof canopy is constructed from tough triple layer vinyl. Vinyl is great at resisting mildew as well as outdoor humidity. If you want something that’ll last a long time and doesn’t require any maintenance vinyl is the perfect choice. Plus we love the almond color as it blends in with nearly any outdoor decor.
Another key feature of this patio sunroom kit are the heavy duty grommets. These help prevent water pocketing and sagging. What we mean by this, is when it rains no water will collect on the roof. This is great for keeping a roof in like-new condition and helps prevent excess buildup and excessive weight.
Another great thing about this kit is the two sliding doors. These doors can be positioned anywhere which allows you to pick the most accessible location. This is great if you tend to have a lot of foot traffic going in and out of your sunroom. Plus, if you got a party you won’t have traffic jams as people wait by the door.
So what are the downsides to this patio sunroom kit is the roof? While it is incredible, it does not maintain stability under heavy snows. As such, you’ll need to take the roof off during the winter time. The great thing though is the roof is easily removable. It’s a one-man job and it’ll take you about a half an hour to get it off, but it is something you have to do.
Another thing to keep in mind is that rain gutters are required by the house for this unit. The reason for that is you want to prevent damage due to excessive water accumulation. If water builds up around this unit it can cause excess weight or begin to rust some of the components and in general is not a good thing. However most houses already have this built-in and if not, it’s an easy fix.
Overall, the PatioMate 11-Panel Screen Enclosure Model 19165 is an incredible addition to any backyard. It’s cheap, cost effective and very easy to assemble. While it may not be the best looking patio sunroom kit on the market, it is certainly perfect for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money. Plus, it’s got a great amount of space, a ton of good features as well as being one of the most amazing values on this list
#6 Gazebo Penguin W1608 Add-a-Room All-Season Solarium
- Dimensions: 8-feet by 16-Feet
- Powder-coated aluminum structure, UV-treated polycarbonate roof
Last up on our list is the Gazebo Penguin W1608 Add-a-Room All-Season Solarium which is the perfect mix of traditional looks and modern design. With four different sizes, there will sure be something that fits your budget and available patio space.
When it comes to assembly you can assemble this patio sunroom kit in about six hours with two people. The instructions are quite vague however, so be prepared for a little extra work. You may have to remove and replace a couple of pieces depending on how you assemble it.
One of the things you love is the powder coated aluminum structure. It has got a baked enamel finish for extra outdoor resistance. It’ll hold up to the snow, rain and wind with no problem. Overtime however, we do want to note that you may want to repaint it as the paint can flake off.
Moving up to the roof, its UV treated and made from reinforced polycarbonate. This makes it extremely weather-resistant and able to hold up to all but the worst storms. Speaking of storms, if it snows, this roof can support about 8 and 1/2 in of snow load. After that you’ll want to clean the snow to ensure the roof doesn’t cave in.
The roof itself is made from three separate layers that are extremely mildew resistant. This is great for humid conditions and areas that have a lot of rain. Overtime, if you don’t have a mildew resistant roof, mildew can build up and cause mold, excess moisture and in general reduce the lifespan of the Gazebo Penguin W1608 Add-a-Room All-Season Solarium.
When it comes to dimensions the max height of back roof is 96 in. This is perfect for most houses and is an easy match to most existing structures.
The screens are made of fiberglass similar to most sports cars. This means they are lightweight, robust, and able to keep bugs out with ease. During installation you do need to be careful not to rip some however, as they are quite fragile. If you’ve got a lot of dogs or kids you may want to look at getting some way of keeping the panels safe. However, in general they are perfect for most patio sunroom activities.
Another thing we want to note is the included sliding doors. You’ll get two of them with each kit and they can be positioned on either side of the Gazebo Penguin W1608 Add-a-Room All-Season Solarium. This is great if you’ve got a large backyard or constantly walk in and out of your sunroom. Another great thing is each of the doors can be relocated after assembly. However, if you do want to relocate them it’ll take a little bit of work.
This unit also ships with 5 position wind panels. These are perfect for keeping the wind at bay and for giving you a more comfortable overall feel when your in this patio sunroom.
We mentioned the baked enamel finish previously, this finish is 100% rust proof. When taking that into consideration with the rest of the kit, the entire thing is extremely low maintenance. This is perfect for older folks or people who just don’t have the patience for yearly maintenance. Such as small thing as maintenance is easily overlooked, but can make the difference between a good product and a great one.
In general, this is one of the best patio sunroom kits on the market. It’s low in cost, very robust, and extremely easy to assemble. While the instructions could be a bit better, if you’re looking for a great patio sunroom kit that is going to be perfect for your backyard, this is the one to get. Plus you’ll make all the neighbor’s jealous and no one will reject an invite to your next party. Even if it’s just to admire your new backyard centerpiece.
Summary
A patio sunroom kid is a quick, cost-effective way to add some extra ambiance to your backyard. If you like to spend time outdoors, want to extend your outdoor living space and are a fan of having the best backyard in the neighborhood, these will make a perfect choice. All you will have to do a little bit of assembly and ensure you have a stable base. If you’re looking for the best patio sunroom kit on the market, the Rion Sun Room would make an incredible investment.
If you really want to spice up your back patio, consider adding an additional outdoor chandelier or BBQ Island for a truly luxury backyard experience
Please email me the cost for a 10 by 16 Charleston Kit with the instruction on assembly