How Much Does A Conservatory Cost in 2024?

A conservatory is a stunning addition to your home and is ideal for spending time during the summer months. It’s also ideal for hosting dinner parties and is a less expensive alternative to undergoing a full-on home extension. While the price of a conservatory can be influenced by a multitude of factors, the average cost for a basic-style conservatory installation in the UK typically falls within the range of £12,300 to £14,750.

As you delve into this guide, you will discover the key considerations that impact pricing, helping you make informed decisions about your conservatory project, whether you’re seeking an affordable solution or a more luxurious addition to your living space.

Cost Breakdown of a Conservatory

The below table provides you with a more in-depth breakdown of the sorts of prices you can expect to see on quotes when you are shopping around for your conservatory. Although there are other factors that influence the price of a conservatory which will be discussed later, these parameters will give you enough of an indication if you are looking to set a budget based on the ballpark figures we have listed below. 

Style	Sizing	Frame Material	Average Cost incl installation
Victorian	3.5m x 3.5m	Wood	£16,750
		uPVC	£12,750
Lean-to	3.5m x 3.5m	Wood	£13,500
		uPVC	£10,250
Edwardian	3.5m x 3.5m	Wood	£15,750
		uPVC	£11,250
L-shaped	3.5m x 3.5m	Wood	£16,900
		uPVC	£13,375
P-shaped	5m x 3.5m	Wood	£17,850
		uPVC	£14,400
T-shaped	3m x 3m	Wood	£19,160
		uPVC	£15,140
Orangery	3.5m x 3m	Wood	£25,500
		uPVC	£18,800

Average Cost Of Conservatory By Type

As we can see from the above-mentioned table, one of the main factors that influence the price of a conservatory is the type of style you choose to go for. Different styles have varying pros and cons associated with them, and your personal preference will ultimately determine which type of style you choose to go for. Below, we’ll take a closer look at the average cost of a conservatory according to the style and the unique characteristics of each. 

Victorian Conservatory Costs

This conservatory style usually comes with a price range spanning from approximately £14,000 to £21,700. The final cost hinges on a variety of factors, including the conservatory’s size, the roofing material used, and the extent of any necessary construction work.

The reason prices tend to skyrocket with this conservatory style is the fact that the frames typically have more intricate designs that bring an element of elegance to the conservatory build. They also usually require a bit more window and frame material than other, more geometric designs, increasing their price to more than some other conservatory types. This is not the most expensive type of conservatory you can go for. 

This design lends itself exquisitely to a living room extension or bedroom, particularly when graced with a splendid outdoor vista. However, it comes with a somewhat heftier price tag compared to other elementary designs, owing to potential additional expenses like incorporating complementary materials such as brickwork.

Lean-To Conservatory Costs

Lean-to-conservatories, known for their contemporary design and low-pitched roofs, come at a cost ranging from £10,600 to £20,750. They blend seamlessly with various architectural styles, making them suitable for both period and modern homes. Plus, the budget-friendly aspect of these designs makes them an attractive choice. However, it’s important to account for variations in cost based on factors like size, roofing materials, and construction requirements.

They’re built on rectangular or square foundations, with their pitched roofs gently leaning against the house’s exterior wall. Simplicity and clean lines define their design, offering flexibility to accommodate personal tastes and architectural preferences. Their low-pitched roof makes lean-to conservatories ideal for long, narrow spaces and single-story dwellings facing height restrictions.

Edwardian Conservatory Costs

Edwardian conservatories are characterized by their square or rectangular foundations, designed to optimise floor space. The cost of an Edwardian conservatory typically falls within the range of £10,000 to £23,600, with the final price influenced by the conservatory’s size and the choice of materials used.

 If you are after something that will give you more space to play with, then this type of conservatory may be perfect for you. They work best for homes with larger families who need more space in their conservatory. 

L-Shaped Conservatory Costs

This style of conservatory will cost between £13,375 and £21,945 with not much variation given its relatively basic design. Like all other conservatories, the price will vary depending on the size and materials used which in turn depends on the look and style you’re going for when it comes to your conservatory.

L-shaped conservatories are ideal for homes that want to maintain an element of tradition with a modern twist, given that the style is adaptable to either older or modern homes, incorporating elements of the Edwardian style and Lean To designs. They are also great for ensuring you get a lot of space out of your conservatory, given their square and rectangular shapes. 

