How much does a conservatory cost? The Ultimate Guide

Fully Fitted Conservatory Prices – How much does a conservatory cost?

For a successful project, budgeting is key when planning to build a conservatory, given the many factors that affect cost. Fully fitted conservatory prices are not always easy to navigate, let’s delve in and see if we can help!

Depending on size and style, prices range from £6,500 to £150,000.

Whether thinking of a lean-to, Victorian, or Edwardian conservatory, read on for essential info to make a savvy buying decision.

What could affect the cost of a new conservatory?

Here are some of the areas to consider:

  • Your conservatory roof (style, pitch, size)
  • Glazing options (glass type, finish, double glazing, triple glazed etc.)
  • Conservatory style (dwarf wall, lean-to, Edwardian, Victorian, etc.)
  • Build materials (e.g. Would you like UPVC conservatory or timber)
  • The size of the conservatory A large structure, of course, will be more expensive.
  • Building work flooring, tiling, wall removal, etc
  • Planning permission (if you need planning permission for your conservatory, expect cost around.
  • Added extras (such as underfloor heating, electric points, bi-fold doors, etc.)

That’s why it’s always best you look for bespoke quotes from several providers before you go ahead and make a purchase.

If you ask one conservatory installer, ‘How much do conservatories cost?’, chances are you’ll get a different answer from the next one.

 

That’s why looking for at least three quotes to build an average always pays dividends.

 

Have you budgeted enough for your new conservatory? Edwardian conservatory is one covered inthis post. Woman relaxes with a book in her chosen style.

What is the average cost of a conservatory?

Basic Sizes

As mentioned, average-sized conservatories in the UK are likely to cost between £6,500 and £150,000.

However, to be more precise, we need to consider the size of your installation and the style. So, let’s break this down even further!

We’ll take a look at the average costs of different types of conservatories now.

3×3 conservatory prices

3 metre ×3 metre conservatories tend to be on the smaller side of the market and great for a young couple on a tight budget. Therefore, it’s worth looking at their average prices to see your opening costs.

  • Basic DIY Kit: £3,000 – £5,000
  • Standard UPVC (white): £7,000 – £10,000
  • UPVC with Customization (colours, finishes): £10,000 – £15,000
  • Timber Conservatory: £15,000 – £25,000
  • Bespoke Design with Premium Materials: £25,000 and up

fully fitted conservatory prices were considered befor ethis purchase. Ladies setting out a table of food in their chosen style.

4×4 conservatory prices

  • Basic DIY Kit: £5,000 – £7,000
  • Standard UPVC (white): £7,000 – £10,000
  • UPVC with Customization (colours, finishes): £10,000 – £15,000
  • Timber Conservatory: £15, 000 – £25,000
  • Bespoke Design with Premium Materials: £30,000 and up

Edwardian Orangery French Doors

6×4 conservatory prices

So –what are the fully fitted conservatory prices for a 6×4? If you’re looking at the bigger end of the market? 6×4 conservatories tend to be the biggest choices for most conservatory installers in the UK.

  • Starting Price: A good starting price in the UK is around £2,200 for a DIY project, not including installation costs or other features like bi-fold doors. It’s a very basic starting point for DIY.
  • Average Cost: A 3m x 3m conservatory will cost around £15,000, but prices will vary depending on the company.

A 6x4 new conservatory installation shown with black upvc

Lean-To Conservatories: The Quick and Easy Option

A lean-to conservatory

Cost

Fully fitted conservatory prices for a lean-to style start at around £6,000 to £8,000. That’s for a 3×3 size, and it’s all wrapped up in uPVC.

Design

Lean-to-conservatories are as straightforward as they come. They’re usually tacked onto a kitchen or living room, serving as a new living space.

Why Choose It

If you’re on a budget and just want something more than a window to gaze through, this is your go-to. They’re a hit in the UK for their affordability and simplicity.

Edwardian Conservatories: The Classic Choice

An Edwardian conservatory

Cost

You’re looking at between £9,000 and £12,000 for a fully fitted Edwardian conservatory with uPVC. That’s for the smallest size on offer.

Design

Edwardian conservatories are the neat freaks of the conservatory world. Think clean lines and a rectangular shape.

Why Choose It

If you’re after some traditional charm, an Edwardian conservatory is the way to go. They’re versatile, offering different glass and roof options, perfect as sunrooms or garden offices.

 

Victorian Conservatories

Cost:

A Victorian conservatory

For a 3×3 size with uPVC, you’re looking at a price range of £9,000 to £12,000. Interestingly, the cost isn’t much different from an Edwardian conservatory.

Design:

Victorian conservatories are the show-offs of the conservatory family. They usually feature bay window fronts and are often decorated with ornate details.

Unique Features:

The roof is a dead giveaway. It’s usually high-pitched and adorned with stylish decorations. It’s like the cherry on top of a sundae!

Why Choose It:

A Victorian conservatory is your cup of tea if you’re after something that screams elegance and style.

