Conservatories and orangeries are affordable and practical ways to extend your home, increase space, boost value, and help your family get more enjoyment out of your personal environment. But which one is right for you? An orangery or conservatory?

Investing in a conservatory or orangery extension can be one of the best decisions you make. If you’ve always wanted the extra space to relax, entertain or socialise, this is a cost-effective way to do so. Here we discuss the difference between orangery and conservatory extensions, and provide advice on selecting the best investment for your property.

Difference between orangery and conservatory extensions

The main difference between an orangery and conservatory is the way they are constructed in terms of brick to glass ratio. However, the distinctions between them are minor, and both can look and feel very similar.

Typically, a conservatory is defined by:

  • Glass walls covering at least 50% of the wall area
  • A glass roof, usually covering at least 75% of the overall roof area

However, this isn’t always the case as many people like to get tiled conservatory roof replacements to improve temperature control and energy efficiency in the home.

Typically, a conservatory is defined by:

  • Glass walls covering at least 50% of the wall area
  • A glass roof, usually covering at least 75% of the overall roof area

An orangery on the other hand is defined by:

  • Glass walls covering less than 50% of the wall area
  • A glass roof, usually covering at least 75% of the overall roof area

Conservatory or orangery – which is cheaper?

Conservatories and orangeries are both very affordable options for increasing space in your home and adding value to your property. However, due to the higher level of construction work required, orangery prices do tend to be higher.

In a way, an orangery bridges the gap between a standard conservatory and a single-storey extension, and can look and feel like a more permanent addition to your house. An orangery comes with the latest technology and is suitable to be used with box gutters, meaning there are practically no limits to the design, style or size. So while the average cost of an orangery is more expensive, there are benefits that make the extra cost outlay worth it.

Which has better temperature control?

When choosing between an orangery or conservatory for comfort and temperature control, organgeries tend to be the better choice traditionally. They have a more consistent temperature throughout the year, but this doesn’t mean that conservatories can’t be similarly comfortable across the seasons.

This is because conservatories can now be fitted with solid roof systems, which instantly add kerb appeal while increasing thermal efficiency and boosting energy efficiency by five times. Additionally, a solid roof will prevent the room from getting too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter.

Other considerations for conservatories and orangeries

In addition to weighing up conservatory and orangery prices, you will also need to consider whether you want to go through the process of an extension, or whether you want something quick and cost-effective.

An orangery requires planning permission, while a conservatory generally does not. It’s also good to think about whether you plan to sell your home in the near future and whether you’re looking to make your house more saleable, as an orangery could potentially add more value to your property.

Not sure whether a conservatory or orangery is right for you? Get in touch with Yorkshire Conservatories for advice. We’re confident that we’re the cheapest conservatory or orangery company in the Yorkshire area, and can provide a free, no-obligation quote.