Aluminium conservatories
An aluminium conservatory has frames strong enough to be much slimmer than uPVC, which means more glass and a more modern look. It costs more, and it suits contemporary designs and larger spans.
Who aluminium conservatories suit
Suits
- Modern houses and contemporary extensions
- Large glazed spans where slim frames matter
- Anyone who wants a long-lasting, low-maintenance frame
Good points
- Slim frames let in more light
- Strong enough for large spans and big doors
- Very durable and needs little maintenance
- A wide range of powder-coated colours
Watch out for
- Costs more than uPVC
- Thermal breaks are essential for warmth, so check the specification
- The look can be too modern for some period houses
What aluminium conservatories cost
Aluminium conservatories typically cost £15,000 (4m × 3m Victorian conservatory in aluminium, fitted), with most jobs between £11,000 and £19,500. That includes VAT at 20%. Fitting takes 15–30 days on site.
What you would actually pay
Typical 4m × 3m Victorian conservatory in aluminium, fitted · UK- Typical installed cost Aluminium conservatories, supplied and fitted
- £12,500
- VAT at 20% Standard rate
- £2,500
- Net cost to you
- £15,000
If you borrowed £15,000.00 over 36 months at 0.0%, it would cost £416.67 a month – £15,000.00 in total, of which £0.00 is interest. The last payment would be £416.55.
Illustration only – not a quote, not an offer of credit, and not financial advice. Rates depend on your circumstances and creditworthiness.
Where the money goes on aluminium conservatories
| Element | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Frame, glazing, roof and fitting The frame in this material, double glazed units and a polycarbonate roof, fitted on a standard concrete base. This row is the headline price. | £11,000 – £19,500 |
| Glass roof instead of polycarbonate An upgrade from a polycarbonate roof to A-rated glass. Optional, and priced against the standard roof. | £1,500 – £2,500 |
| Solid or tiled roof instead of polycarbonate A warm roof in place of a polycarbonate one, for a conservatory you want to use all year. Optional. | £4,000 – £8,000 |
| Groundworks on sloping or poor ground Extra digging and a deeper base where the site needs it. Many gardens need none. | £0 – £3,000 |
Guide prices including VAT. Your actual cost depends on your home, access and specification.
What moves the price of aluminium conservatories
- Size
Floor area is the biggest single driver. A larger footprint means more frame, more glass and a bigger base, though the price per square metre falls as the conservatory grows.
- Roof
Polycarbonate is the cheapest roof, glass costs more and a solid tiled roof costs the most. The roof is often the biggest difference between two quotes for the same shape.
- Frame material
uPVC is the base price. Aluminium and hardwood both cost more, and hardwood costs the most.
- The site
Sloping ground, poor soil, drains in the way and awkward access all push the price up before any frame goes in.
- Who builds it
National brands usually quote well above local FENSA or CERTASS installers for a similar specification. Compare like for like on frame, roof, base and guarantee.
What a quote for aluminium conservatories should include
If a quote is missing any of these, ask why before you compare it with another.
- The footprint, the style and the roof type, with a drawing that shows the layout
- The frame material and colour, inside and out, and the guarantee on frames, glass and the roof
- The base and groundworks: what is included, and what happens if the ground is poor
- Whether a dwarf wall is in brick or in the frame, and who builds it
- Building Regulations and planning: who checks whether you need them and who pays any fees
- Electrics, heating, flooring and blinds, and whether any of them are in the price
- FENSA or CERTASS registration for the windows and doors, and the deposit and payment schedule
Aluminium conservatories prices by region
Labour is most of the difference. Typical price (4m × 3m Victorian conservatory in aluminium, fitted), including VAT.
| Region | Typical | vs UK average |
|---|---|---|
| London | £19,000 | +25% |
| South East | £18,000 | +17% |
| South West | £17,000 | +10% |
| East of England | £16,000 | +6% |
| West Midlands | £16,000 | +4% |
| Scotland | £15,500 | +2% |
| East Midlands | £15,000 | UK average |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £15,000 | UK average |
| North West | £15,000 | −2% |
| North East | £14,500 | −5% |
| Wales | £14,500 | −6% |
| Northern Ireland | £13,500 | −12% |
Common questions about aluminium conservatories
Are aluminium conservatories cold?
Not if the frame has a proper thermal break. Check the specification, because cheaper frames without one lose heat.
How much more does aluminium cost than uPVC?
It adds noticeably to the price of the same conservatory. The exact gap depends on the profile and the size, and the money block above shows a worked example.
Can I choose any colour?
Most aluminium frames are powder-coated, so the range is wide, and many suppliers offer a different colour inside and out.
Where these aluminium conservatories prices come from
Guide prices are compiled from published UK price guides, converted to a price before VAT, and shown here with VAT added. They are indicative, not quotations. How we price explains the method.
Get quotes for your home
A guide price only takes you so far. Local firms can price the work on your own home, and comparing a few quotes is the quickest way to see what is reasonable.
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