Choosing a new conservatory will give you valuable extra living space and also add value to your home. If you’re attracted by the thought of complementing your house with a dream conservatory, make sure you’ve got all the right information first. Understand conservatory prices and what affects these before you go to the showroom to make your decision.
Conservatory prices
Fully fitted conservatory prices can and will vary significantly, depending on size, choice of design and complexity of build. To illustrate how wide this range is, a simple lean-to conservatory cost could be as little as £6,500. By contrast, a glorious Edwardian conservatory using high-quality materials could set you back as much as £150,000 and beyond.
Think carefully about what suits your pocket, your home and your requirements from the space. Whatever your preferred conservatory style, be it a lean-to style, a uPVC conservatory or a grand Victorian conservatory design, we’re going to use this space to help you make an informed buying decision about fully fitted conservatory prices. This will form the foundations of a successful conservatory completion project which meets you and your family’s needs and aspirations into the future.
What affects conservatory cost?
Take a look here at the key factors influencing fully fitted conservatory prices.
Size of the conservatory
As you would expect, the size of the space is one of the key elements affecting eventual conservatory cost. Larger conservatories will require more materials and will take longer to build, impacting labour costs and the overall final cost.
Below is a general guideline showing how much you can expect to pay in terms of conservatory cost, using standard sizes and designs. These estimates include all the build elements such as windows, doors, roofs and installation costs. If your design is customised with additions like underfloor heating, expect to pay more.
- Lean to traditional conservatories from 3m x 3m up to 6m x 4m – conservatory cost range from £7,000 to £18,000
- Edwardian or Victorian-style conservatory from 3m x 3m up to 6m x 4m – conservatory cost range from £9,000 to £26,000 and beyond
- Orangeries (usually a more substantial structure) from 3m x 3m up to 6m x 4m – conservatory cost range from £15,000 to £35,000 and beyond
- Bespoke conservatory solutions from 3m x 3m up to 6m x 4m – conservatory cost range from £12,000 to £25,000 and beyond
Choice of materials
When specifying a conservatory, you essentially have three choices of material: uPVC, aluminium and timber conservatory frames. How do these conservatory prices compare, and what should influence your decision, alongside cost?
- uPVC is the cheapest option. It’s affordable and easy to use, and maintain. However, it won’t last as long as an aluminium option or potentially even a timber option, which could be refinished in the future to extend its life. uPVC cannot be recycled.
- Aluminium conservatories are more expensive in terms of total conservatory cost, but they’re durable and secure, and can be recycled at the end of life.
- Timber can also be an affordable choice, but it requires more specialist craftsmanship to build, and regular maintenance going forward. However, it’s also the most sustainable choice.
- Roof choices will also impact cost; a glass roof will be more expensive than a polycarbonate roof option, and a solid roof will also have additional costs
Conservatory roof types
The style of roof you choose will also impact the eventual conservatory cost as well as the energy efficiency and all-year-round comfort of your conservatory. Options for conservatory roofs include:-
- Polycarbonate roof – the cheapest option, but the least efficient in terms of insulation – you will need to consider your year-round heating/cooling options.
- Glass roof – great for optimising light and offering better energy-efficient U values. If you choose options like self-cleaning glass, it will add to the cost but reduce maintenance.
- Tiled or solid sloping roofs – the best option to optimise superior insulation, but a more costly option. Adds to the visual appeal and permanence of the conservatory.
- Roof lanterns – if you opt for a solid sloping roof, consider roof lanterns. These glass structures sit on top of the solid conservatory’s pitched roof and make a huge difference, allowing additional natural light to stream in.
Read our dedicated post about the cost of a conservatory roof.
Design complexity of the conservatory
The complexity of the design you choose, be it for traditional or modern conservatories, can add significantly to the conservatory cost in terms of materials, structural elements and labour costs.
- Choosing bespoke conservatory designs or intricate orangeries, which usually constitute a halfway point between an actual brick extension and a conservatory, will increase costs.
- Additional features such as specialist brickwork, glazing, roof lanterns, underfloor heating, and other design features will also up the cost but will give you the opportunity to create something more individual.
- Bespoke conservatories with custom layouts, brickwork, or integrated features will add to the final cost but allow you to design a space that perfectly fits your home.
