Conservatory vs orangery: which costs more?
A conservatory is the cheaper way to add a light-filled room, mostly glass on a low dwarf wall. An orangery costs more for a more solid structure that blends brick pillars with glass and a flat roof with a lantern, so it feels more like part of the house and stays comfortable across the year. Conservatory wins on cost; orangery on looks, insulation and year-round use.
Conservatory vs Orangery: the difference
| Factor | How they compare |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | A conservatory is the cheaper option; an orangery costs more for its brickwork and roof lantern. |
| Structure | A conservatory is largely glass on a dwarf wall; an orangery has brick pillars and a flat perimeter roof with a lantern. |
| Year-round comfort | An orangery holds heat better and stays usable in winter; a lightweight conservatory can run hot or cold. |
| Best for | Conservatory: the most light for the least money. Orangery: a solid, year-round room that reads as part of the house. |
Common questions
Yes. An orangery costs more than a conservatory of similar size because it uses brick pillars, a more substantial flat roof with a glazed lantern and better insulation, where a conservatory is mostly glazing on a low wall. You pay more for a room that feels more like a permanent extension and stays comfortable through the year.
A conservatory is predominantly glass, walls and roof, on a low dwarf wall, so it is light and cheaper but can run hot in summer and cold in winter. An orangery has more brick, solid pillars and a flat perimeter roof around a central glazed lantern, so it is warmer, more solid and closer to a standard extension in feel.
These are independent guide prices based on typical UK jobs in 2026. Your actual cost depends on your property, spec, access and where you live. Always get at least three written quotes before committing.