A sunroom transforms how you experience natural light at home. Understanding the true cost per square metre helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises mid-project.
How much does a sunroom cost per square metre in the UK?
A sunroom offers a bright, versatile living area that bridges the gap between indoors and outdoors. Whether you plan to use it as a dining space, reading room, or year-round lounge, the cost per square metre varies significantly based on frame materials, glazing, roof design, and where you live in the UK. This guide breaks down every major cost component, provides an interactive calculator, and highlights the choices that give you the best value for your budget.
Sunroom Cost Estimator
This is an illustrative budget estimate based on UK market benchmarks. Actual costs vary by location, site conditions, and contractor rates. Always obtain multiple written quotations. VAT calculated at 20% where applicable.
Different sunroom constructions carry different price tags. The frame material is the single largest cost driver, followed by glazing and roof design.
| Sunroom Type | Frame Material | Cost Per m² (Low–High) | Typical Project Size | Estimated Total Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget uPVC Sunroom | uPVC | £1,200–£1,800 | 12–20 m² | £14,400–£36,000 |
| Mid-Range Aluminium | Aluminium | £1,800–£2,500 | 15–25 m² | £27,000–£62,500 |
| Premium Hardwood | Hardwood / Oak | £2,500–£3,500 | 15–30 m² | £37,500–£105,000 |
| Glass Roof (Lantern Style) | Aluminium + Glass | £2,200–£3,200 | 12–20 m² | £26,400–£64,000 |
| Solid Roof (Tiled) | Aluminium + Tile | £2,000–£2,800 | 15–25 m² | £30,000–£70,000 |
Figures are broad budgeting ranges inclusive of frame, glazing, roof, basic electrics, and standard internal finish. Foundations, site preparation, planning fees, premium flooring, heating systems, and decorative features are additional.
Frame Material
uPVC is the most affordable option. Aluminium offers slimmer sightlines and greater durability at a higher cost. Hardwood delivers a premium natural look but demands ongoing maintenance and the highest upfront investment.
Glazing Specification
Double glazing is standard. Triple glazing or solar-control glass adds £150–£350/m² but improves thermal performance and reduces glare. Low-E coatings are increasingly common in UK sunrooms.
Roof Design
A fully glazed roof maximises light but costs more and can overheat in summer. Solid tiled roofs provide better insulation and a more traditional look, often blending better with existing rooflines.
Site Access & Ground Conditions
Restricted access, sloping sites, or poor ground conditions can increase foundation and labour costs by 15–30%. A level site with clear access keeps costs predictable.
Beyond the frame, several material decisions shape the final cost per square metre. The table below compares common options and their approximate price impact.
| Component | Budget Option | Mid-Range Option | Premium Option | Cost Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glazing | Standard double glazing | Low-E double glazing | Triple / solar-control | +£150–£350/m² |
| Roof | Polycarbonate | Glass (self-cleaning) | Solid tiled / lantern | +£200–£500/m² |
| Flooring | Laminate | Engineered wood | Stone / porcelain tile | +£40–£120/m² |
| Doors | Single patio slider | French doors | Bi-fold / sliding stack | +£500–£2,500 flat |
| Electrics | 2 sockets, 1 light | 4 sockets, 2 lights | Full rewire + USB + dimmers | +£300–£1,200 flat |
Most UK sunrooms fall under permitted development rights, meaning you may not need a full planning application. However, several conditions must be met, and Building Regulations approval is often required for the structural, glazing, and thermal elements.
Budget £500–£1,500 for planning and Building Regulations-related costs if approvals are required. A reputable installer will usually handle applications on your behalf.
Labour typically accounts for 30–45% of the total sunroom project cost. Most UK sunroom companies quote an all-inclusive price covering survey, manufacture, installation, and sign-off. If you are managing trades separately, expect the following indicative breakdown:
| Trade / Task | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Groundworks & foundations | £120–£250/m² | Depends on soil type and access |
| Frame & glazing installation | £300–£500/m² | Usually by specialist fitting team |
| Roof installation | £150–£350/m² | Higher for glass/lantern roofs |
| Electrics (first fix & second fix) | £400–£900 (day rate) | Qualified electrician required |
| Plastering & decorating | £25–£50/m² | Internal wall finish |
| Flooring installation | £20–£45/m² | Labour only, materials extra |
Labour rates and material supply costs differ across UK regions. London and the South East command the highest prices, while Northern England, Wales, and Scotland can be noticeably more affordable.
| Region | Typical Range (per m²) | Price vs UK Average |
|---|---|---|
| London & South East | £2,000–£3,500 | 15–25% above average |
| South West England | £1,700–£2,700 | Near average |
| Midlands | £1,600–£2,500 | Slightly below average |
| North of England | £1,400–£2,200 | 10–20% below average |
| Wales | £1,400–£2,100 | 10–20% below average |
| Scotland | £1,500–£2,300 | 5–15% below average |
| Northern Ireland | £1,300–£2,000 | 15–25% below average |
These are broad market benchmarks. Individual quotes can vary substantially based on the installer, project specification, and local competition. Getting at least three written quotations from local contractors is the most reliable way to gauge your actual cost.
