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myLean-To Conservatory Cost
At a Glance
- The average lean-to conservatory cost is around £10,000.
- Lean-to conservatories take 7 to 10 days to build.
- A breakdown of the average lean-to conservatory cost for different types of material.
- How long building a lean-to conservatory takes and what's usually involved.
- How to find and hire a local conservatory builder near you using MyJobQuote.
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£10,000
Table of Contents
- How Much Does a Lean-To Conservatory Cost?
- What Affects Lean-To Conservatory Costs?
- Additional Lean-To Conservatory Costs
- Which Lean-To Conservatory Material Is Best?
- What Are the Building Requirements for Lean-To Conservatories?
- Checklist: Hiring a Lean-To Conservatory Installer in the UK
- Can I Build a Lean-To Conservatory Myself?
- FAQs
How Much Does a Lean-To Conservatory Cost?
A lean-to conservatory has a single sloping roof built flush against an existing wall, and it's one of the most affordable conservatory styles in the UK. Lean-to conservatory prices vary depending on the exact size, material, and design. The typical lean-to conservatory cost is £10,000, taking between 7 and 10 days to construct. Size has the biggest impact on the final price, followed by your choice of material and roof.
What is your main reason for building a lean-to conservatory?
Creating additional living space
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Increase the amount of natural light
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As a natural connection to your garden
1 votes - 11%11% of votes
To increase the value of your property
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Lean-To Conservatory Prices by Spec
If you opt for a budget specification for your lean-to conservatory, your build costs will be around £900 per m², whereas a mid-range spec will cost around £1,300 per m², and a premium specification will be around £1,700 per m². Spec has almost as much impact on price as size does, so it's worth deciding early how finished you want the space to feel.
The table below shows how the level of specification will affect your lean-to conservatory costs.
| Conservatory Size | Budget Spec | Mid-Range Spec | Premium Spec |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (3m x 3m) | £6,000–£9,000 | £8,500–£12,500 | £12,500–£18,000 |
| Medium (4m x 3m) | £9,000–£13,500 | £12,500–£18,500 | £18,000–£25,000 |
| Large (5m x 4m) | £12,500–£18,000 | £17,000–£24,000 | £24,000–£32,000+ |
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Lean-To Conservatory Prices by Roof Type
You can see how the chosen specification can affect the cost, but an often overlooked consideration is how much the different lean-to conservatory roof prices impact total costs.
You typically have a choice between polycarbonate, glass, or tiled roofs, and the table below shows how these different options affect the final cost of a standard uPVC lean-to conservatory with a typical spec.
| Conservatory Size | Polycarbonate Roof | Glass Roof | Tiled Roof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (3m x 3m) | £7,000–£10,000 | £8,000–£12,000 | £11,000–£16,000 |
| Medium (4m x 3m) | £10,000–£14,000 | £12,000–£17,000 | £16,000–£22,000 |
| Large (5m x 4m) | £14,000–£19,000 | £16,000–£22,000 | £21,000–£28,000+ |
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As you can see from the table, by upgrading your roof from polycarbonate to glass, you can expect to increase your lean-to conservatory costs by around 10% to 20%, and choosing a tiled roof rather than glass can mean a 40% to 70% increase in costs.
If you already have a conservatory and only need a new roof rather than a full rebuild, see our conservatory roof replacement cost guide for separate pricing on that.
Lean-To Conservatory Prices by Material
Your choice of material for the frame of your lean-to conservatory will also affect your total costs.
You typically have a choice between uPVC, aluminium, and hardwood for your frame, and the table below shows how the different options would affect the final price of a mid-range spec lean-to conservatory.
| Conservatory Size | uPVC Frame | Aluminium Frame | Hardwood Frame |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (3m x 3m) | £8,500–£12,500 | £10,500–£15,000 | £12,000–£17,000 |
| Medium (4m x 3m) | £12,500–£18,500 | £15,000–£21,000 | £17,000–£24,000 |
| Large (5m x 4m) | £17,000–£24,000 | £20,000–£28,000 | £23,000–£32,000+ |
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Again, choosing better materials comes with a cost, and an aluminium frame will add around 15% to 25% to the total price, with hardwood adding about 25% to 35%. Frame material is one of the easiest ways to control your budget without changing the size or roof type.
Opting for a lean-to conservatory is far more affordable than the cost of a conservatory, which can be between £18,000 and £25,000 on average. The simpler roof design is the main reason lean-tos work out cheaper.
