The cheapest type of conservatory depends on your needs, budget, and what form of conservatory you are looking for. If you are looking for a prefabricated conservatory, those can start at prices as low as £2,000.
Assembling a prefabricated conservatory is a relatively simple process and can often be accomplished in a few days. These prefabricated conservatories are normally constructed with a strong and lightweight aluminium profile, double glazed windows, and a choice of roof styles.
For a more customized conservatory, which can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, you can expect prices to start at around £4,000. The materials and building techniques used for this type of conservatory can cause costs to vary significantly, with the final cost being determined by your budget and needs.
Generally, the lower the cost, the less customization and quality you may receive.
Another form of conservatory to consider would be a Do It Yourself (DIY) kit. These can range from £1,500 to £4,000 depending on the size and complexity of the kit. However, bear in mind that due to the lack of customizations available, some of the available kits may not be suitable for a certain build.
Ultimately, the cheapest type of conservatory will depend on your needs, budget, and desired conservatory type. If you have greater financial resources, you may want to consider a custom built conservatory as this will give you the greatest freedom to design a conservatory that fits your needs.
Table of Contents
What is the difference between a conservatory and an orangery?
Although aesthetically similar, a conservatory is designed as a bright, glass-enclosed extension of a home. Generally, a conservatory is attached to the home and features mostly glass walls, which provides plenty of natural light to all areas.
On the other hand, an orangery is a larger, freestanding building with a high-domed roof and usually features brick walls. Unlike a conservatory, an orangery is less dependent on natural light because it has more brick walls than glass.
These brick walls are also designed to absorb the warmth from the sun, making it much warmer than traditional conservatories. Orangeries contain an inner courtyard and often serve as a place of passive entertainment, while conservatories are generally used as additional living and dining space.
Additionally, orangeries are typically higher in cost and complexity when compared to conservatories and can take anywhere from twelve weeks to twelve months to install.
What is the smallest conservatory you can buy?
The smallest conservatory you can buy will vary depending on what type of conservatory you are looking for. For a glass conservatory, you may be able to find a pre-fabricated model that is as small as 3m x 3m.
This size is ideal for a small garden patio area or a balcony. If you’d like a timber conservatory, you may be able to find a bespoke model as small as 2m x 2m. This might be suitable for a side extension or an area of your garden which will get plenty of light.
It is important to check building regulations before installing any kind of conservatory to ensure the structure will comply with local laws.
What do Americans call a conservatory?
In the United States, a conservatory is most often referred to as a sunroom or a garden room. These are enclosures made primarily of glass windows and walls that allow for an abundance of natural light, and usually provide an outdoor atmosphere with the amenities of an indoor space.
Sunrooms and garden rooms can be added to an existing structure such as a house, or can be specially built as a standalone structure in one’s yard. Conservatories are typically used as home extensions or outdoor living rooms, and they can be transformed into whatever a homeowner desires – from a playroom or fitness space to dining area or home office.
Why is it called the orangery?
The term ‘orangery’ comes from the fact that the original structures were used for the cultivation and protection of citrus and other fruit trees during the winter. These trees were usually brought in from the Mediterranean region and had to be stored in an enclosed environment in order to survive the colder temperatures of Northern Europe.
Naturally, the term ‘orangery’ – derived from the Latin word for orange – was used to describe this type of building.
Originally, the orangeries were built as an extension of the main house and were often decorated in an elaborate style to reflect the wealth and status of the inhabitant. This made them an important architectural feature of many estates and grand houses throughout Europe, and long after the practice of over-wintering trees died out the orangery remained, becoming an integral and decorative part of many European gardens.
In the 18th century, they came to be used as a place to entertain guests and were often built with a large area of glass in the centre to provide natural light.
Today, orangeries are still a popular addition to many homes. While they often retain the original design of a glass-walled enclosure, the interior has been adapted for a range of uses such as an extended living area, conservatory, games room or even a pool room.
The orangery still provides the perfect combination of beauty and practicality, delivering a unique living area that allows you to make the most of the light and beauty of the outdoors while still being able to enjoy the comforts and protection of the indoors.
Can you put a toilet in an orangery?
Yes, it is possible to put a toilet in an orangery. However, it is important to consider several factors first as it can be complicated to install a toilet in a separate building such as an orangery.
Firstly, it is important to consider the local building codes and regulations, as they may dictate where plumbing fixtures can be installed and may have additional requirements. The structural integrity of the building may also be an issue, and if the orangery is not built to withstand extra weight, additional support may be needed to accommodate a toilet.
The distance of the orangery from the house may need to be taken into account when assessing the feasibility of installing a toilet, as the distance may influence the ease and type of plumbing that can be used.
The size of the room in the orangery will also be a factor, as it needs to be big enough to fit all the necessary components such as a toilet, sink, and possibly a ventilation system. Get in touch with a professional plumber who can assess the orangery’s suitability to have a toilet installed and provide expert advice.
Are orangeries better than conservatories?