 

P-Shaped Conservatories: The Lowdown

Cost: Expect to shell out between £9,000 and £12,000 for one of these beauties, with uPVC materials included.

Design: As the name suggests, they’re shaped like the letter ‘P’. It’s a design that gives you more room to stretch your legs or maybe even do a little dance!

Style: Can’t decide between an Edwardian or Victorian conservatory? No worries! P-shaped conservatories sit comfortably in the middle, blending both styles.

 

Conservatory Planning for  P shaped conservatory design


L-Shaped Conservatories: The Essentials

Cost:

You’re looking at a price range of £12,000 to £15,000 for a 3×3 L-shaped conservatory with uPVC materials. Yep, you’re paying a bit more, but that’s for the extra space.

Design:

These conservatories, shaped like an ‘L’ offer more floor space than your average P-shaped or lean-to styles. So, there is more room for activities, right?

Why Choose It:

The L-shape is a solid choice if you’re after a bit more room but don’t want to go full-on mansion.

 

T-Shaped Conservatories: What You Need to Know

Cost:

Starting at around £12,000 and peaking at £15,000 for a 3×3 size with uPVC, the T-shaped conservatories are in the same ballpark as the L-shaped ones.

Design:

Yep, you guessed it, they’re shaped like a ‘T’. It’s another style that offers more than just a simple square or a window box.

Why Choose It:

If you’re after extra space but want something different from the L-shape, the T-shape is your go-to.

Family Space Conservatory

Materials to consider

Aluminium Conservatories: The Sleek Choice

Cost

If you’re considering aluminium, be prepared to pay a bit more. On average, you’re looking at a cost that’s 26%-30% higher than a uPVC conservatory. Quality doesn’t come cheap, right?

Design

Aluminium is the James Bond of conservatory materials—sleek, modern, and versatile. It’s especially good if you dream of grand glazing and expansive windows.

Why Choose It

Low maintenance and energy-efficient, aluminium is for those who want a stylish look without the fuss. It’s like buying a self-cleaning oven—you pay more upfront but save money, time and effort in the long run.

Timber Conservatories: The Classic Elegance

Cost

Timber is the Rolls Royce of conservatories, and the price reflects that. You’re looking at costs that are about 50% higher than standard uPVC.

Design

Timber is all about that bespoke, traditional vibe. It’s the material of choice for those living in period properties or anyone who wants their conservatory to be a real showstopper.

Why Choose It

If you’re willing to invest in both time and money for something truly special, timber is your go-to. It’s like owning a vintage wine cellar—it requires care, but it’s worth it.

Will I have to pay for planning permission?

You’ll only have to worry about paying for planning permission if your conservatory is bigger or taller than the recommended dimensions.

Here’s a quick checklist – if your conservatory doesn’t tick any of the following boxes, you probably won’t need permission.

  • Is your conservatory smaller than 4 metres tall? (This may defer to 3 metres in some cases.)
  • Does your conservatory reach more than 6 metres to the back of your home? (8 metres in some cases)
  • Are you building your conservatory to the front of your home or facing the main road?
  • Does your conservatory take up more than half of your building’s land?
  • Is your conservatory the tallest point on your house?
  • Is your conservatory more than half the width of your property?

Chances are, you won’t have to worry about the cost of conservatory planning permission if none of the above applies.

Otherwise, you may expect to pay around £200, at least, to get ‘full permission’ to set up your dream conservatory. In most cases, an installer or conservatory builder worth their salt will help you with this!

Materials for conservatory base, bricks are shown here

Conservatory roof options

Yes, your choice of conservatory roof may add to your overall price. To begin with, if it is complex enough, you may need to hire an additional roofer to come and install everything for you – that’s around £200 per day, on average, and even a small conservatory will cost extra if your roof is fancy enough!

Conservatory glass roofs come in three styles – polycarbonate, glass and tile. Let’s look at each in turn.

Polycarbonate roof costs

Polycarbonate roof installations have come a long way in the past few years, and they tend to be a great entry-level option for conservatory roofs.

Polycarbonate roof installations will likely cost you at least £2,700, with costs likely to peak at around £7,200. These are costs based on replacement prices. What increases the cost here is the style and complexity of your conservatory.

Polycarbonate is great at blocking the worst rays from the sun, and it’s nice and light.

Glass Roof Costs

When it comes to conservatory cost, glass roofing is a pricier option than polycarbonate. The complexity of your design, such as a pitched or Victorian-style roof, can drive up the replacement costs.

For a standard glass roof, you’re looking at a range of £3,000 to £8,000. While it’s tougher and adds natural light to your main room, it’s also heavier and will need reinforcing.

If you’re considering a gable conservatory with conservatory doors, the costs can vary. A sloping roof might be more straight but remember, so many factors can affect the final price. Whether it’s a cheap conservatory or an extension that matches your house, the choice is yours.

Tiled roof costs

Tiled roof installations will cost around £8,000 minimum (at 3×3), anywhere up to £20,000 for the biggest or most complex jobs.

This type of roof will protect you against the elements. However, an attractive finish will help you blend your conservatory wonderfully with the rest of your outer building.