They are a great option if you've got a smaller budget or limited space. Modern lean-to conservatories are much better for energy efficiency, too. Opting for double glazing and solid roofs helps you insulate your conservatory far better than older polycarbonate designs, so your heating bills won't be as high.
What Affects Lean-To Conservatory Costs?
Several factors influence how much you'll pay for a lean-to conservatory. The main ones are:
- Size — A larger footprint needs more materials and labour, so costs rise with every extra square metre.
- Frame Material — uPVC is the cheapest option, while aluminium and hardwood frames cost more.
- Roof Type — Polycarbonate roofs are the most affordable, whereas glass and tiled roofs add significantly to the price.
- Glazing — Upgrading to triple glazing or self-cleaning glass improves comfort but increases the overall cost.
- Groundwork — Removing an old patio, felling trees, or laying new foundations all add to the total.
- Planning Permission — Most lean-to conservatories don't need planning permission, but if yours does, you'll need to budget for the application fee.
- Location — Labour rates vary across the UK, so the same size and spec can cost more in some regions than others.
- Added Extras — Electrics, heating, flooring, and blinds are usually priced separately from the base build.
Additional Lean-To Conservatory Costs
Along with the main lean-to conservatory costs, there are some extras you should budget for. Here are some of the additional costs that might come up.
Electrical Work
Most people want lighting and power sockets in their conservatory. Getting an electrician to do the basic work usually runs around £400 to £800, though ceiling fans or underfloor heating bump the price up. In England, if the work needs a new circuit it is notifiable and will either need self-certifying by an electrician registered with a suitable competent person scheme, or notifying Building Control before the work begins.
Heating and Cooling
Conservatories get cold in winter and hot in summer, so most homeowners budget for some form of heating or cooling. Extending your central heating runs £300 to £800, depending on complexity and radiator costs. In England, if you extend your home's heating into your conservatory it will then need to comply with building regulations.
Electric underfloor heating works out at £75 to £100 per m², and summer air conditioning can be £800 to £1,200 for an entry-level unit. Wet underfloor heating can cost less than radiators to run as it has a lower water temperature, but electric underfloor heating will typically cost more.
Flooring
The concrete base isn't great to walk on as it is, so most homeowners add a finished floor. Ceramic tiles run £20 to £40 per m² fitted, laminate flooring is cheaper at £8 to £30 per m², and natural stone costs more at £50 to £80 per m². Laminate is the most cost-effective choice if you're working to a tight budget.
Site Preparation
Ripping up old patios runs £10 to £20 per m². Tree removal varies from £150 to £350 per small tree, and removing old materials costs £100 to £300. It's worth getting a site survey before you commit to a final budget, as these costs are easy to underestimate.
Groundworks
Your new lean-to extension will need a proper foundation, so there may be some groundwork costs to factor in. The cost of laying foundations for an average conservatory could be between £1,000 and £3,000. Ground conditions have the biggest influence on this cost, so your installer will confirm the exact figure after a site survey.
Roof / Window Blinds
With so much glass, your lean-to conservatory can get very bright and hot. Adding window and roof blinds to control heat and glare could cost between £200 and £800. Roof blinds make the biggest difference to comfort, since most of the heat comes in through the glazed roof.
Doors
Many homeowners fit French doors to connect a lean-to conservatory to the garden. These are usually quoted and installed separately from the main conservatory build.
These extras usually bump your total up by 15% to 25%. Try to plan for them in your budget from the start, rather than treating them as an afterthought once the main build is priced.
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I'm planning a lean-to uPVC conservatory, but I have a rainwater downpipe that would end up running down inside it, with the drain hole in the ground. Should this be rerouted, or can it just be sealed and boxed in?
"If you wish to do it right and haven't yet erected the conservatory, you should tap into the waste underground and position a new gulley. This will look neater in the long run and stops any chance of pests coming up the drain into the conservatory. The cheaper option of boxing it in is fine, but you'd need to leave a service hatch for future cleaning and maintenance."
Which Lean-To Conservatory Material Is Best?
The main materials you'll choose from when building a lean-to conservatory are:
- uPVC.
- Aluminium.
- Hardwood.
uPVC Lean-To Conservatory Cost
uPVC is by far the cheapest material for lean-to conservatories, as well as replacement windows and doors. uPVC frames are a durable option that require little to no maintenance, and are much more affordable.
On average, a small, mid-range spec uPVC lean-to conservatory costs between £8,500 and £12,500 to build. uPVC is the most budget-friendly frame material for a lean-to conservatory.