Glazing options
Traditional conservatories are all about windows and glazing, and your choice will have an effect on insulation properties, energy efficiency elements and the overall look of the finished project. Consider some of the different conservatory glazing options to better understand the conservatory cost implications.
- Double glazing – all conservatories, from a lean-to conservatory to a bespoke design, should now incorporate double glazing as standard.
- Consider stepping up from double glazing to triple glazing for added energy efficiency at a small premium cost.
- If your conservatory is in full sun, then choosing solar control glass may make it more comfortable to occupy in the summer months.
- Self-cleaning glass can also be a boon – a conservatory glass roof may be difficult to reach.
- If you live near or on a busy road, then noise-reducing glass is a good option.
- Coloured or toughened glass may also contribute to the performance of your structure.
Door options
Your choice of conservatory doors will play an important role in the eventual cost. However, remember that opting for a more expensive design will almost certainly contribute to the beauty and usability of your conservatory.
- French doors or double doors – secure and elegant options maximising light into your conservatory. Available either inward or outward opening
- Patio doors or sliding doors mounted on tracks for ease of opening and closing. Providing an excellent solution, especially for installations where space is limited, allowing easy and unlimited access outdoors.
- Bi-fold doors or folding doors – bi-fold doors are easy to use, look great and open up a maximum area between home and garden.
Additional features
Additional features will add further cost to the conservatory project, but are worth considering given the enhanced performance of the finished building above and beyond a cheap conservatory. These include:-
- Ceiling and window blinds
- Underfloor heating
- Electrical sockets
- Advanced glazing options (e-glass, toughened glass, self-cleaning glass, triple glazing)
- Guttering
- Dwarf walls
Labour costs and construction time
Labour and material costs can differ significantly depending on your geographical location. Typically, they are more expensive in the south of the country and cheaper in the north, which will impact the final price of your conservatory in terms of professional installation costs.
Labour cost is an important consideration. Research suggests that a conservatory specialist will charge from £150 to £200 per day to build the structure. Builders usually work in teams and will quote a price for the entire job. This will be dependent upon the size and complexity of the conservatory design.
Other professionals, such as door and window fitters, will also be required, and you may need a roofer for any solid roof requirements or additional items such as roof lanterns.
As an estimate, a small, cheap lean-to style conservatory may take two to three weeks to build; a larger structure could well double that and more. Add to this the waiting time between the stages of construction, particularly for larger conservatories, and expect the final project to take more like three months to complete.
DIY conservatory costs are lower if you are looking to reduce conservatory costs. It will make your conservatory cheaper by reducing installation costs, but you should always remember this is a task requiring specialist skills to achieve a result which will define how much value you add to your home. A cheap conservatory may even have a negative impact.
Conservatory styles
There is a wide choice of designs in the world of conservatories, and each option has cost implications. Popular conservatory styles include:
Lean to conservatories
Looking at the most popular design styles, the lean-to conservatory is the most affordable if you’re looking just to expand living space. The eventual finished price will vary depending upon the location and the complexity of the lean-to conservatory, but this is the simplest option and will typically cost between £8,000 to £15,000.
Advantages include:
- Reduced cost
- Reduced build time
- Opportunity to include options to style your own home
Victorian conservatories
A Victorian conservatory adds elegance and style, but that comes at a cost. Typical Victorian conservatories incorporate architectural features favoured in Victorian days, giving them a unique charm and appeal. These include items such as:-
- More ornate ironwork and detailing
- Steeply pitched gabled roofs create a roomy interior
Expect to pay from £10,000 and £15,000 in terms of small Victorian conservatory prices, rising to more than £25,000 for a larger build with a tiled roof.
Edwardian conservatories
By contrast, an Edwardian conservatory (also known as a Georgian conservatory) is essentially more classical in design, with features including:-
- Pitched glass roof
- Clean lines and squared corners
- Less ornamentation
- Decorative features characteristic of the Edwardian era, such as crests and finials
Expect Edwardian conservatory prices to start in excess of £16,000, rising to over £30,000 for a larger footprint.
Sample fully fitted conservatory prices from Creating Spaces Group
Before you make any formal decisions, it may be helpful to consider the following, which gives information on typical fully fitted prices for specific conservatory styles and popular sizes. These samples prices are based on using the popular Hup! system.
