Conservatories have been around for hundreds – possibly thousands of years.
They remain an excellent option for anyone looking to extend their home and are more cost-effective than ever.
This article will cover what you can expect to pay for a conservatory, factors that can affect the cost and other common questions around conservatories.
Average Cost
By compiling quotes from 7 conservatory providers and 5 online sources, we found the following current average conservatory prices in the UK for conservatories of varying sizes:
UPV
| Type & Conservatory Size | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cheapest Conservatory (Lean-to) - 3m x 2m | £5,000 - £7,000 |
| Small Conservatory - 3m x 3m | £8,000 - £11,000 |
| Average-Sized Conservatory - 4m x 4m | £1,000 - £15,000 |
| Large Conservatory (P, L or T-shaped) - 6m x 4m | £16,000 - £22,000 |
| XL Conservatory - 8m x 4/6m | £25,000 - £35,000+ |
Aluminium
| Type & Conservatory Size | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cheapest Conservatory (Lean-to) - 3m x 2m | £4,500 - £8,000 |
| Small Conservatory - 3m x 3m | £9,000 - £14,000 |
| Average-Sized Conservatory - 4m x 4m | £12,000 - £15,000 |
| Large Conservatory (P, L or T-shaped) - 6m x 4m | £16,000 - £22,000 |
| XL Conservatory - 8m x 4/6m | £25,000 - £35,000+ |
Timber
| Type & Conservatory Size | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cheapest Conservatory (Lean-to) - 3m x 2m | £4,500 - £8,000 |
| Small Conservatory - 3m x 3m | £9,000 - £14,000 |
| Average-Sized Conservatory - 4m x 4m | £12,000 - £15,500 |
| Large Conservatory (P, L or T-shaped) - 6m x 4m | £16,000 - £22,000 |
| XL Conservatory - 8m x 4/6m | £25,000 - £35,000+ |
Factors That Affect the Cost
Conservatory prices primarily vary with size, but also the chosen materials, spec of windows (e.g. low E windows are more expensive) spec of the doors, tiling/flooring and any interior features.
Here are some conservatory costs to take into account:
- Size
- Frame material (uPVC, aluminium or timber)
- Foundation work (e.g. more substantial piling may be needed for larger builds)
- Flooring
- Window spec
- Interior door spec
- Exterior door spec – bifold doors, for example, can increase costs by £3,000+
- Aesthetic design features
- Heating options, for example, underfloor heating could cost an additional £500 or so for a small conservatory
Polycarbonate roofs can also reduce the overall cost of a conservatory.
There are 3 main conservatory frame construction materials:
uPVC
uPVC is durable and cheap. It can be coloured but is usually white. uPVC is usually guaranteed for at least 10 years and is generally robust and weatherproof, but it varies between brands and suppliers. uPVC has solid insulative properties.
Aluminium
Aluminium is super-strong and very wear-resistant. It will usually last many decades without much maintenance. Can include special draft excluders to keep insulation high. One of the more costly options (slightly cheaper or on par with timber and 10% to 15% more expensive than uPVC.
Timber
Timber offers the greatest potential for ornate or otherwise bespoke designs. Well-treated, high-quality timber will last many years. It can be stained and painted in almost any colour. Similarly expensive to aluminium.
Are Conservatories Worth It Today?
Today, you might often hear that conservatories are ‘off trend’ or ‘out of fashion’. This isn’t strictly true as conservatories are still a very popular choice for both new builds and extensions, and even if it was true, trends are always subject to change anyway!
Also, putting trends aside, conservatories still definitely add value to your home. Conservatories are immediately worth some 33% more than they cost to build, (Telegraph).
This amounts to a 5% increase in the value of the average home, equalling or exceeding that of a new kitchen or other similarly priced modifications.
One of the main motives behind building a conservatory is the extra space. There are few – if any other ways – to add a whole new room to your home for the cost of a conservatory.
The only alternatives to conservatories in terms of space are extensions or orangeries, which both cost significantly more.
It’s also worth noting that conservatories can be cheaply converted to orangeries at a later date if required.
Main Types of Conservatories
There are several types of conservatories.
Period, rural, rustic or classically-designed houses may be best suited by an Edwardian or Victorian-style conservatory whereas city or suburban houses work well with simple and modern lean-to conservatories. These styles are obviously not the limit and if you wish to go fully bespoke and ‘Grand Designs’ with your conservatory then you can!
Lean-to Conservatories
With a flat, sloping roof and boxy sides, lean-to conservatories are minimalist and cost-effective.
Lean-to conservatories usually feature an aluminium construction and do not always need dwarf walls – these are the cheapest type of conservatory going.
Whilst lean-to conservatories are the cheapest, least ornate conservatories, but they look sleek and modern which makes them a very popular choice. Also ideal for when space is at a premium.
Victorian Conservatory
A more classic, decorative or ornate conservatory, often with 5 sides (pentagon-shaped).
Victorian-style conservatories were the most popular option throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s and still rank as a go-to option for many.
They usually feature timber construction with a pitched, ridged roof.
Edwardian Conservatory
More modern than the Victorian conservatory, typically triangular or rectangular in shape.
They typically have an ornate ridged roof and usually feature timber construction.
Design-wise, Edwardian conservatories are somewhat of a trade-off between classic and contemporary.
P, L and T-Shaped Conservatories
P, L and T-shaped conservatories all vary in size and style and can be either modern or classically designed in Victorian or Edwardian tradition.
These larger conservatories can feature more than one room, or can otherwise be segregated into more than one internal space.
These are the largest and most expensive types of conservatories and are subsequently likely to require planning permission or prior approval.
Choosing a Contractor
Conservatory specialists are widespread throughout the UK and finding one in your local area should be relatively straightforward.
Always exercise discretion when choosing a contractor, look for a longstanding specialist with a long trading history and portfolio of similar projects.
Membership in the government’s Competent Person’s Scheme is a good place to start.
Membership to several regulatory organisations such as NHBC, FENSA, CERTASS and DGCOS is a further sign of trust.
Once you contact a conservatory designer, they’ll organise a consultation of your home and survey the need for any planning permission or prior approval.
After drawing up designs and obtaining permission/consent/Lawful Development Certificates, work can begin to take place.
Get Pricing on Conservatories Near You
We’ve done our best to give you a good idea of what you can expect to pay for a conservatory.
However, our guides are not a substitute for a fixed quote specifically for you.
We work with all the best conservatory experts ready to price your job. Get free, no-obligation quotes in your local area and compare prices using the form below.
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About the Author
Alex Johnson is a qualified quantity surveyor and writer with a passion for conducting original research and uncovering the true cost of jobs. His cost data has been referenced by EDF Energy and the Scottish Government.