The following scenarios are illustrative examples designed to show how costs may vary. They are not quotations from specific completed projects.
Budget-Conscious uPVC Sunroom
Size: 14 m²
Frame: uPVC, double glazed
Roof: Polycarbonate
Extras: Basic electrics, laminate floor
Estimated total: £18,000–£25,000
Assumptions: Level site, good access, no planning required.
Mid-Range Aluminium Sunroom
Size: 18 m²
Frame: Aluminium, Low-E double glazed
Roof: Glass with self-cleaning coating
Extras: 4 sockets, engineered wood floor
Estimated total: £35,000–£48,000
Assumptions: Good access, Building Regulations via installer.
Premium Hardwood Lantern Sunroom
Size: 22 m²
Frame: Hardwood with aluminium exterior capping
Roof: Full glass lantern
Extras: Underfloor heating, bi-fold doors, stone floor
Estimated total: £62,000–£85,000
Assumptions: Some groundworks needed, planning confirmed.
While a self-build sunroom kit can reduce costs, the complexity of foundations, glazing, and Building Regulations compliance means most UK homeowners choose professional installation. A typical DIY kit for a modest uPVC sunroom might cost £500–£900/m² for materials, but you assume responsibility for groundworks, electrical sign-off, and structural warranty. Mistakes in waterproofing or thermal bridging can lead to costly remedial work later.
For most people, the peace of mind that comes with an insured, guaranteed installation outweighs the potential savings of a self-build. If you are an experienced builder or have relevant trade skills, a part-DIY approach—handling decorating and flooring yourself while leaving the structure to professionals—can trim 10–15% from the overall budget.
A typical UK sunroom costs between £1,200 and £3,500 per square metre, with most mid-range aluminium-framed projects falling around £1,800–£2,500/m². The final figure depends on frame material, glazing, roof type, and your location.
Most sunrooms fall under permitted development rights and do not require a full planning application, provided they meet size, height, and placement conditions. Listed buildings and properties in conservation areas have stricter rules. Always confirm with your local authority.
A conservatory typically has at least 50% glazed walls and a 75% glazed roof, and was historically separated from the main house by external doors. A sunroom often has a solid or partially solid roof, better insulation, and is designed as a year-round living space rather than a seasonal addition.
A standard mid-sized sunroom (15–20 m²) typically takes 6–10 weeks from survey to completion. Groundworks and foundations take 1–2 weeks, the frame and glazing installation 1–2 weeks, and internal finishing 2–4 weeks. Complex projects or those requiring planning permission will take longer.
A uPVC-framed sunroom with a polycarbonate roof and standard double glazing is the most affordable option, starting around £1,200/m². Choosing a simple rectangular footprint and standard door configuration also helps keep costs down.
A well-built sunroom can add 5–10% to a property's value, particularly when it blends seamlessly with the existing architecture and provides usable year-round living space. A poorly constructed or disproportionately large sunroom may not recoup its cost at resale.
DIY sunroom kits are available, but you remain responsible for foundations, structural integrity, glazing compliance, electrical safety, and Building Regulations sign-off. Unless you have relevant trade experience, professional installation is strongly recommended to avoid expensive remedial work later.
The cost ranges in this article are synthesised from publicly available UK industry data, including published contractor pricing guides, manufacturer list prices, and market reports. Figures represent broad budgeting ranges rather than precise quotations. Key factors causing variation include regional labour rates, material specification, site conditions, and the competitive landscape at the time of tendering. No proprietary research, private databases, or contractor interviews were commissioned for this article. Always obtain multiple written quotations before committing to a project.
Written by: Bhumi Calculator Editorial Team
Last Updated: 20 July 2026
Bhumi Calculator Editorial Team researches and maintains informational guides using publicly available data, industry references, and relevant UK sources. Pricing information is reviewed for consistency and updated when appropriate, but actual costs vary by location, market conditions, and individual project circumstances. This article does not constitute professional financial, legal, or construction advice.
This website provides general information and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals for your specific project.