Solarium Addition Prices, Considerations and ROI for Your Home

Solariums and sunrooms are both enclosed structures that adjoin a home and allow its residents to comfortably enjoy the outdoors.

But, solarium and sunroom are not interchangeable terms.

Sunroom is more of a catchall name for a room with large windows that lets in plenty of sunshine and provides shelter from the elements.

A solarium, on the other hand, with a glass roof and walls, more closely resembles a greenhouse and is specifically designed to capture sunlight.

In this buying guide you'll learn more about solariums, including how much a solarium costs.

How Much Does a Solarium Sunroom Addition Cost? #

Solarium Frame

• Aluminum frame - $15-30 per sq ft
• Wood frame - $30-60 per sq ft

Glass Panels

• Single pane - $10-15 per sq ft
• Double pane - $15-25 per sq ft
• Low-E coatings - $2-5 per sq ft extra

Other Materials

• Roofing - $5-10 per sq ft
• Flooring - $5-15 per sq ft
• Electrical and lighting - $5-10 per sq ft

Labor

• Installation - $15-25 per sq ft
• Finishing - $5-10 per sq ft

Total Cost

• Small solarium (100 sq ft) - $15,000-30,000
• Medium solarium (200 sq ft) - $25,000-50,000
• Large solarium (300+ sq ft) - $40,000-80,000+

Key Factors

• Type of framing and glass used
• Overall size
• Customization and accessories
• Local construction costs

In summary, expect to pay $25,000 to $60,000+ for a professionally installed solarium sunroom addition depending on the size, materials, and features.

Luxury solariums with hardwood framing and extensive customization can cost over $100,000.

Below is a graph of the average cost of a solarium by square feet.

Real-Life Solarium Addition Cost Examples #

Here are several real-world examples of solarium sunroom addition costs:

Small Vinyl Solarium

• 10' x 12' size
• Vinyl framing and polycarbonate panels
• Installed for $16,500

Medium Aluminum and Glass Solarium

• 14' x 20' size
• Aluminum frame with insulated glass panels
• Skylights and ceiling fan included
• Total cost $38,000

Large Custom Wood Solarium

• 600 sq ft solarium
• Cedar wood framing and low-E glass
• Curved glass roof, stone flooring
• Built-in seating and appliances
• Total price $98,000

Condo Solarium Kit

• 150 sq ft polyethylene kit
• Self-installed by condo owner
• Total project cost $19,500

Renovated Patio Solarium

• Converted existing patio into solarium
• Used existing roof and foundation
• Added glass walls and heat/AC
• Total renovation price $22,000

As you can see, solarium addition costs can vary greatly based on size, materials, custom features and DIY vs professional installation.

But, expect most medium-sized solariums with glass walls to run $25,000 - $50,000 on average.

Benefits of Installing a Solarium #

A solarium, which takes its name from the Latin word for "sun (sol)," is a literal and figurative bright spot in any home.

• Better Enjoy the Seasons: No matter what season it is, a solarium will help you maximize its pleasures and minimize its discomforts. From your new glass solarium you can soak up the sun during the cold months and combat the sluggishness associated with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In the summertime, work on your tan without being bothered by mosquitoes and biting flies.
• Garden of Eden: Solariums allow gardening during all four seasons and can add a natural look to your home with the addition of plants and flowers.
• Valuable Addition: Even a relatively small solarium drastically changes the dynamic of a home's dimensions by making it appear and feel more open. For your family and guests, this means a much more pleasant living space. And if you ever decide to sell, you should be able to recoup 90 to 100 percent of the solarium price.

Things to Consider when Building a Solarium #

The major elements of solarium design can be mixed and matched to create a structure that's unique to your home and tastes.

• Type of Glass: At the low end of the spectrum there's single pane glass, which may not be appropriate for four seasons. Moving up in price and performance is double and triple paned glass, while Low-E and argon-filled glass are superior temperature regulators.
• Flooring: Tile and stone floors are popular in solariums, but you could also opt for hardwood floors or imitation wood.
• Exposure: Where you place your sunroom depends on where you live and your intended use for the space. A southern exposure, for example, maximizes sunlight and is good for northern homes, while in the south, a northern exposure that provides more shade might be preferable.
• Roof style: A basic solarium roof is curved, straight, or slanted; cathedral and gable styles add a touch of elegance.
• Climate control: Glass is a major determinant of how well a solarium regulates temperature. Other options to consider include heating, air conditioning, ceiling fans, and shades and blinds.

Sources:

• Roman Sobolewski: CEO at Global Solarium Inc
• What's a Solarium, and How's It Different from a Sunroom?

Use Our Free Service and Compare Solarium Companies Near You #