A tiled roof is also great at being energy efficient, locking in heat. However, you may need to account for tradesperson costs, which could add more to the overall bill. Tiled roofing will also prevent you from looking up into the sky on clear days – so think carefully about what you need and want from your perfect conservatory!

Conservatory Glass Costs

Choosing different glass options will bump up your conservatory cost. Sun-protective or toughened glass costs more than standard glass.

Our average cost guides factor in some glazing, usually A or B-rated. But if you want top-notch energy efficiency, go for triple glazing.

This could get you an A++ rating, while double glazing usually lands between A and A+.

So, what’s the takeaway? If you’re upgrading an existing conservatory or planning a house extension, the type of glass you choose makes a huge difference in fully-fitted conservatory prices. Whether you’re into traditional conservatories or eyeing large conservatories with solid oak frames, the glass choice is straightforward but crucial.

Low E glass

Low E glass is fantastic at helping to reduce the amount of heat that your conservatory absorbs. This means it will deflect much of those harmful rays from the sun, helping to moderate temperature across all seasons. It’s great against glare, too.

Sometimes known as solar glass, you can expect this style to increase conservatory prices by around 30% on average.

Coloured glass

Coloured glass is an optional design choice that will help you tie the look of your conservatory together. Too much decoration can be distracting, so discuss the right balance with your installer.

You must make sure you want this extra – as it could well add between 50% and 60% to your overall conservatory cost.

Self-cleaning glass

Be sure to add anywhere between 20% and 30% onto the overall conservatory cost if this is something you’re looking for.

Noise-reducing glass

Acoustic glass can be a real relief for many homeowners. While it can increase the cost of a conservatory by around 30%, it makes the difference if you want a quiet office or entertaining space if you live in a busy area.

Toughened glass

Toughened glass is an absolute must if you’re worried about breakages, and it tends to be a safer choice than the average in most cases. It’ll boost conservatory prices by around 25% – 30%, but it’s probably worth it!

Other conservatory costs you might wish to consider

Let’s take a final rundown of some of the extra conservatory cost points you might want to consider before setting your budget.

Dwarf wall

In many cases, you’ll need to support your conservatory with brickwork. A simple dwarf wall is recommended in these cases, and you’ll need to account for up to £350 per square metre.

Interior Blinds

Want to install stylish blinds for your conservatory? The conservatory and installation costs here will likely reach around £100, maximum, though it does depend on your installer and the types of blinds you are looking for.

Guttering

This is usually included in your overall conservatory cost, but it is always worth keeping in mind – your conservatory will always need to drain away. So, expect average conservatory prices to leap by around £20 per metre, max, for guttering.

Heating

The heating you’ll need in your conservatory depends on the material and style you choose. For instance, an aluminium build might not require much heating. Costs for underfloor heating and radiators can differ, so factor this into your overall conservatory prices when talking to your installer.

Wall opening

Most conservatories will stand alone with double-glazed walls. However, some people choose an open-plan style instead. By removing walls, you’re likely to pay more for labour in your costs

Electricity

Electrical points are also likely to add to conservatory prices – but the exact cost will depend on your needs. make sure to discuss this in detail with your installer!

Conservatory planning permission

FAQs

How Much Value Does a Conservatory add to a House?

Adding a fully fitted conservatory can increase the value of your home by around 5% to 7%. However, conservatory prices and the value they add can vary depending on factors like, which frame and whether you opt for features like double-glazed windows or a solid roof.


Do I Need Planning Permission for a Conservatory?

Most of the time, you won’t need planning permission due to building regulations classifying conservatories as a ‘permitted development.’ However, if your property is listed or in a conservation area, you’ll need to consult your local authority. Always better to be safe than sorry, right?


How Long Does It Take to Build a Conservatory?

The construction work for a conservatory varies, but you can generally expect it to be completed in 12 to 14 weeks. This timeframe can differ based on the complexity of the design and any additional features like French doors or a dwarf wall.


What’s the Best Material for a Conservatory?

Choosing the best frame material for your conservatory depends on your needs. uPVC is an affordable option, aluminium offers a sleek and modern look, while timber provides a traditional, bespoke style. Each material has its own set of conservatory prices and maintenance requirements.


Can I Use My Conservatory Year-Round?

Absolutely, with the right temperature control features like underfloor heating and noise reduction options, you can enjoy your new living space all year round. Modern conservatories often come with options for solid roofs and standard glass that enhance structural integrity and make the space comfortable in any season.

Conclusion

So, you’ve ventured through the labyrinth of conservatory costs, from the intricacies of uPVC conservatories to the elegance of glass conservatory roofs. The takeaway? The average conservatory price is a bit like a chameleon—always changing based on a myriad of factors.

This guide is more of a compass than a rulebook. With the right installer, your dream conservatory could go from wishful thinking to reality. Whether it’s a high-end glass roof or a budget uPVC, it’s all about balancing cost, quality, and your unique style. So go on, take the leap and make that dream conservatory yours.