3×3 conservatory prices
Lean to = From £15,800
Edwardian = From £15,200
Victorian = From £14,900
4×4 conservatory prices
Lean to = From £19,500
Edwardian = From £18,400
Victorian = From £16,800
6×4 conservatory prices
Lean to = From £23,100
Edwardian = From £23,300
Victorian = From £22,000
All the prices above would be subject to a site survey and doesn’t include any required ground works. These prices are based on conservatories with a dwarf wall design.
Is planning permission required for a conservatory?
In general, what are known as ‘permitted development rights’ mean you often don’t need formal planning permission for the many different conservatory styles. However, there are some specific exclusions.
- You will need planning permission if your conservatory will cover more than 50% of the land around the ‘original house’
- You will also need planning permission if the conservatory is to be built forward of either the front or side of the house facing onto a road
- If you live in a listed building, you may not need planning permission, but you will need listed building consent
This can be a complex area, and different rules apply within the different countries of the United Kingdom. There are also different rules covering the placement of conservatories and permitted conservatory roof heights. For more detailed information, visit Planning Permission – Conservatories – Planning Portal
Do you need foundations for a conservatory?
As with any building extension, foundations are an important consideration. They play a vital role in ensuring a structure is stable and safe, avoiding any ‘settling’ after construction, which could damage the conservatory and other buildings nearby. Whether it is a simple lean-to conservatory, a gable conservatory, a timber conservatory or a uPVC conservatory, foundations are a must.
The type of foundations you will need depends on the ground conditions on the site. You should consider the type of soil, whether there are surrounding mature trees and shrubbery taking moisture from the soil.
Also consider the location of any drains, sewers and inspection covers on the site, which may impact the placement of the conservatory.
The foundations or ‘footings’ required will depend on the weight of the structure being built above.
The cost of these foundations can differ significantly, depending on all these factors, impacting conservatory installation prices.
Why does a conservatory make a great addition to your home?
- Opting for a conservatory is a cost-effective and quick way to add more living and leisure space to your home, and it will almost always cost you less than moving house
- Properly designed, a conservatory is an energy-efficient extension – when built using quality materials, it will add year-round warmth and comfort
- In most cases, adding a conservatory will add value and kerb appeal to your home as well as a new living space
- A conservatory creates an extra space which effectively and seamlessly brings the home and garden together.
Summary
So you’re ready to consider the costs and practicalities of adding a conservatory to your home, or even replacing an existing conservatory. The key elements impacting the price of the conservatory project will be the style you choose, the size of the conservatory, the degree of finish you want to achieve and the additional features you need to make it your own.
Talk to Creating Spaces Group – we can even help you with the finance you need to build your dream conservatory.
Visit our showrooms and find out more about what’s possible, or browse our website for inspiration and ideas for your perfect conservatory.
FAQ – Fully Fitted Conservatory Prices
At Creating Spaces Group, a fully fitted conservatory can start from around £6,500 for a smaller, simpler design, with larger or more premium styles reaching £35,000+. Every home is different, so the final cost really depends on the style you choose, the size of the space, and the level of finish you’d like. The goal is always to help you get the right look and the right price for your home.
Several factors shape the overall price, including size, design style, roofing options, glazing performance, and your choice of materials. Your quote will also take into account any extras such as electrics, heating or flooring. At Creating Spaces Group, we break everything down clearly, so you know exactly what you’re paying for, with no unwanted surprises.
If you’re working to a tighter budget, a lean-to conservatory is often the most affordable option, thanks to its clean, simple design. Edwardian and Victorian styles offer a little more character and space at a mid-range price point, while orangeries or solid-roof conservatories provide a more premium feel and long-term versatility. The right choice depends on the look you want and how you plan to use the space.
Yes, local labour and installation costs can vary from region to region. For example, prices in London and the South East tend to be slightly higher than in other parts of the UK. Creating Spaces Group works largely in the north of England, but we always factor this in when preparing a quote, ensuring you receive an accurate and fair price for your area.
Upgrades such as solid or tiled roofing, bi-folding doors, underfloor heating, enhanced glazing, or luxury interior finishes can increase the overall cost, but they will also help you create a space that’s comfortable and usable all year round. These options are completely flexible, so you can choose the features that genuinely matter to you.
