Conservatories: The Ultimate Guide
Introduction
Are you curious about conservatories or interested in building one?
Finding the right conservatory design can sometimes mean hours of research, making sure that you compare each supplier to find the best match for your vision.
Luckily, with this guide, you won’t have to spend the rest of your day looking up answers. You’ll find out everything you need to know about conservatories, including what they are, and the different types and prices you can expect.
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.
FAQs
What is a conservatory?
A conservatory is an extension typically made from wood/metal for the frames and glass/tiles for the walls/roofs. This structure allows homeowners to see their garden clearly and enjoy the sunlight without being exposed to the weather.
Modern conservatories can be used as bedrooms or even kitchens, as they can be designed to bespoke needs.
How much is a conservatory?
Costs depend on the size and materials used. For example, a 3500mm x 3500mm Edwardian design with dwarf walls (600mm) and made of uPVC can cost around £6,330. Meanwhile, a 5500mm x 4000mm lean-to conservatory with double-glazed glass can cost £7,380.
What are the different types of conservatories?
Here are some of the main types of conservatories that you can find today:
- Cheltenham. Typically has a slanted roof with clear windows around the conservatory.
- Edwardian. Edwardian conservatories are either square or rectangular, typically with a pitched roof that has four sloping sides. These conservatories look traditional and can give a sophisticated look to your garden.
- Victorian. This is the most popular type of conservatory, with a classic design suited for many house styles. Victorian conservatories have a pitched roof, a bayfront, and ornate details.
- Gable. Gable conservatories are characterised by their roof, which doesn’t slope but stays upright.
- Lean-To. These conservatories are the most basic types (square or rectangular), which is why they are the most cost-effective.
- Bespoke. This allows for a combination of different styles, depending on which elements you would like to add to the design.
What materials are used to build conservatories?
Structure
- uPVC
- Aluminium
- Wood
Handles
- Chrome
- Brass
- Satin Nickel
- Bronze
Walls/Roofs
- Glazed
- Laminated
- Solar glass
How long does installation take?
Although actual installation only takes between a few days and a week, waiting for your installation schedule can take 6 weeks from your order date.
Who offers conservatories and installation?
Many home improvement companies offer both the structure and the installation. Take a look at the list at the top of the page to find out more about the 10 best conservatory providers in the UK.
What is an orangerie?
The main difference between an orangerie and a conservatory is that conservatories are usually mostly glass so you can view your garden. In contrast, an orangerie is generally made with brick and treated like a separate building.
Orangeries were used to grow citrus plants a hundred years ago that needed to be protected from harsh English winters. They were mostly owned by landed nobles.
What else do conservatory suppliers offer?
Here are some other products that these suppliers offer:
- Orangeries
- Roof extensions
- Replacements
- Doors
- Windows
- Driveways
- Security systems
Will conservatories be cold in the winter or hot in the summer?
Contrary to some belief, modern conservatories will retain a stable temperature level, regardless of the season, thanks to double-glazing insulation. Some customers can even use conservatories as bedrooms or kitchens, thanks to the bespoke designs offered by companies.
Do I need planning permission for a conservatory?
Yes, you need a planning permission. Moreover, authorities can destroy ‘illegal’ buildings, so you might end up losing out a lot of money if you don’t have the required paperwork.
Can I get a bespoke conservatory?
Many conservatory companies will also offer a bespoke design service.
Can I get a free quote?
Some companies, like Everest, give free and no-obligation quotes on their sites.
Does a conservatory add value to my home?
A conservatory can add around 10% to your home value, according to the the UK Post Office. Sometimes, this could be as much as £15,000 after installing a conservatory worth £10,000.
What’s the best type of conservatory roof?
Here are some of the materials available for conservatory roofs:
Glass. Glass roofs are the best way to get light into your conservatory, and, with efficient thermal glass, you won’t lose any heat in the winter. You can even get self-cleaning glass which uses sunlight to break down dirt.
Tiled. Tiled roofs can turn your conservatory into more of a permanent extension and can help you insulate the room better. However, you won’t have much sunlight.
Polycarbonate. Polycarbonate roofs are the more budget-friendly alternative to glass roofs as they let in more sound and air.
Conclusion
Conservatories can be an attractive addition to your home and can boost your home value by up to 10%. Many companies offer free quotes and bespoke designs to suit your needs. However, you will need planning permissions to install a conservatory.
If you want to learn more, take a look at the guides on this site, or you can check out the comparison tool at the top of the page.
