2026 Conservatory Expert Buyer’s Guide
Introduction
When you’re looking for conservatories, you might have questions like: what are the different types of conservatories, how much are they, and what materials are the best?
In this guide, you’ll find out what everything you need to know about buying conservatories, including the different designs and materials, and which suppliers to consider.
Buyers Guide
What are conservatories?
A conservatory is an additional structure to your home, which is made of 75% transparent materials, such as polycarbonate or glass.
These buildings are usually regarded as a semi-permanent solution to your home, unlike extensions. In addition, they are often much less expensive than building permanent extra rooms.
Modern conservatories can be used for a variety of purposes, such as for growing plants or relaxing. Some homeowners even turn them into a kitchen, complete with electricals and plumbing.
With double or triple glazing and the use of seals, a conservatory can now be wholly weatherproof and insulated against extreme temperatures.
What is a glass extension?
Glass extensions are one of the most popular and modern types of conservatories. They’re made almost entirely of glass, which can give you a full view of your garden or exteriors.
Thanks to advancements in manufacturing, they won’t heat up too much during summer due to their reflective properties. That means you can enjoy your glass extension regardless of the weather.
What should I look for in conservatories?
As conservatories come in all shapes and sizes, what features to look out for depend on your needs and design. For example, you might want toughened laminated glass, which is incredibly hard to break, or you might opt for a wooden frame to suit the style of your house.
However, some elements might remain the same regardless of your style and taste.
- ✔ A bespoke design that fits your house well.
- ✔ Attractive aesthetic that is functional, too.
- ✔ Structurally secure and firm.
- ✔ High level of security.
- ✔ Noise reduction
- ✔ Able to maintain temperature all year round
- ✔ Fully weatherproof and sealed.
- ✔ Adds value to your home.
Conservatory costs
On average, a conservatory costs around £9,000 to £14,000, although prices will depend on the size, how much glass used, if the glass is double- or triple-glazed, and any security features.
Plus, many companies have installation costs and fees for paperwork if your conservatory needs a planning permission.
See the prices for an average conservatory below as a reference.
| Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Lean-to | £13,950 – £26,650 | |
| Victorian | £17,437 – £33,312 | |
| Edwardian | £17,437 – £33,312 | |
As you can see, the lowest average cost is a lot more than what you would typically see on DIY conservatories on websites like Wickes or Argos, but this is because many other services are included.
For example, Everest will help you design your conservatory and ensure that you stick within building regulations. Plus, you know your conservatory will be built to the highest standards.
Meanwhile, although DIY conservatories are much more cost-effective, the quality may not be comparable to professional suppliers. For example, Wickes sells a lean-to conservatory that only costs around £2,199.99. However, this doesn’t include installation fees.
Design
Once you have chosen which conservatory style is best for your home, you can then move on to customising, including colours and matching windows and doors.
- Colour of your frames
- Design of the glass
- Style of the door such as bi-folding or French
- Location of your doors and windows
- Style of the windows, such as diamond and square leading
- The angle of your roof and decorative mouldings
- Integrated lighting and insulated heating
Permissions and regulations
Most of the time, you won’t need to get permission to build a conservatory at the back of your house, provided that it stays within a certain size and uses traditional materials.
However, this isn’t always the case, so it is advisable to get a consultation from a conservatory company before you commit to one. This is because any building that is ‘illegal’ can be destroyed by your local authority.
There are also building regulations to consider when you are planning to build a conservatory. This ensures that your structure is sturdy and safe.
You would need to get architectural plans drawn, and it will usually be approved by your local council before you can get started. Also, your contractor would need to create a safety plan to ensure that the site is safe for the workers.
Top 10 Conservatory Companies
1. Everest
- Type:
- Conservatory company
- Offers:
- Conservatories, doors, windows
- Trustpilot Score:
- 4.4/5
Everest is a well-known name when it comes to conservatories as they have 50 years of experience and over 12,900 reviews on Trustpilot.
The company gives a free quote (if you fill out an online form), a best price promise, and financing options. Plus, Everest tends to make fast installations.
2. Anglian
- Type:
- Conservatory company
- Offers:
- Conservatories, doors, windows
- Trustpilot Score:
- 3.9/5
Anglian Home Improvements was established in 1966. Since then, they have become one of the leading suppliers of conservatories and installations.
They offer a live chat function on their website so you can ask questions about anything you’d want to know before you arrange a consultant.
3. Clearview
- Type:
- Conservatory company
- Offers:
- Conservatories, doors, windows
- Trustpilot Score:
- 4.4/5
Clearview has been around since 1991 and focuses on providing some of the best fitting services in the Midlands with qualified installers.
They have conservatories, orangeries, roofs, windows, doors, and more, with many options that can suit your specific needs.
4. Langleys Conservatories
- Type:
- Conservatory company
- Offers:
- Conservatories, doors, windows
- Google Review Score:
- 5/5
Langleys is a family-run company that has over 30 years of experience in the conservatory industry.
Not only do they provide conservatories and installations but also windows, doors, extensions, and more.
5. Leekes
- Type:
- Conservatory company
- Offers:
- Conservatories, doors, windows
- Trustpilot Score:
- 4.7/5
Leekes has a history that spans back all the way to the late 1800s, making it one of the most established companies in this industry.
You can get up to 10 years affordable finance, up to £1,000 in-store vouchers, lowest price guarantee, and a free, no obligation quote.
6. SEH BAC
- Type:
- Conservatory company
- Offers:
- Conservatories, doors, windows
- Trustpilot Score:
- 4.6/5
SEH BAC was established over 50 years ago and has since won many awards, including the G17 awards for the Installer of the Year and Marketing Campaign of the Year.
Customers can choose from a wide range of options, including Edwardian, gable, Victorian, lean-to, and P- and T-shaped conservatories.
7. BriteLite
- Type:
- Conservatory company
- Offers:
- Conservatories, doors, windows
- Trustpilot Score:
- 4.3/5
BriteLite was established 50 years ago, aiming to sell great products at great prices.
They offer a broad selection of conservatories, including Sun Lounges, Edwardian, Victoria, Loggia, and Bespoke.
8. Alitex
- Type:
- Conservatory company
- Offers:
- Conservatories, doors, windows
- Google Review Score:
- 4.3/5
Alitex was founded in Alton and has over 60 years’ experience creating Victorian greenhouses that also allow people to relax.
The company launched the National Trust Collection of greenhouses in 2004 and offers a wide range of solutions, like atriums and orangeries.
9. Dunraven
- Type:
- Conservatory company
- Offers:
- Conservatories, doors, windows
- Trustpilot Score:
- 3.4/5
Established in 1979, Dunraven has in-depth experience in the conservatory industry, with over 5,000 customers annually.
They offer a wide variety of conservatories, but they also have combination designs if you need something more bespoke.
10. Wickes
- Type:
- Conservatory company
- Offers:
- Conservatories, doors, windows
- Trustpilot Score:
- 3.8/5
Wickes is one of the most popular shops in the UK for everything to do with home improvements, from doors and windows to new kitchens and bathrooms to conservatories and accessories, such as video doorbells.
They offer competitive pricing for their conservatories to give customers a good idea of what prices to expect.
Conclusion
Conservatory prices depend on the size, materials used, and design complexities. Before committing to a supplier, it’s best to compare your options first.
You can either use the quick and easy to use comparison tool at the top of the page, or you could take a look at the guides on this site.
