When Colorado homeowners start dreaming about expanding their living space, they often ask:
"Should I build a sunroom or a 4-season outdoor living space?"
At first glance, these two options may seem similar — both offer a comfortable, enclosed area that bridges indoor and outdoor living. But the difference lies in how each interacts with nature, comfort, and design flexibility.
Let's explore the key distinctions between a sunroom and a 4-season space.
☀️ What Is a Sunroom?
A sunroom (sometimes called a solarium or Florida room) is a fully sealed, climate-controlled room added to your home. It's typically enclosed with fixed glass windows and integrated HVAC, allowing you to enjoy sunlight while being entirely indoors.
Features of a Sunroom:
- Fully sealed and insulated
- Often heated and cooled by your home's HVAC system
- Fixed windows (no large openings to the outdoors)
- Essentially an indoor addition with more natural light
Benefits:
- Great for year-round comfort
- Fully protected from wind, dust, and pollen
- Ideal if you want more permanent interior square footage
Drawbacks:
- Disconnects you from the outdoor experience
- Often subject to building code and HVAC integration requirements
- Lacks the fresh-air flexibility Colorado homeowners love
Renders for a sunroom currently under construction in Littleton, CO.
🌤️ What is a 4-Season Outdoor Living Space?
A 4-season outdoor living space is designed to be used all year but still feels open to nature. Instead of being fully sealed, these spaces use operable glass wall systems, heaters, and fire features to create a flexible environment that adapts to Colorado's changing weather.
Features of a 4-Season Space:
- Enclosed with movable glass walls that open or close as needed
- Protected roof and insulated flooring for comfort
- Infrared heaters and fire features for year-round use
- Open-air experience with wind and weather protection
- Built with durable, low-maintenance materials suited to Colorado's climate
Benefits:
- Seamless blend of indoor comfort and outdoor connection
- Fresh air and open views whenever you want them
- Perfect for entertaining in any season
- Requires less structural modification than a true room addition
Drawbacks:
- Not fully climate-controlled like a traditional room
- May not add the same "square footage" value on paper, though it dramatically enhances lifestyle value
🏔️ Why most of our clients choose a 4-Season Space instead of a Sunroom for the Best of Colorado Living
Here along the Front Range — from Parker to Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, and Golden — homeowners value sunlight, mountain views, and the ability to enjoy the outdoors all year long. But with wind, snow, and temperature swings, traditional decks or sunrooms can limit how you use your space.
A Masterpiece Outdoorliving 4-season space gives you:
- Protection from Colorado's elements without sacrificing open-air living
- Luxury finishes and integrated design, matching your home's architecture
- A lifestyle upgrade — a place for morning coffee, family gatherings, or quiet evenings by the fire, any time of year
As one of our Parker clients put it,
"We use our outdoor space every single day now — even in winter."
🏡 Which Is Right for You?
If you're seeking more interior square footage and a fully sealed room, a traditional sunroom might be the right fit.
But if flexibility is the most important, and the ability to enjoy the outdoors year-round without worrying about wind, snow, or heat, then a custom 4-season outdoor living space is the way to go.
Either way, you won't be disappointed when you let Masterpiece Outdoorliving bring your vision to life.
✨ Tell Us About Your Colorado Outdoor Living Vision
Whether you're in Parker, Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, or anywhere along the Front Range, we design and build outdoor spaces that are as functional as they are breathtaking.
Schedule your free design consultation with Masterpiece Outdoorliving and experience what true 4-season living feels like — luxury, comfort, and connection to Colorado's beauty, all in one space.
About Masterpiece Outdoorliving
Garth Hystad has become the premier outdoor living designer of his time. With over 40 years of experience, his innovative and unique designs display his creativity from coast to coast. Many of his greatest designs have been featured on the popular hit tv show, Mega Decks, which premiered on the DIY Network.
His love and vision for making the outdoors become an accessible and beloved part of everyday living for Coloradans has led to two incredibly successful businesses. His proudest moment has been mentoring and getting to work alongside his son, Brandon Hystad, at Masterpiece Outdoorliving.