uPVC conservatories
uPVC is what most British conservatories are made from, because it is the cheapest frame that does the job well. It needs a wipe and little else, and a good profile lasts for decades.
Who uPVC conservatories suit
Suits
- Most houses and most budgets
- Anyone who wants no painting, ever
- Replacing a tired older conservatory on a budget
Good points
- The lowest price of any frame material
- No maintenance beyond cleaning
- Wide choice of colours and woodgrain finishes
- Good thermal performance as standard
Watch out for
- Frames are bulkier than aluminium
- Cheap profiles can discolour over time
- Not always the right look for a period house
What uPVC conservatories cost
uPVC conservatories typically cost £11,500 (4m × 3m Victorian conservatory in uPVC, fitted), with most jobs between £9,000 and £14,000. That includes VAT at 20%. Fitting takes 15–30 days on site.
What you would actually pay
Typical 4m × 3m Victorian conservatory in uPVC, fitted · UK- Typical installed cost uPVC conservatories, supplied and fitted
- £9,583
- VAT at 20% Standard rate
- £1,917
- Net cost to you
- £11,500
If you borrowed £11,500.00 over 36 months at 0.0%, it would cost £319.44 a month – £11,500.00 in total, of which £0.00 is interest. The last payment would be £319.60.
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 uPVC 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. | £9,000 – £14,000 |
| 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 uPVC 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 uPVC 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
uPVC conservatories prices by region
Labour is most of the difference. Typical price (4m × 3m Victorian conservatory in uPVC, fitted), including VAT.
| Region | Typical | vs UK average |
|---|---|---|
| London | £14,500 | +25% |
| South East | £13,500 | +17% |
| South West | £12,500 | +10% |
| East of England | £12,000 | +6% |
| West Midlands | £12,000 | +4% |
| Scotland | £12,000 | +2% |
| East Midlands | £11,500 | UK average |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £11,500 | UK average |
| North West | £11,500 | −2% |
| North East | £11,000 | −5% |
| Wales | £11,000 | −6% |
| Northern Ireland | £10,000 | −12% |
Common questions about uPVC conservatories
How long does a uPVC conservatory last?
A good uPVC conservatory lasts for decades. The roof glazing and the sealed units usually need attention before the frame does.
Is uPVC as good as aluminium or wood?
For warmth, yes. Aluminium gives slimmer frames and timber suits older houses, but uPVC matches either for insulation at a lower price.
Can a uPVC conservatory be a colour other than white?
Yes. Most profiles come in a range of greys, black, cream and woodgrain, and some are coloured on both sides.
Where these uPVC 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.
Compare free quotes