How Much Does a Solid Roof Conservatory Cost in 2026?
A new-build solid roof conservatory typically costs between £15,000 and £55,000fully installed. The solid tiled or insulated roof transforms a conservatory into a room you can actually use all year round — no greenhouse effect in summer, no freezing in winter.
£23,000
Average cost
£15,000+
Small (3×3m)
£55,000+
Extra large (6×4m)
4–8 weeks
Build time
Prices updated April 2026 · Based on industry data and contractor submissions.
Planning permission may be required. Solid roof conservatories are more likely to be classed as extensions rather than conservatories under planning rules. Check with your local planning authority before committing. Building Regulations approval is always required for solid roof structures. Check the Planning Portal
What Is a Solid Roof Conservatory?
A solid roof conservatory has a tiled or insulated roof instead of the traditional glass or polycarbonate panels. It can be built from scratch as a new conservatory with a solid roof from the outset, or an existing conservatory can have its roof replaced with a lightweight tiled system.
The walls are still predominantly glazed with large windows and doors, so you get plenty of natural light. But the solid roof eliminates the two biggest complaints about traditional conservatories: unbearable heat in summer and bitter cold in winter. The result is a room that feels much more like a permanent part of the house than a bolt-on addition.
Benefits
- ✓Year-round temperature comfort — no greenhouse effect
- ✓Up to 90% noise reduction versus polycarbonate
- ✓U-values as low as 0.15 — highly energy efficient
- ✓Reduced glare — great for screens and working from home
- ✓Lower heating bills (£200–£400/year savings)
- ✓Downlights in the ceiling for proper room lighting
- ✓Adds more property value than a glass-roofed conservatory
Drawbacks
- ✗Less natural light from above (mitigated by lantern roof or Velux windows)
- ✗More expensive upfront than glass or polycarbonate
- ✗Planning permission more likely to be required
- ✗Heavier structure may need stronger foundations
- ✗Building Regulations always required
Solid Roof Conservatory Prices by Size
These prices are for a new-build solid roof conservatory in uPVC with a lightweight tiled roof, fully installed including foundations, frame, glazing, roof, internal ceiling finish, electrics, and basic flooring.
Small (3×3m / 9m²)
£15,000 – £22,000
Medium (4×3m / 12m²)
£18,000 – £28,000
Large (5×4m / 20m²)
£25,000 – £40,000
Extra large (6×4m / 24m²)
£35,000 – £55,000
All prices for uPVC frame with lightweight tiled solid roof. Aluminium frames add 20–40%, hardwood adds 40–70%.
Solid Roof vs Glass Roof: Cost Comparison
A solid roof adds roughly £4,000–£8,000 to the cost of an equivalent glass-roofed conservatory. Here is how all four options compare for a 3×3m build.
Polycarbonate roof conservatory (3×3m)
Cheapest option but poor insulation
£8,000 – £14,000
Glass roof conservatory (3×3m)
Better than polycarbonate but still overheats
£12,000 – £18,000
Solid roof conservatory (3×3m)
Year-round comfort, best insulation
£15,000 – £22,000
Full single-storey extension (3×3m)
Most expensive but highest value added
£30,000 – £45,000
Bottom line:A solid roof conservatory costs roughly half of what a full extension would, but gives you similar year-round comfort. The extra £4,000–£8,000 over a glass roof pays for itself in energy savings and actual use of the room.
Solid Roof System Options
There are four main solid roof systems available in the UK. The lightweight tiled options are by far the most popular because they work with both new-build and existing conservatory frames.
Lightweight tiled (Guardian, Supalite)Most popular
Most popular choice for both new-build and retrofit. Tiles sit on a lightweight aluminium framework with insulation boards. Looks like a proper tiled roof from outside.
£3,500 – £7,500
roof only
Insulated composite panels (Leka)
Pre-fabricated composite panels that slot together quickly. Excellent U-values and fast installation. Good for retrofit projects where disruption needs to be minimal.
£4,000 – £8,000
roof only
Hybrid roof (solid + glass lantern)
Solid insulated perimeter with a central glass lantern that lets in natural light. Best of both worlds — insulation where it matters with light where you want it.
