If you’ve got plans to add a conservatory to your home, then you’ll likely be on the hunt for a conservatory installer. Before doing so, have you calculated how much you might be expected to pay? There are a range of conservatory types for you to choose from, and you’ll also have to consider both material and labour costs.
We'll cover the following topics in this pricing guide:
Average conservatory costs How much does a conservatory cost? How long do conservatories take to build? How to reduce conservatory costs FAQ Your conservatory checklist
Average conservatory costs
A conservatory can be the cherry on top of your perfect home. Capable of combining homeliness and dazzling natural light, conservatories are a firm favourite of UK homeowners as a way of extending their living space in style.
But with such a range of conservatory options, it’s a project that needs plenty of research and foresight. Not only should you be looking up what a conservatory costs to build, but you should also consider the cost of labour, materials and additional costs you might end up incurring to realise your vision.
For those looking for a brief overview of average conservatory installation costs, you can check out the table below. If it’s a more comprehensive analysis on the cost of a conservatory, then read on.
Core Conservatory Jobs | Average Price Range |
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Lean-to Conservatory | £8,500 to £13,000 |
Victorian Conservatory | £10,000 to £15,000 |
Edwardian Conservatory | £10,500 to £16,000 |
P-shaped Conservatory | £12,000 to £17,000 |
Kitchen Conservatory | £8,000 to £15,000 |
Orangery | £20,000 to £35,000 |
How much does a conservatory cost?
A conservatory can make a massive difference to the look and feel of your home. The beauty of conservatories is that they can be fitted to suit the size of your home. Whether you live in a terraced or detached house, there are possibilities to scale your conservatory accordingly.
The flexible nature of conservatories means that prices are pretty variable. Often, a smaller conservatory will take up around 3m2, but if your house is larger, you may look at upping this to 4m2 or even 5m2. Naturally, the more you scale up, the more you can expect to pay in both labour and supply costs. But regardless of size, the material you opt for in your conservatory build is another element that you’ll need to factor in. uPVC is the cheapest material to use and is worth considering if you are building on a budget. More expensive materials, like aluminium or wood, may see you upping the project cost by 25 to 50%.
The material for the roof is another cost to think about. Polycarbonate is the most economical option, but you might prefer to opt for glass or even a slate roof; while glass may be double the cost of polycarbonate, a slate roof could double the cost of your entire project.
There are some conservatories that are offered as a DIY solution, but most people will seek the help of an expert to install their conservatory. This way, you can rely on it being built to the highest standard possible, and potentially at a far quicker rate than if you were to do it yourself.
Cost of a lean-to conservatory
A room with a flat-angled, sloping roof, a lean-to conservatory is generally the most affordable type available. This is down to their basic design; with three walls attached to your house, they are quick and easy to build. Lean-to conservatories can fit into small spaces, and they are also compatible with bungalows and small terraces, so they’re extremely versatile.
The average cost of a lean-to conservatory is between £8,500 and £13,000. This can vary significantly depending on the type of material you’re using and the size of your build. uPVC can help keep costs lower, while an aluminium frame may see your costs extend beyond the average price range.
Cost of a Victorian conservatory
Known for their elegance, the multi-faceted design of Victorian conservatories offers panoramic views of your outdoor space, so you can keep watch of your budding flowerbeds and visitors to the bird feeder. With the charm of period design, Victorian conservatories boast either a pentagonal or hexagonal floorplan, and are well suited to classically styled homes.
You can expect to pay around £10,000 to £15,000 on average for the installation of a Victorian conservatory. However, since they are so customisable, they’re similarly versatile to lean-to conservatories and so have a very broad price range.
Cost of an Edwardian conservatory
Edwardian conservatories are flat-walled, and the big win is that they use every inch of the ground space thanks to their rectangular shape. Edwardian conservatories also have pitched roofs, rather than sloped, so you’re not tied down by the height of the house. Edwardian design also tends to focus on lightness, so these conservatories will often have minimal detailing on the windows and walls to make sure natural light is maximised.
The cost of an Edwardian conservatory is slightly higher than some of the other styles, with the average sitting at around £10,500 to £16,000.
Cost of a P-shaped conservatory
P-shaped conservatories are slightly less common in the UK since they are best suited to larger, usually detached properties. They combine both lean-to and Victorian styles to create either a three-faceted or five-faceted design, and deliver a significant boost in square footage to a home’s floor space. The ‘P-shape’ name comes from the appearance from a bird’s-eye-view perspective, with the combination of the two conservatory shapes forming a ‘P’.
The increased scale of a P-shaped conservatory, compared with a standalone lean-to or Victorian, translates to a higher price range. On average, you can expect to pay around £12,000 to £17,000.
Cost of a kitchen conservatory
Sure, a conservatory can create a new living or dining space. But it can also help you boost the space and lighting in your kitchen. Installing a kitchen conservatory extends one of the most important areas of your home, so you’ve got the room you need to cook up a storm, or slot in your washing machine and tumble dryer.
Depending on the size of your kitchen conservatory, costs for the build can range anywhere between £8,000 and £15,000. However, this isn’t taking into account any new white goods you might want to add. A new fridge may set you back around £500 to £1,000 for supply and delivery, while a new oven can be similar.
Cost of an orangery
An orangery takes some of the elements of a conservatory but is considered to be slightly different. This is down to how much of each is made up of glass. A conservatory is made up of at least 75% glass, while an orangery is anything less than 75%, but is still built against the side of a house. This is unlike an extension, which is built as a part of the main house without separation.