P-Shaped Conservatory Costs

P-shaped conservatories cost between £13,750 and £23,400 and combine the styles of Victorian and lean-to designs. Given that the P-shaped conservatory usually comes in two parts, they tend to be on the upper end of the costing scale. They are perfect for anyone who wants larger homes and for those who want to divide their space up into two sections.

P-shaped conservatories combine a lean-to section with a larger bay front, reminiscent of traditional Victorian styles. The bay can feature three, five, or seven glazed panels, adding character to your property and providing a delightful garden view. These conservatories offer customization options, such as decorative glazing and crests, to match your home’s style. Due to their substantial size, P-shaped conservatories are best suited for larger homes.

T-Shaped Conservatory Costs

The T-shape conservatory style will cost you anywhere between £13,750 and £23,400, depending on the dimensions and sizes you choose to go for. You will also notice a variation in cost depending on the materials you use, like the frame and the glazing.

The design is for those homes who want to make the most of their garden view without compromising on space. With the top section running along the rear wall adopting a lean-to roof, the central extension features a square or rectangular base and a pitched roof similar to Edwardian conservatories. You have the flexibility to include decorative elements like crests and finials.

Orangery Costs

As the most expensive type of conservatory, An orangery style costs between £17,800 and £29,250. These types of conservatories require a lot more infrastructure than other styles. They also require a combination of brick and glass to be used along with uPVC or wooden frames, making them a lot more work to construct and install.

Orangeries were first conceptualised in the 17th century when people used them to grow citrus plants. They’re therefore ideal for any homes that have a classic look, so if you have an older home, an orangery can be a very nice addition to the garden or outdoor space.

How do companies’ prices range?

When you’re looking for quotes for your conservatory, you may notice a variation in price from different companies. This variation could be for several reasons, including what their suppliers charge for different materials, their pricing structures and their labourers’ hourly rates. To give you an idea of what you can expect from different companies when costing up your conservatory, we’ve laid out a cost breakdown for three of the most popular conservatory suppliers.

Everest Conservatory Prices

The starting average cost of a small lean-to conservatory from Everest is between £6500 and £9250 they offer a range of styles and we’ve compiled it into a table here so you can compare their prices. 

Size	Style	Frame Material	Cost Incl Installation
4m X 3m	Victorian	uPVC	£18,200
5m X 4m	P-shaped	Wood	£46,687
3.5m X 4.5m	Orangery	uPVC	£35,100
3m X 5m	Edwardian	uPVC	£27,400

Established in 1965, Everest began as an aluminium secondary glazing supplier and has since evolved to design, manufacture, and install conservatories, double-glazed windows and doors in uPVC, timber, aluminium, and composite. They offer a comprehensive range of home improvement products, including guttering, fascias, garage doors, driveways, artificial grass, and security systems. What sets them apart is their unique commitment to lifetime guarantees on all their products.

Anglian Conservatory Prices

According to market reports, the average price of an Anglian conservatory is between £6785 – £9600. This makes them slightly more expensive than Everest by about 3% as a starting point. However, they come out cheaper when you factor in everything else, which can be seen below.

Size	Style	Frame Material	Cost Incl Installation
3.5m X 3.5m	Victorian	uPVC	£14,858
3m X 5m	Edwardian	uPVC	£23,600
5m X 4m	P-shaped	Wood	£45,062
3.5 X 4.5	Orangery	uPVC	£34,472

With over 50 years in the industry, Anglian offers more than just conservatories. They provide double and triple-glazed windows and doors, guttering, and porches – all made in the UK and meet industry standards. They not only design and manufacture conservatories but also boast highly trained installation teams that can construct these structures at your home, making it a convenient one-stop shop for your home improvement needs.

Conservatory Costs By Size

Naturally, the smaller your conservatory, the less it will cost, given that there is less material required to build the conservatory. Let’s take a closer look at conservatory costs by size. 

3.5m x 3.5m 

For an average lean-to conservatory, you will usually start with dimensions as small as 3.5m X 3.5m. This is one of the smaller conservatory sizes you can get. For this size, with a uPVC frame and polycarbonate glazing, you will look at spending around £10,600 including installation costs. 

Below is a table that shows how the different styles with similar dimensions and specs will cost.

Size	Conservatory Type	Specs	Cost
3.5m X 3.5m	Edwardian	Polycarbonate/uPVC	£10,000
3.5m X 3.5m	Victorian	Polycarbonate/uPVC	£11,000
3.5m X 3.5m	Lean To	Polycarbonate/uPVC	£10,600
3.5m X 3.5m	Orangery	Polycarbonate/uPVC	£18,800
3.5m X 3.5m	L-Shape	Polycarbonate/uPVC	£13,375

3.5m x 4m

As you start to increase the size of your conservatory, the price will go up by nearly £2000 per ½ metre you decide to add to either the width or length. For example, a lean-to conservatory with the same specs as mentioned above, will cost £12,400 with an extra 50cm added to the width. 