£5,000 – £10,000
roof only
Traditional built-up roof
Conventional timber and tile roof structure. Heaviest option and may need stronger foundations. Most expensive but closest to a proper extension roof.
£6,000 – £12,000
roof only
Prices shown are for the roof system only (supply and fit), based on a medium 4×3m conservatory. Full build costs are in the size table above.
Solid Roof Conservatory Costs by Frame Material
The frame material affects both the look and the cost. All prices below are for a medium (4×3m) solid roof conservatory, fully installed.
uPVC frame + solid roof
Best value option. Modern uPVC looks smart and needs virtually no maintenance.
£15,000 – £25,000
Aluminium frame + solid roof
Slimmer sightlines, more glass area, contemporary look. Powder-coated in any RAL colour.
£20,000 – £35,000
Hardwood frame + solid roof
Beautiful traditional appearance. Excellent natural insulation. Requires periodic treatment.
£25,000 – £45,000
What’s Included in a Solid Roof Conservatory Quote?
A reputable installer should include all of the following in their quoted price. If anything is missing, ask why and get a revised quote.
Foundations
May need deeper foundations than a glass-roofed conservatory due to the heavier roof structure
Frame and glazing
Walls still feature large windows and doors — typically bi-fold, French, or sliding patio doors
Solid roof structure with insulation
Lightweight tiled, composite panel, or hybrid system with U-values as low as 0.15
Internal ceiling finish
Plasterboard, plastered, and painted — looks like any other room in the house
Guttering and drainage
Full rainwater goods connected to existing drainage or soakaway
Electrics
Lighting (typically downlights), sockets, and consumer unit connection
Building Regulations certificate
Required for all solid roof conservatories — your installer should handle the application
What Affects the Cost of a Solid Roof Conservatory?
Size
Size is the single biggest cost driver. Every extra square metre adds to the foundations, frame, glazing, and roof area. A 3×3m build might cost £15,000, while doubling the footprint to 6×4m can push the price above £50,000.
Frame material
uPVC is the baseline. Aluminium adds 20–40% to the cost but gives you slimmer frames and a more contemporary look. Hardwood (typically oak or accoya) adds 40–70% and is beautiful but needs periodic treatment to keep it looking its best.
Roof system
A lightweight tiled system like Guardian or Supalite is the most cost-effective. Composite panels (Leka) are slightly more expensive but offer excellent U-values. A hybrid roof with a glass lantern costs the most but gives you the best balance of light and insulation. A traditional built-up roof is heaviest and priciest.
Foundation requirements
A solid roof is heavier than glass or polycarbonate, which means the foundations may need to be deeper and wider. On clay soils, near trees, or on sloping ground, the groundwork costs can increase significantly. Structural engineer's calculations (£300–£600) are essential.
Internal finish
The ceiling underneath a solid roof needs finishing — at minimum plasterboard, but most homeowners want a fully plastered and painted ceiling with recessed downlights. A basic plasterboard finish might be included in the price; a full plaster and paint job could add £500–£1,500.
Underfloor heating
Solid roof conservatories pair brilliantly with underfloor heating because the insulated roof and ceiling retain the warmth. Electric underfloor heating adds £2,000–£4,000 but makes the room genuinely comfortable year-round without radiators taking up wall space.
Additional Costs to Budget For
These extras are not always included in the headline quote. Check each one before signing anything.
| Extra Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Underfloor heating (electric) | £2,000 – £4,000 |
| Velux or skylight windows | £800 – £1,500 each |
| Glass lantern roof section | £2,000 – £5,000 |
| Building Regulations application | £300 – £700 |
| Structural engineer's calculations | £300 – £600 |
| Planning permission application | £206 (England) |
| Bi-fold doors to garden | £1,500 – £4,000 |
| Internal wall removal | £1,000 – £2,500 |
Planning Permission & Building Regulations
Solid roof conservatories sit in a grey area between conservatories and extensions. The rules are different depending on whether you are building from scratch or retrofitting a solid roof onto an existing conservatory.
