What does it take to turn an open deck into a four-season sunroom, especially when that deck is one story off the ground? This Wisconsin project offers a behind-the-scenes look at the sunroom installation process from start to finish. Set on a sloped, wooded lot, the home has a beautiful view of the surrounding trees. The homeowners wanted a way to enjoy that view throughout the year, so they turned their elevated deck into a comfortable four-season living space.
M2 Decks and Enclosures, the Wisconsin-based Betterliving Sunrooms dealer, took on the project with support from Craft-Bilt installation trainers. The trainers worked alongside the M2 team throughout the installation, helping ensure the room was built according to the manufacturer’s recommended installation methods. Here’s a closer look at how the project came together.
Step 1: Building a Strong Foundation
Before the sunroom could be installed, the existing outdoor space needed a foundation capable of supporting an enclosed room. The crew built a new pressure-treated deck specifically designed to support the sunroom. The deck included:
- Heavy-duty posts set on metal post bases above the concrete patio
- Doubled beams running the length of the deck
- Angled knee braces at each post for additional stability
- A plywood subfloor across the joists to create a flat, level surface
A properly built foundation is an important part of any sunroom installation, but when that sunroom is elevated, the deck needs to meet additional requirements to ensure it can handle the weight of a sunroom.
Step 2: Installing and Squaring the Wall Framing
Once the deck was ready, the crew began building the sunroom itself. White aluminum wall framing was installed around the perimeter of the deck. Tall corner and intermediate posts create the individual wall sections, while a top header ties the structure together. At this stage, the crew worked closely with the Craft-Bilt installation trainers to make sure everything was plumb, level, and square before the framing was permanently secured. Getting the framing right from the beginning ensures that the glass and roof panels fit, and helps make the rest of the installation go smoothly.
Step 3: Connecting the Sunroom to the Home
With the walls taking shape, it was time to connect the sunroom to the existing house. This is one of the most important parts of the installation because the new room needs to meet the existing structure properly. The crew removed a section of siding along the house and prepared the area for the sunroom roof connection. Support framing was then installed to carry the roof from the house to the outside wall of the sunroom.
Proper flashing, sealing and attachment at this connection help protect the room from the elements. The Craft-Bilt installation trainers worked with the M2 team to review the recommended attachment and sealing details throughout this part of the installation.
Step 4: Installing the Insulated Roof
Once the main structure was in place, the insulated roof panels were installed. The roof has a single-slope design that extends from the house to the outer wall of the sunroom. The insulated panels fit together to create a continuous roof surface. From inside the finished room, the result is a clean, finished ceiling without exposed rafters. The insulated roof panels also help create a more comfortable space in a variety of weather conditions, allowing the homeowners to enjoy their sunroom beyond the warmest months of the year.
Step 5: Adding the Glass Kneewalls and Wall Panels
One of the standout features of this sunroom is the use of glass kneewalls. Rather than having solid panels along the bottom of the room, the glass allows the homeowners to take advantage of the wooded view surrounding the home. On an elevated deck overlooking the trees, making the most of that view was an important part of the design. The crew installed the lower glass panels first, followed by the larger upper wall sections. Each panel is labeled to help installers identify its proper orientation, and each one is carefully positioned, leveled, and secured before moving on to the next.
Step 6: Finishing the Details
With the main structure complete, the crew moved on to the finishing touches. This included:
- Installing fascia and gutters along the roof edge
- Adding interior trim around the ceiling and walls
- Completing sealing and flashing at joints and the house connection
- Checking panel alignment and fasteners
- Inspecting the finished room for proper weatherproofing
These final details can make a big difference in the finished appearance and long-term performance of a sunroom. The finished interior showcases the combination of white aluminum framing, expansive glass and the insulated roof. Most importantly, the homeowners can now enjoy the view from their elevated deck in a comfortable space designed for year-round use.
Ready to Create Your Own Sunroom?
An elevated deck can offer a great view, but it isn’t always usable throughout the year. A four-season sunroom can make that outdoor space more comfortable while giving you a place to enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of your home.
Whether you’re starting with an existing deck, patio, or a new foundation, a Betterliving sunroom can help you create additional living space you’ll enjoy throughout the seasons. Ready to explore your options? Find a Betterliving dealer near you to get started.
