As one of the leading West Midlands manufacturers and installers of these home extensions, we often get asked what is the difference between a conservatory and an orangery. Here is the answer!
A very simple differentiation between a conservatory and an orangery can be done by looking at the quantity of glass used in the structure. Traditionally, conservatories have the majority of their roof and overall structure glazed with just a low brick base wall, whereas orangeries tend to have a brick structure and solid perimeter roof with the use of roof lanterns to allow light in.
| Glass Roof Coverage | Glass Structure Coverage | |
| Orangery | <75% | <50% |
| Conservatory | >75% | >50% |
What is an Orangery?
Orangeries have been around for centuries, traditionally an outbuilding used to grow oranges, as citrus fruits become more readily available, Orangeries became more of a status symbol among the wealthy. Orangeries have now become a modern adaptation to your home, extending living space with various styles available.
What is a Conservatory?
A conservatory is the most popular choice of home extension in the UK. Made primarily of glass, conservatories are seen as the brighter choice compared with Orangeries, as they allow more light into your home. Not only do they provide optimal thermal efficiency, but they can help you bring that feeling of the outdoors inside your home.
Conservatory and Orangery Installer
Get in touch with our team for advice and a free quote!
Orangery VS Conservatory
Which option is best for me?
If you are unsure which option is best for you and your home, it’s important to consider why you want the extra space, and how you’ll use it. Are you looking to get a better view of the garden? Or are you looking to install an extra all-year-round functional room?
You should also set a budget for this home extension. A basic uPVC-built conservatory would be a cheaper option if you have a tight budget and an orangery could be the right choice if you’re looking to add that luxury touch to your home.
Finally, it depends on your personal style! If you would like to discuss these options in more detail, feel free to contact us today and our team will provide useful advice to help you with your decision.
FAQ
How much is a conservatory?
The cost of a conservatory largely depends on how big your structure will be, what style of conservatory you opt for and the quality of materials used.
For more information, get in touch with us and we will provide you with a free quote.
How much does an orangery cost?
The main factor that will determine how much you pay for your orangery is the type of material that you choose and its size.
Another factor that will affect the price of your orangery is the type and number of windows you install. The more windows you have, the higher the cost will be.
Then factors such as insulation, plumbing and finishes will also impact the overall cost of your home improvement project.
For more information, get in touch with us and we will provide you with a free quote.
Is an orangery warmer than a conservatory?
Does an orangery or a conservatory add value to a property?
Both a conservatory and an orangery will add value to a property. An orangery could be seen as a better investment from the point of view of adding value to a home but it also represents a higher cost to build. For an accurate evaluation of your project, get in touch with us and we will provide a free quote.
How much value does an orangery add?
Being seen as an extension of your home, building an orangery will be considered as an extra room to your house and will therefore add value to your property.
A well-built orangery can add up to 15% on to your home’s value but on average you can expect between 5 to 10% value added.
How much value does a conservatory add?
Exactly how much value a conservatory adds to your home depends on the quality, location, and type of conservatory you decide to build.
It is estimated that a conservatory will add a minimum of 5% to the value of your property, up to 12% for a well-built conservatory.
How to convert a conservatory into an orangery?
Although a conservatory can be converted into an orangery, it’s not a simple process. An orangery is more of a home extension than a conservatory which means converting your conservatory will give you a space that can be used easily all year round.
First, you will need to get a surveyor to visit your conservatory to determine whether or not the conversion is possible. Then, you will need to consult your local authority to ensure the orangery meets building regulations.