Pros
- ✔ Affordable, readily available, especially for standard-size builds.
- ✔ Low maintenance.
- ✔ Good energy efficiency.
Cons
- ✖ uPVC can discolour over time, though this can often be resolved with uPVC spray painting rather than a full replacement.
- ✖ Plastic might not be the most characterful choice for a lean-to conservatory.
- ✖ Not easy to adapt for custom sizing.
Are lean-to conservatories prone to leaking?
"Not if fitted correctly, most common problems arise when the wrong pitch has been applied."
Aluminium Lean-To Conservatory Cost
Aluminium is more expensive than uPVC. This is because the material is stronger, allowing for thinner frames with more glass, which can enhance the appearance of your lean-to conservatory.
To build a small, mid-range spec aluminium lean-to conservatory typically costs between £10,500 and £15,000. Aluminium suits homeowners who want a modern look without the upkeep of timber.
Pros
- ✔ Modern, sleek lines and better visibility from thin frames.
- ✔ Durable, strong material.
- ✔ Won't warp.
Cons
- ✖ Higher upfront cost compared to uPVC.
- ✖ Can be less insulating than uPVC.
- ✖ Sleek appearance may look stark against more traditional, characterful properties.
Hardwood Lean-To Conservatory Cost
Hardwood lean-to frames look best in older, traditional properties, especially those in conservation areas. Hardwood can be as durable as aluminium or uPVC, but the timber will require a lot of maintenance over the years.
Building a small, mid-range spec hardwood lean-to conservatory costs between £12,000 and £17,000 on average. Hardwood carries the highest price tag of the three materials, largely due to ongoing maintenance costs.
Pros
- ✔ Traditional, classic appearance.
- ✔ Timber is naturally insulating.
- ✔ If constructed to a high standard, timber lean-to conservatories can add value to your home.
Cons
- ✖ Significantly more maintenance required than uPVC or aluminium lean-to conservatories.
- ✖ High upfront cost, as well as the ongoing cost of maintenance.
- ✖ Can be susceptible to rot, warping, and pest infestations.
I've seen a second-hand conservatory that looks to be in good condition. Are there any drawbacks to installing a used conservatory rather than buying new?
"It's all dependent on its condition and age. You could inherit any faults it had when it was installed previously. You will need to go over it with great care to make sure all parts are there and it's in good condition before buying it. Make sure all the seals are good — hinges, locks, all the moving and connecting parts."
What Are the Building Requirements for Lean-To Conservatories?
A standard lean-to conservatory on the back of a house is unlikely to require planning permission. As long as your lean-to conservatory falls within permitted development rights, you won't typically need planning permission in England. There are different rules for Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and homeowners should check with their local council.
When it comes to building your conservatory, building regulations and planning permission are two separate things. In England, a conservatory is usually exempt from building regulations if it meets all the following conditions (in Scotland, the exemption only applies to conservatories up to 8m²):
- The conservatory is built at ground level.
- The entire floor area is under 30m².
- The conservatory is a single storey.
- The conservatory is separated from the main house with an external quality door or window.
- The house's heating doesn't extend to the conservatory and it has its own heating with separate temperature and on/off controls.
- Glazing and any fixed electrical installations meet building regulations.
Conservatories that do need planning permission cost £548 for householder applications in England. Building control approval might also be required, adding another £150 to £300. It's worth checking with your local council before you commit to a design, since retrospective applications can be more costly to resolve.
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Checklist: Hiring a Lean-To Conservatory Installer in the UK
When the time comes to get your lean-to conservatory built, here's what we suggest you bear in mind when choosing a trader:
- Are they qualified to do glazing installation? FENSA or CERTASS registered installers can self-certify any new doors or windows in the existing house wall, but the conservatory glazing isn't covered by this. Confirm with the installer that the glazing meets building regulations and who will get Building Control approval for the new opening into the house.
- Are they members of a recognised trade body? Memberships of trade bodies, such as the Federation of Master Builders, are a good sign to look out for.
- Do they have insurance? They should have public liability insurance so that you're covered if anything goes wrong.
- Will they provide a guarantee? Get any terms in writing, including what's covered and for how long.
- Have they given you an itemised quote? Ensure all quotes are itemised so you can see what's included and what's not.
- Is waste removal included? Be sure to ask about waste removal, skip hire, and if you need to arrange for that yourself.
- Do they have examples of their work? Look at the photos on their MyJobQuote profile to get an idea of the quality of their work.