New-build solid roof conservatories
Planning permission
New-build solid roof conservatories are more likely to need planning permission than glass-roofed versions. Local planning authorities often classify them as extensions rather than conservatories because of the solid roof. Always check with your council before committing — the application costs £206 in England and takes around 8 weeks.
Building Regulations
Building Regulations approval is always required for solid roof conservatories. The solid roof, structural calculations, and electrical work all need to be inspected and signed off. Your installer should handle the application, but budget £300–£700 if it is not included in the quote.
Structural calculations
A structural engineer will need to design the foundations based on the roof weight, ground conditions, and proximity to trees. This typically costs £300–£600 and is essential — do not skip it. The heavier the roof system, the more robust the foundations need to be.
Retrofitting a solid roof to an existing conservatory
Building Regulations required
Replacing a glazed conservatory roof with a solid roof changes the structure from a conservatory (exempt from Building Regulations) to an extension (not exempt). A Building Regulations application is required and the work must be inspected before, during, and after installation.
Planning permission usually not needed
If the conservatory was originally built under permitted development, replacing the roof with a solid one does not usually require a new planning application — provided the overall height, width, and depth of the structure do not change. However, this varies by council, so always check.
Structural check
Lightweight tiled systems (Guardian, Supalite) are designed to work with existing conservatory frames without structural modifications. Heavier traditional roof builds may need the frame and foundations to be reinforced, which adds significant cost.
Listed buildings and conservation areas: If your property is listed or in a conservation area, you will almost certainly need planning permission for any conservatory work, including roof replacements. Contact your local planning authority before doing anything else.
Solid Roof Conservatory Costs by Region
Average prices for a medium (4×3m) uPVC solid roof conservatory with a lightweight tiled roof, fully installed, by UK region.
| Region | Average Cost | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| London | £28,000 | +30% |
| South East | £24,500 | +14% |
| East of England | £23,000 | +7% |
| South West | £22,500 | +5% |
| Midlands | £21,500 | Average |
| Yorkshire | £19,500 | -9% |
| North West | £20,000 | -7% |
| North East | £18,000 | -16% |
| Scotland | £19,000 | -12% |
| Wales | £18,500 | -14% |
Based on industry data. Prices for a medium uPVC solid roof conservatory (4×3m) with lightweight tiled roof, fully installed.
How to Get Your Solid Roof Conservatory for Less
A solid roof conservatory is a significant investment, but there are genuine ways to reduce the cost without compromising on quality.
Retrofit a solid roof onto your existing conservatory instead of building new
If you already have a conservatory with a polycarbonate or glass roof, replacing just the roof with a lightweight tiled system costs £3,500–£7,500 — a fraction of the £15,000+ for a brand new solid roof conservatory. The result is the same year-round comfort, and your existing frame does not need to change.
Consider a hybrid roof for the best of both worlds
A solid perimeter with a small central glass lantern gives you the insulation benefits of a solid roof while still letting plenty of natural light into the room. It typically costs £2,000–£3,000 more than a fully solid roof but avoids the main complaint people have — that a solid roof makes the room feel dark.
Stick with uPVC frames for the best value
A uPVC frame with a solid roof gives you the year-round comfort of an expensive build at a fraction of the cost of aluminium or hardwood. Modern uPVC comes in a wide range of colours and woodgrain finishes, and the solid roof is doing the heavy lifting for insulation anyway — so the frame material matters less than it does with a glass-roofed conservatory.
Get quotes from both conservatory specialists and general builders
A solid roof conservatory sits in a grey area between a conservatory and an extension. Conservatory companies and general builders both do them, and their pricing structures are very different. Get at least three quotes — ideally two from conservatory firms and one from a builder — so you can compare like for like.
Book the installation for winter when demand is lower
Conservatory installers are busiest from March to September. Scheduling a solid roof build for late autumn or winter can get you better availability and sometimes a lower price. The solid roof is less weather-dependent than glazing work, so the build is not significantly disrupted by rain.
What to Expect: The Solid Roof Conservatory Build Process
A new-build solid roof conservatory takes 4–8 weeks from first day on site to handover. Here is the typical sequence.
- 1
Survey, design, and permissions (2–4 weeks before build)
The installer surveys the site, takes measurements, and checks ground conditions. Structural calculations are drawn up for the foundations. If planning permission is needed, the application goes in at this stage. Building Regulations are applied for.