The name ‘orangery’ is literal, too. These builds were first designed to grow fruit and exotic plants, and they could do so thanks to their efficiency in capturing sunlight. Since they involve more brickwork than a conservatory, an orangery comes with a more premium price tag. The average price range for supplies and build is £20,000 to £35,000, but like conservatories, this is variable depending on things like material costs and square footage.
Cost of a conservatory roof
We all know the importance of a good roof over our head. But the range available on conservatories is one of the biggest variables that can impact the cost of your project.
The most affordable option for a conservatory roof is to go with polycarbonate. Not only is it cheaper than glass, but it’s also much more durable and much lighter. As such, it’s less time intensive to install, which will work wonders for reducing labour costs. If you’re simply replacing a roof on a conservatory, can expect a polycarbonate version to cost anywhere from £4,000 to £15,000 depending on the size. However, as part of a wider project the cost will be lower, as it’ll be factored into the overall installation.
Glass, meanwhile, is more expensive. This is because glass is much better at regulating internal temperatures. So, while a polycarbonate roof might make your conservatory hot in the summertime, this is less likely with a glass roof, particularly those that are fitted with solar control glass. You can expect to pay between £6,000 and £22,000 for a glass roof replacement on a conservatory. Again, this will be lower if it’s part of a full conservatory installation. But the fact remains that glass will set you back more than polycarbonate.
A tiled roof is the most expensive option for a conservatory roof. However, factor in that it’s the best option for dealing with extreme weather. So, in summer, your conservatory won’t overheat, and in winter it’ll retain warmth. A tiled roof can cost anywhere from £16,000 to £30,000 as a standalone project, and it will generally be at the lower end of this scale as part of a full conservatory build.

How long do conservatories take to build?
Along with knowing the cost of your conservatory project, you should also have a good idea of how long the build will take. Below, we’ve put together a handy guide that will give you a good estimate of timescales.
Work | Time |
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Full conservatory build | 6 to 12 weeks |
Building foundations | Two to three days |
Underfloor heating | One to four days |
Laying the floor | Four to six weeks (including time to allow the concrete floor to dry out) |
Building the roof | Two to seven days |
How to reduce conservatory costs
Looking to reduce your conservatory costs? You don’t have to break the bank to get the conservatory you want. Here are some ways you can be economical in your approach to installing a conservatory.
- Material costs: One of the main takeaways from this guide should be the impact of material choices on the cost of your project. Using polycarbonate over glass as your roof, for example, will reduce your final bill. You could also source the materials yourself, after which you’ll only need to pay for labour.
- Compare quotes: While you might be tempted to opt for the first tradesperson you find, getting a range of quotes from conservatory installers on MyBuilder will help you find the least expensive options.
- Second-hand furnishings: How are you planning to deck out your conservatory once it’s built? If you need new furniture, finding it in second-hand shops will be less expensive than buying new. You might also dig out some hidden gems that really give your conservatory some character.
- DIY: Of course, the most extreme way to cut your conservatory costs is to take on the whole project yourself. Some conservatories can be bought as a kit, with a step-by-step guide on building it yourself. However, you should only consider this option if you already have some decent DIY experience under your belt.
FAQ
Which conservatory is right for me?
Conservatories come in all shapes and sizes. When deciding which type is right for you, you should consider your budget, the space available to you and what you will be using your conservatory for. The beauty of conservatories is that they can be flexible to suit your needs. So, whether your house is small and terraced or large and detached, you can pick one that will add that extra space to your floor plan.
Do I need planning permission for a conservatory?
Most conservatories fall under the ‘permissible developments’ within planning permission guidelines, and as such do not need to be approved by the Local Planning Authority (LPA). If your conservatory plans include a build that will be facing a road, or will be at the front of your property, then you’ll need to ask your LPA whether you need planning permission.
If your property is a listed building, or sits on protected land, then you will also need to consult your LPA. If they confirm that your project requires permission, the application fee costs approximately £200.
Is a conservatory affordable?
With so many types of conservatories available, in terms of shape, size and materials, they tend to be an affordable way to extend your home. Prices will increase if you opt for larger square footage or want to use more expensive materials, but there are plenty of ways to complete your project on a budget.
Your conservatory checklist
You’ve got big plans for your conservatory build, but you’re wondering how to ensure that it’s a success. A smooth-running project can rely on some solid project planning. Below, we’ve listed five things to tick off before you select your conservatory specialist.
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Do your research: Before setting out, make sure there aren’t any legal requirements surrounding your project. If you live in a listed building, or you’re planning to build a conservatory on the front of your house, you may need to apply for planning permission.
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Calculate your budget: With any project, it’s important to ensure you don’t keep spending until you’re in the red. Set out your budget first, and then work out what you can reasonably afford.
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Price up materials: Even if you’re not going to buy your materials yourself, it can help to look up the costs of the materials you’ll need for your conservatory from local suppliers, so you know what to expect from a quote.
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Find a tradesperson: MyBuilder makes it easy for you to find reliable and verified tradespeople in your area. Simply post your job, and available professionals can register their interest and share a transparent quote covering labour and materials.
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Check out reviews: Before deciding which tradesperson to use for your conservatory installation, you can head to their profile on MyBuilder to see real reviews from verified past customers. That way, you’ll have a better idea of whether they’re right for your job.
MyBuilder makes it easy to find a local conservatory specialist, so you can get started on your project today. Just post your job for free and read the reviews of tradespeople near you.