08/05/2026
A lot of people ask us the same question: “Do I need a patio cover, a screen room, or a full sunroom?”
Here’s the easy way to think about it.
A patio cover is just a roof. No walls, no screens. It blocks sun and rain, but you still feel the outside air. This is the affordable option, and it’s a great fit if you mostly want shade for BBQs, hangouts or just overall enjoyment of your yard.
A screen room adds screens around that roof. You get the same open, outdoor feel, but bugs, mosquitos, and blowing leaves stay out. It costs a bit more than a patio cover, but a lot of homeowners tell us this is the sweet spot — still outside, still fresh air, just without the bugs ruining it.
A sunroom is the next step up. It has real walls and windows, so it’s fully closed in. You can use it in the cold, the heat, or the rain, almost like adding another room to your house. It costs the most of the three, but it’s also the one you can use 365 days a year, not just when the weather cooperates.
So which one is right for you? Ask yourself one question: how many months a year do you want to actually use this space?
If you only need it a few nice months out of the year, a patio cover or screen room will save you money and still get the job done.
If you want a space you can use year-round, no matter the weather, a sunroom is worth the extra cost.
We’ve built all three types right here in the Greater Sacramento area, and every project in these photos is a real job we completed.
Comment “WHICH ONE” below and tell us how you’d use the space — we’ll tell you exactly which option fits best.
California Sunrooms — licensed, insured, and we’ll tell you the honest answer, not just the most expensive one.
