Conservatory Materials Compared: uPVC vs Aluminium vs Timber (2026 UK Costs)
Frame material is the second biggest cost driver after size. Here is what you actually get for the money.
Updated April 2026.
At a Glance: Three Materials Compared
| Feature | uPVC | Aluminium | Hardwood / Timber |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost band | £8,000 - £18,000 | £12,000 - £30,000 | £18,000 - £45,000+ |
| Market share (UK) | ~80% | ~15% | ~5% |
| Expected lifespan | 20-25 years | 40+ years | 30-50 years |
| Maintenance | Very low (clean only) | Very low (clean only) | Moderate (repaint every 3-7 years) |
| Colour options | 20-30 standard colours | Any RAL colour (powder coat) | Any stain or paint colour |
| Sightlines | Standard width | Slimmest (strongest) | Widest (most traditional) |
| Sustainability | Moderate (oil-based) | High embodied carbon (recyclable) | Lowest if FSC-certified |
| Best for | Most homes, tight budgets | Modern homes, larger spans | Period properties, premium builds |
uPVC: The Value Champion
Unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) dominates the UK conservatory market for good reason. It is significantly cheaper than aluminium or timber, requires virtually no maintenance beyond occasional cleaning with soapy water, and has improved markedly in quality and colour range over the past decade.
A 2026-specification uPVC conservatory will come with multi-chambered frames (typically 5-6 chambers) for improved thermal performance, steel reinforcement for structural integrity, and double-glazed units with warm-edge spacer bars. The thermal performance gap between uPVC and aluminium has narrowed considerably since the early 2000s, when uPVC had a clear advantage.
Common criticisms of uPVC - that it looks "plasticky" or yellows with age - are largely outdated for current products. Premium uPVC from Rehau, Veka, or Spectus uses titanium dioxide in the formulation to resist UV yellowing, and foil woodgrain finishes have improved to the point where they can be convincing at conversational distance.
Lifespan: 20-25 years with good maintenance. Replacement at end of life is straightforward and the recycled uPVC market is well established, with most major manufacturers offering a take-back scheme.
uPVC Cost by Size (2026)
20-year maintenance cost
Virtually nil. Annual clean with soap and water and occasional silicone resealing around frames (DIY, £30-£80). No painting, no specialist treatment required.
Aluminium: Slim, Strong, and Long-Lasting
Aluminium has been the dominant material in commercial and high-end residential glazing for decades. Its principal advantages for conservatories are structural: the strength of aluminium means frames can be made significantly slimmer than uPVC at equivalent load-bearing capacity. Slimmer frames mean more glass, more light, and a more contemporary aesthetic.
For large conservatories - 5m+ in width - aluminium's structural advantages become practically important. A uPVC frame at this span may require intermediate posts or additional structural elements, whereas aluminium can span greater distances in a single section. This is why aluminium dominates the large-span orangery and conservatory market.
The concern historically was thermal bridging: aluminium is an excellent conductor of heat, which means a non-thermally-broken aluminium frame acts as a cold bridge in winter. All quality 2026-specification aluminium conservatories use thermally broken frames - a continuous layer of polyamide within the frame that interrupts the heat path. Look for a minimum frame U-value of 1.6 W/m2K for a thermally broken system.
Lifespan: 40+ years, making the lifetime cost competitive with uPVC despite the higher upfront cost. Powder-coat finishes carry a 25-year guarantee from most major suppliers.
Aluminium Cost by Size (2026)
Thermal bridging warning
Always confirm thermally broken frames. Non-thermally-broken aluminium (sold by some budget suppliers) will produce condensation on frames and substantially higher heating costs. Ask to see the frame U-value certificate.
Hardwood Timber: Premium Heritage Character
Hardwood timber conservatories represent the pinnacle of traditional craftsmanship and are the natural choice for Listed buildings, Arts and Crafts homes, and Georgian properties where the planning authority or the homeowner's eye demands authentic materials.
The most commonly used timbers are: Meranti (red tropical hardwood, good durability, most affordable, paint or stain finish), Accoya (modified radiata pine, exceptionally stable and rot-resistant, 50-year guarantee, paintable), and Oak (most prestigious, beautiful grain, very heavy, requires specialist installation, 30-50 year lifespan). Accoya has become increasingly popular as it offers most of the durability of oak at a lower cost with less weight.
The maintenance commitment is real: softwood and lower-grade hardwood conservatories require full repaint or stain every 3-5 years (cost: £800-£2,500 for a medium-size conservatory, depending on access and condition). Oak and accoya can extend this to 5-7 years but still require annual inspection of seals and glazing putty.
Sustainability note: ensure any timber conservatory uses FSC-certified wood. Accoya and oak from well-managed European forests have significantly lower embodied carbon than aluminium despite the processing involved.
Timber Cost by Size and Species (2026)
Timber Maintenance Costs
20-Year Total Cost of Ownership (4m x 3m Edwardian)
| Cost element | uPVC | Aluminium | Hardwood (meranti) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial install | £16,000 | £22,000 | £28,000 |
| Maintenance (20 years) | £400 | £200 | £10,000 (repaint x4) |
| Replacement at year 20? | Likely (£16,000) | No (40+ year life) | Possibly (£28,000) |
| 20-year total | £32,400 | £22,200 | £38,000+ |
Indicative illustration only. Assumes Midlands region pricing, glass roof, and standard maintenance frequency. Aluminium wins on 20-year TCO despite higher upfront cost.