The below table will demonstrate how the pricing goes up when there are increases to the dimensions for certain styles. There are some increases that are steeper than others. 

Size	Conservatory Type	Specs	Cost
3.5m x 4m	Edwardian	Polycarbonate/uPVC	£11,700
3.5m x 4m	Victorian	Polycarbonate/uPVC	£12,700
3.5m x 4m	Lean To	Polycarbonate/uPVC	£12,400
3.5m x 4m	Orangery	Polycarbonate/uPVC	£19,700
3.5m x 4m	L-Shape	Polycarbonate/uPVC	£13,950

Complexity of Design

As you can see by the breakdowns above, the more complex conservatory designs tend to have more aggressive pricing increases when the dimensions of them increase. For a basic L-shape, the price increase with an extra ½ a meter is not that much, however, for something like an orangery, the increase is more significant.

Kitchen Conservatory Costs

To transform your extension into a fully functional kitchen with all the essential amenities, it does come at a slightly higher cost than a standard conservatory. This approach provides an exciting twist to your home, as it can be tailored to include a dining area, thus serving the dual purpose of a traditional structure while infusing more natural light into your living space. Moreover, it has the potential to enhance the resale value of your property should you decide to put it on the market in the future.

Even for smaller kitchen extensions, the price point is notably higher compared to that of a regular conservatory. This increase is primarily attributed to the installation of new fixtures and fittings. Nevertheless, the end result justifies the investment. Below is a table summarising the cost of a standard 2500×3500 kitchen extension constructed with UPVC materials.

Type of Conservatory	Type of kitchen	Cost
Edwardian	Basic design with appliances	£14,000 – £18,000
Lean-To	Ready to assemble kitchen with no appliances	£7,300 – £9,800
Edwardian	Custom kitchen with appliances	£18,000 – £27,000
Lean-To	Basic design with appliances	£13,500 – £16,000

What influences Costs

There are several other factors that influence the cost of a conservatory, aside from additional costs associated with installation. These are mainly the materials used in the framing and the type of glazing that’s used too. Below is a more comprehensive breakdown of the cost variations according to other factors. To keep costs in check, opting for more budget-friendly alternatives is a wise strategy. While conservatories may be relatively compact, the choice of roofing can substantially impact your budget. Among the most cost-effective roofing options, polycarbonate stands out as a frugal choice.

Material Used	Size	Edwardian	Victorian	Lean to	L-shape
Polycarbonate roofing	3.5m X 3.5m	£10,000	£11,000	£10,600	£13,375
Glass roofing	3.5m X 3.5m	£11,000	£12,100	£11,800	£13,695
Guardian roofing	3.5m X 3.5m	£13,800	£14,800	£14,400	£16,745
Tiled roofing	3.5m X 3.5m	£14,400	£15,400	£15,100	£17,200
Wood framing	3.5m X 3.5m	+30% – 42%	+30% – 42%	+20% – 30%	+18% – 20%

Other factors that are not discussed on this table include costs like installation cots which are heavily influenced by the size of the conservatory and the number of labourers required to ge the job done. The installation costs can also be impacted by factors such as the location of the installation project and how far the installers have to travel to get to the given location. Remember that installers will also charge you contractor fees. 

In addition to contractor fees, materials and initial construction work also constitute a significant portion of the overall expense. Below are more factors that will impact the price of your conservatory and how you can reduce the figures you’re quoted.  

The Foundation

A conventional steel base, though sturdy and enduring, might not align with a strict budget. Instead, consider the more cost-efficient option of a prefabricated base, which not only reduces expenses but also minimises labour. Ensuring a well-set foundation remains the primary concern. 

Construction Timing

Choosing to undertake construction during the off-peak season can yield financial advantages. Builders often experience reduced demand during these periods, potentially allowing for more competitive pricing and flexibility in your project schedule.

Comparing Quotes

Whether you’re dealing with a professional contractor or a family friend, it’s advisable to obtain multiple quotations. While a family acquaintance may offer more budget-friendly rates, gathering multiple quotes provides insight into potential savings and helps gauge the value of the service.

