What Materials Are for the Walls of a Solarium?

Glass

• Because a solarium has so much of a focus on windows, glass is one of the most important materials in its construction. Some cheaper sunrooms and greenhouses use plastic, but glass is typical for a solarium. It gives the room a higher-quality appearance and works better when creating seals against outside air. Single-pane windows are rare; double- or triple-pane glass is more common for its greater insulation capabilities.

Coatings and Gases

• The windows that a solarium uses have two other ingredients in common with residential windows: solar coatings and trapped inert gases. These are important materials because they keep UV rays from entering the solarium, allowing the indoor materials to last longer. The gases prevent heat transfer, so the solarium does not lose heat in the colder months.

Metal

• Between the windows, the solarium needs a framework for the window frames and the general shape of the room. Metal framework such as aluminum is easy to set up and very durable. In this case, the window framework also can be made of aluminum to match materials.

Wood

• Wood framework is another common solarium choice. Wood is more difficult to set up than metal, but it provides the solarium with a richer, warmer tone. In this case, the window frames themselves can be made from alternative materials, such as fiberglass. If the solarium is part of a house, the house beams or matching wood can be used.

Plastic

• Plastic is sometimes used in place of metal or wood for the framework of the solarium. Plastic does not rust and is lightweight and cheap. Even if the framework is made of another material, the window frames can be made from vinyl or another material.