It depends on what you are looking for. Orangeries are often considered more decorative than conservatories due to their more architectural details, such as corner pillars, ornate plasterwork and decorative glass roofs.
They are usually used as an extension at the rear of a property to add an extra living space. However, they often have smaller windows than conservatories and less natural light, so they can feel a little dark and enclosed.
On the other hand, conservatories typically have a modern, lightweight design with larger windows, giving them more natural light, especially if they are positioned on the south or west side of the house.
As such, they are often preferred for heating efficiency, with the glass providing solar energy to naturally heat the room.
Which you choose will depend on what you need the room for and the design of the property. An orangery can be more ornate, but a conservatory will be lighter and more sunny.
Can I build conservatory myself?
Yes, it is possible to build a conservatory yourself if you have the right materials, tools and knowledge. You will need some basic DIY skills and an understanding of how to work with glass and other materials safely.
Depending on the type of conservatory you want to build, you may also need to hire an electrician to install lighting or heating. You will need to plan the design, size and material carefully to ensure the conservatory meets all local building regulations.
You can find plenty of tutorials online, but it is advisable to seek advice from a conservatory specialist who will have the experience and expertise to help you with your project. They should be able to advise on materials and design, and help you create a beautiful and functional conservatory.
Professional conservatory builders will also carry out the installation for you and make sure the conservatory is built to the highest safety standards. Once you have finished the project, you will be able to enjoy the added benefits and value to your home that a conservatory provides.
Do you need permission for a conservatory?
Yes, you typically need permission for a conservatory, although this may vary depending on the area you live in.
In the UK, for example, you are usually required to submit a building control notice to your local authority when adding an extension to a property – including a conservatory. You may also need to apply for planning permission from the local council if the conservatory is a certain size.
The exact requirements will depend on the size of your conservatory, the materials you plan to use, your property’s location and the surrounding area, as well as other factors that could affect the environment or the aesthetics of the area.
Before starting any construction work, make sure to check with your local authority and see exactly what permission you need. This will help ensure your conservatory is built safely and legally, and you won’t run the risk of being fined for any violations.
Are DIY conservatories any good?
DIY conservatories can be a great option for some, as they offer an inexpensive way to add some extra space to a home. They are typically easy to install and can be constructed in a day or two, depending on the size.
The materials used to make DIY conservatories are often of good quality, providing plenty of insulation and light to keep the room comfortable.
However, there are some drawbacks to opting for a DIY conservatory. For starters, it may be difficult to get everything to fit seamlessly, and you may need to hire a professional to help with the fitting.
Additionally, DIY conservatories may lack some of the features that come with professionally installed versions, and may also not be as long lasting as professionally made products.
All in all, it may be worthwhile to consider a DIY conservatory if you are on a tight budget and want to add a bit of extra space to your home quickly. However, weigh all the pros and cons, and make sure to do plenty of research to ensure the finished product is of a good quality.
Is a conservatory a permanent structure?
Yes, a conservatory is usually a permanent structure. In general, a conservatory is a glass structure built onto the side of a house that is designed as an extra room to relax, read, entertain guests, or even grow plants.
Because these structures are usually connected to the existing structure of the home, they typically require a professional to install and are relatively permanent.
In some cases, a conservatory may be build as a stand-alone structure that is not connected to the main building, usually in a garden or outdoor area. In these situations, they are still constructed with a permanent framework, usually made of wood or metal, so they are still considered permanent structures.
The glass walls and roof may be removable or interchangeable, however, depending on the type of conservatory.
Some conservatories may also be semi-permanent and constructed of material such as canvas or plastic, to provide a temporary space for additional living space or out of season storage of items. While these are not considered permanent structures, they still provide the same benefits and serve similar functions of a more traditional permanent structure.
How big are conservatories?
A conservatory is a structure typically made of glass that is used as an enclosure for passtimes such as plants. The size of a conservatory varies greatly depending on the purpose and design. Most conservatories are designed to provide a space for growing plants, entertaining, or a combination of both.
Small conservatories can start at 8 feet by 8 feet and can reach up to over 100 feet in length. Large conservatories typically include several windows and walls with glass roofs or domes. Conservatories may be built in any shape or size, including curved and angled walls, and are generally categorized by their size and use.
Common sizes include sunroom (5-10 feet), orangerie (12-14 feet), and grand conservatory (over 14 feet).
How thick should a concrete slab be for a conservatory?
The exact thickness of a concrete slab for a conservatory will depend on several factors, including the soil type, the loads on the structure, and the type of system being used. Generally, however, a slab should be at least 4 inches thick, although it is recommended that support footings be designed for 1 foot or more for an adequate bearing capacity.
Reinforcing mesh should also be used in the slab mix to add structural stability, with the mesh being placed at least six inches below the surface of the slab. It’s also important to ensure that the grading around the slab is sloped properly to help direct moisture away from the conservatory and prevent water saturation, which can have a major impact on the integrity of the slab.
