If you are looking for a way of creating a stunning patio, you might want to consider enclosing it in glass.
This will allow you to enjoy a stunning view of the outside world while saving money on heating costs. But how much does it cost to enclose a patio with glass?
Starting from scratch, you can expect to pay around $30,000. If you modify an existing structure, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $8,000. These costs will vary depending on the size of the area and the type of glass you are using.
Enclosing your patio with glass can be a little expensive. But the jaw-dropping space you’ll get at the end is usually worth spending a little more.
Keep reading to learn how much you should budget for this space.
How Much Does A Glass Enclosed Patio Cost?
When creating an enclosed patio costs may vary. Here are some of the elements that will impact the price of a glass-enclosed patio:
- Size of the outdoor area. You first need to consider the size of the outdoor space. In particular, how much of it do you want to enclose for use?
- Type of enclosure. In this article, we’ll focus on a glass enclosure’s cost. But there are a few other options that you might want to explore. These can include wood, steel, and roll-up plastic. Each of these will come with a different price tag.
- Labor. You can install the patio enclosure yourself if you have the relevant skills. But it’s usually best to turn to a professional to help. This ensures that it will meet the required building codes.
- Permits. Sometimes, you might need to pay for a permit to undertake the construction work.
- Whether you need to alter the patio, sometimes, you might need to change how the patio has been framed to allow you to install the glass panels. This will significantly increase the cost.
- Type of glass you are using. There are a few types of glass you can use. Thicker glass will provide more insulation, making it easier to control the temperature of your patio. But these panes will be more expensive.
One of the most significant elements to consider is whether you are building the sunroom from scratch or making an alteration to an existing structure.
Building from scratch will dramatically increase the costs of materials and labor.
Plus, you must budget for the furniture and finishings after the patio is complete.
With these variables in mind, we can look at how much it will typically cost you to create a glass enclosure.
If you plan on building a glass-enclosed patio from scratch, you can expect to pay around $30,000. This works out to between $150 to $300 per square foot.
However, if you are looking for a luxury model with all the top-of-the-line finishes, you might need to budget $80,000 or more.
Sometimes, you will have an existing space that you wish to change into an enclosed patio with glass. In this case, you can expect to pay a substantially lower price.
Usually, you will only need to pay between $2,000 to $8,000 to make these changes.
Before undertaking this project, it’s best to talk to a few builders and get a range of quotes. This will give you a better idea of how much it will cost to install the glass walls around your patio.
What Are The Types Of Patio Enclosures?
You can consider a few types of patios, each with slightly different costs. First, you might want to enclose your patio fully.
There are a few options you can explore:
- Year-round enclosures. These patios are designed to provide a comfortable experience, regardless of the time of the year. Usually, this will require thicker glass with tighter seals to help maintain a comfortable temperature.
- Three-season enclosure. This will be comfortable at most times of the year. But you might need to cool it down in the summer and heat it during the winter. The good news is that enclosed spaces make it easier to control the temperature.
There are a few other types of patio enclosures you can explore. For example, you might want a partially enclosed space.
Perhaps you want one or two sides to be protected from the wind and rain. Or you might want to use glass on one or two walls rather than putting glass around the whole patio.
How Much Does It Cost To Add A Skylight To A Patio?
On the lower end, you can expect to pay $200 to $300 for a skylight. On the upper end, it can cost around $1,800. If you want to add a window, it will cost between $300 and $1,200.
If you want to add even more natural light, you might want to consider adding a skylight. A few elements will impact the cost of installing your sunlight.
These include:
- Size of the skylight
- The thickness of the glass
- Amount of labor involved with the installation
- Whether you want to add a UV filter to block harmful radiation
On the low end, you might be able to install the skylight for a few hundred dollars. But you might need to budget around $1,850 to put it in.
Again, it’s best to consult with a range of builders to get their quotes for the job. This will allow you to choose the most cost-effective builder.
Adding a window is usually the most economical option if you want to add a little more natural light. On the low end, they can cost $300.
On the upper end, you might have to spend $1,200. If you want a cheaper option, you can get a plastic or acrylic window rather than a glass one.
What Are The Benefits of Enclosing a Patio with Glass Versus Building a Trex Deck?
Enclosing a patio with glass offers year-round enjoyment, while a Trex deck provides a low-maintenance outdoor space. However, considering the rising Trex deck construction cost in 2023, enclosing a patio with glass might be a more cost-effective option in the long run, providing a versatile and durable outdoor living space.
Final Thoughts
Glass patios can be show-stoppers, allowing you to take a picturesque view. Plus, they will hold heat well so that you can stay warm during winter.
But, compared with other options, like plastic screens, building an outdoor enclosed patio can be a little expensive.