- Do they have positive reviews? Check their MyJobQuote reviews, paying attention to any comments on timekeeping, cleanliness on site, and general quality.
Can I Build a Lean-To Conservatory Myself?
If you're looking to save on labour costs, you can build a lean-to conservatory yourself using a pre-made kit. Doing this can save you 30% to 50% of the total cost. The savings come from labour, not materials, so it's only worth it if you're confident doing the groundwork and assembly yourself.
There are some things to bear in mind before you take on this task:
- Make Sure Your Measurements Are Correct — Check your measurements, both in terms of the conservatory size and the space that you have allowed. Most conservatory frames and other parts come with a guarantee, but this will not be of any help if the conservatory does not fit the base you intend to lay it on. Any alterations or modifications will likely invalidate the guarantee.
- Confirm Your Design — Most DIY conservatory kits are modular, made up of standard-size parts which fit together and are often interchangeable, which means that you can change the door position to suit.
- Check if You Need Planning Permission — In some cases, a planning permission application will be required for a DIY lean-to conservatory, which councils in England usually make a decision on within 8 weeks.
When you're happy with the preliminary steps, you can order your lean-to conservatory kit and move forward with its construction.
How Do I Build a Lean-To Conservatory Kit?
The actual fitting of a lean-to conservatory kit is quite an easy job, requiring basic DIY skills and patience. Most DIY conservatory kits come with full instructions, so you should be able to assemble everything relatively painlessly.
Here are the general steps you'll take when constructing a lean-to conservatory kit:
- Once you've received your conservatory kit, check you have everything. Double-check sizes, then lay out all the frames in the right positions to begin the construction.
- Before you build the conservatory, you'll need to construct a solid base first.
- Once the base is down and has had time to dry, then you can construct the dwarf walls (if applicable).
- If you require electrical sockets, ceiling fans, or internet connections, plan these services out before constructing the dwarf walls. Always contact a qualified electrician for help and advice in terms of when these items can and should be installed.
- All the fixings required should be included, so just fix the frames securely in place, then fit the window glass and beads.
- Finally, seal all joints and then finish the interior to your requirements.
FAQs
How Long Does a Lean-To Conservatory Last?
While there is no official lifespan for the different types of frame material, the Glass and Glazing Federation expects any conservatory roof made from certified products to last at least 25 years. Polycarbonate roofs may need to be replaced sooner than glass roofs.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Conservatory Once Ordered?
The average time is around 6 to 8 working weeks from making the order if planning permission isn't required.
What Do I Do with My Old Conservatory?
Before throwing your old conservatory away, you can try to sell it. There's a healthy market for second-hand conservatories, particularly aluminium-framed conservatories.
Is a Lean-To Conservatory Cheaper Than an Extension?
The average cost of a lean-to conservatory is around £10,000, depending on the material, while the average single-storey extension costs around £35,000. Extensions also require more groundwork and building regulations approval, which adds to the overall cost.
How Deep Do Foundations Need to Be for a Lean-To Conservatory?
Most lean-to conservatories would have foundations at least 600mm deep, although at least 1m may be required on clay soil, and deeper than normal foundations may be required near trees. Your installer will check the ground conditions during the survey and let you know exactly what's needed.
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Lean-To Conservatory?
Most lean-to conservatories fall under permitted development rights, so planning permission isn't usually required. In England, if your conservatory extends more than 3m from the back of a terraced or semi-detached house (4m for a detached house), is over 4m high, or would mean more than half of the land around the house's original footprint would be covered, then you will need planning permission.
In conservation areas, you would also need planning permission for a side conservatory, and listed buildings will also need listed building consent.
What Are the Common Problems with Lean-To Conservatories?
The most common issue is roof leaks, usually caused by an incorrect pitch or poor sealing. Temperature extremes can also be a problem in older polycarbonate designs. Our roof leak repair cost guide covers pricing if you run into this.
Does a Lean-To Conservatory Add Value to a House?
A well-built lean-to conservatory can add value to a house, particularly if it's finished to a high standard and usable as living space year-round. Poorly insulated or dated conservatories tend to have less impact, and can even put some buyers off.
Can You Have a Radiator in a Lean-To Conservatory?
Yes, a radiator can be fitted in a lean-to conservatory. In England, for your conservatory to be exempt from building regulations it would need to have its own heating with separate temperature and on/off controls. If you simply extend your house's heating into the conservatory it then counts as an extension and would be subject to building regulations.