Planning Permission Considerations

Adhering to recommended size guidelines is essential to sidestep the need for planning permission. A conservatory should generally not exceed the height of your house’s roof and should remain inconspicuous from public roads. Seeking guidance from your contractor on these requirements is beneficial.

Custom Fittings

Opting for standardized door and window sizes is a prudent cost-saving measure. Custom fittings tend to incur higher costs, while selecting from the range of available standard sizes offers affordability and the opportunity to explore a variety of stylish designs. Thorough research can uncover a fitting option that perfectly aligns with your aesthetic preferences.

Differences in Conservatory Walls

There are two main types of walls from which to choose either dwarf or glazed. The dwarf wall is more expensive, but this depends on the type of glass that you will choose for glazed walls.

Dwarf Walls

The name dwarf walls came about because you don’t get a complete glass wall. Instead, your contractor will set up a smaller base then the glass on top of that, but the size is generally smaller than a standard structure. It is preferred because it gives your frame stronger support.

However, due to the extra work that is required for such a build, it will cost you at least £700 more.

Full-size walls

These go from top to the bottom of your Conservatory. While many homeowners usually prefer the dwarf option, the glazed walls are becoming more popular since they are cost-effective and still strong enough.

They are a wonderful option, but there are some issues you should look a before deciding. The strength of the walls is one thing, and since it is made of glass, you need a solid frame to support it, so uPVC is probably not the best option. It needs to be strong enough to support the type of roof you choose. Other factors to consider include:

• Is it secure? Since it is all glass, it can be quite easy for burglars to break into so you may want to invest in tougher glass. Unfortunately, this will increase the final cost of the Conservatory, which is why many people opt for dwarf walls in the first place.
• Insulation. If you want to keep the Conservatory warm enough so that it is not a cold spot in your house. Fully glazed windows may cost a lot depending on the size of your Conservatory, and it may make more sense to have the dwarf wall. However, get a comparison from your contractor and enquire about how well the glazed walls perform against a dwarf one, so you make a more informed decision.

Tip: If you’re worried about it getting cold, you can always opt for triple glazing.

Self-Assembling vs Bespoke

One of the more popular ways to cut costs when it comes to conservatory installation is to opt for the self-assembly models. If this is something you’re considering, then you should understand the pros and cons of each before making a final decision.

Pros of DIY Conservatories

• Cost-effective: DIY conservatories typically cost between £2,000 and £5,000, making them a more budget-friendly option compared to professionally built ones.
• Extra space: They provide an additional room for you to enjoy, especially during the summer months.
• Lower upfront cost: A more affordable way to increase living space compared to full-blown extensions.

Cons of DIY Conservatories

• Seasonal usability: DIY conservatories are often too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter unless continuous heating is maintained.
• Roof issues: The glass or polycarbonate roofs of DIY conservatories exaggerate external temperature conditions, requiring additional expenses for solutions like blinds or air conditioning.
• Limited value: DIY conservatories may not offer the year-round usability and comfort of professionally built ones, potentially making them a less valuable investment.

While DIY conservatories offer initial cost savings, they come with notable limitations in terms of comfort and year-round use. As a result, it’s essential to consider whether a higher-quality, professionally built conservatory is a better choice, even if it comes at a higher cost.

Whether you opt for the budget-friendly DIY approach, the versatile mid-range options, or the premium, expertly crafted conservatories with advanced roofing solutions, your choice should align with your vision and expectations.

A well-constructed conservatory can transform your living experience and elevate your property’s value. The decision is yours to make, and as you embark on this journey, may your choice bring you a sunlit haven that enriches your daily life and becomes a cherished part of your home.

Do you need planning permission for the Conservatory?

Not always, you should check with your local council for more information as it changes depending on where in the UK you live.

Usually, you are required to get planning permission whenever you are building on a piece of land. This law is created mostly to check the aesthetics of new construction in an existing neighbourhood. You may not always need permissions if the structure that you are constructing is within the permitted development clause.

• The height cannot be more than four meters, or if it is within two meters of a wall, it should not be more than three meters high.
• In the case of a side extension, it shouldn’t be more than half the width of the original house.
• It should not expand to more than half the space of land in the garden.
• The roof shouldn’t be higher than the roof of the original house.
• It should not have a verandah, chimney, or raised ground.
• It cannot be more than one storey.
• It should not block a public road – obviously.

In the case that you may need planning permission, you will need complete details of your current home and land as well as the Conservatory you want to build. The application can be made through the planning portal online, and you will be required to pay a fee that is non-refundable even when your application is denied. Some contractors offer to take care of this paperwork, so ask about it first.