- 2
Groundworks and foundations (week 1–2)
The existing patio is broken up if necessary. Trenches are dug for strip foundations — these may be deeper than for a glass-roofed conservatory because of the heavier roof. Dwarf walls are built from brick or block, and a damp-proof course is laid. The floor slab is poured and levelled.
- 3
Frame installation (week 2–3)
The uPVC, aluminium, or hardwood frame is assembled on site and fixed to the dwarf walls and the house wall. Windows and doors are hung. This stage goes up quickly — most frames are pre-fabricated off-site.
- 4
Solid roof installation (week 3–4)
The solid roof framework is built on top of the conservatory frame. Insulation boards are fitted, followed by the exterior tile or slate finish. Lead flashing is dressed into the existing house wall. Guttering and downpipes are connected. This is the stage that distinguishes a solid roof build from a standard conservatory.
- 5
Internal finish, electrics, and heating (week 4–6)
The ceiling underneath the solid roof is plasterboarded, plastered, and painted. Recessed downlights are fitted. Electrical sockets and any underfloor heating are installed. The floor is tiled or finished. If you are removing the existing house wall, the structural work happens during this phase.
- 6
Snagging and handover (week 6–8)
Final adjustments to doors and windows, silicone sealing, and a thorough clean. Building control makes a final inspection. You should receive your Building Regulations completion certificate, electrical certificate, and any structural engineer's sign-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a solid roof conservatory cost?
A new-build solid roof conservatory costs between £15,000 and £55,000 depending on size and materials. A small 3x3m solid roof conservatory in uPVC starts from around £15,000, while a large 6x4m build with aluminium or hardwood framing can reach £55,000 or more. Replacing an existing conservatory roof with a solid tiled system is considerably cheaper at £3,500–£7,500.
Is a solid roof conservatory cheaper than an extension?
Yes, a solid roof conservatory is typically 30–40% cheaper than a full brick extension of the same size. A 3x3m solid roof conservatory costs around £15,000–£22,000, while an equivalent single-storey extension would run £30,000–£45,000. The conservatory still has glazed walls, which are cheaper to build than full brick walls, even though the roof is solid.
Do I need planning permission for a solid roof conservatory?
Often yes. A solid roof conservatory is more likely to be classed as an extension rather than a conservatory under planning rules, particularly if it has a fully solid roof with no glazed elements. Check with your local planning authority before committing. Building Regulations approval is always required for solid roof structures, and you will need structural calculations for the foundations.
Is a solid roof conservatory worth it?
For most homeowners, yes. A solid roof conservatory is usable all year round — no overheating in summer or freezing in winter. Energy savings of £200–£400 per year on heating bills are typical compared to a glass or polycarbonate roof. It also adds more value to your property than a traditional conservatory, typically 5–7%, because buyers see it as a proper room rather than a seasonal space.
How long does a solid roof conservatory take to build?
A new-build solid roof conservatory takes 4–8 weeks from groundworks to completion. The foundations and base take 1–2 weeks, the frame and glazing another 1–2 weeks, and the solid roof installation, internal ceiling finish, and electrics take a further 2–4 weeks. Retrofitting a solid roof onto an existing conservatory is quicker — typically 3–5 days for the roof itself.
Can I add a solid roof to my existing conservatory?
Yes, most existing conservatories can have their glass or polycarbonate roof replaced with a lightweight tiled system such as Guardian or Supalite. These systems are designed to work with existing frames without needing structural modifications. The cost is typically £3,500–£7,500 depending on the size. A Building Regulations application is required because the change reclassifies the structure from a conservatory to an extension.
Does a solid roof conservatory add value to your house?
Yes, more so than a traditional conservatory. A well-built solid roof conservatory typically adds 5–7% to a property's value, compared to 3–5% for a standard glass-roofed conservatory. Estate agents generally view solid roof conservatories more favourably because they function as a proper room throughout the year, which is what buyers want.
Written by Sarah Mitchell, Less.co.uk home improvement specialist
Last updated: · Pricing based on industry data and verified contractor submissions · Methodology
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