Conservatory Conversion vs Garden Room: Which Is Right for You
A solid roof conservatory conversion improves an existing attached room, making it warmer, quieter, and usable year-round – typically costing £6,300-£22,000. A stand-alone garden room creates a new, separate structure in the garden – typically starting from £14,000 for smaller builds and rising to £35,000+ for high-spec, year-round spaces. The right choice depends on whether you need better living space or a dedicated separate zone.
Two of the most popular home improvement projects in the UK right now both promise extra usable space. But they solve different problems, suit different lifestyles, and carry very different price tags.
If your conservatory is too cold in winter, too hot in summer, and sounds like a snare drum when it rains, a solid roof conversion could transform it into a room you actually use. If you need a private home office, gym, or studio that the main house simply can’t provide, a garden room might be the better answer.
This guide breaks down both options clearly – covering costs, comfort, planning requirements, and the key question that often decides everything: do you want a space that connects to your home, or one that’s separate from it?
What Is a Solid Roof Conservatory Conversion?
A solid roof conservatory conversion replaces an old glass or polycarbonate conservatory roof with an insulated, solid alternative – typically a tiled, panelled, or composite roof system.
The existing walls, base, and frames usually stay in place. The result is a room that retains the conservatory’s garden-facing position but performs more like a proper part of the house.
What it typically improves:
- Warmth in winter and cooler temperatures in summer
- Rain noise reduction
- Glare and overheating from direct sun
- Year-round usability
- The overall look and feel of the room
Typical uses: family dining room, sitting room, children’s playroom, TV snug, kitchen extension-style space, or a garden-facing lounge.
The core idea is simple: you already have the room. A solid roof conversion makes it work properly.
What Is a Stand-Alone Garden Room?
A garden room is a purpose-built separate structure in the garden, designed around a specific function. It does not improve an existing room – it creates a new one.
Most modern garden rooms include insulated walls, floors, and roofs, double-glazed doors and windows, an electrical supply, heating, and interior finishes. Higher-spec versions may include plumbing, air conditioning, or dedicated internet connections.
Typical uses: home office, creative studio, gym, music room, therapy or treatment room, hobby workshop, or a teen space.
The defining feature of a garden room is separation. You walk across the garden to reach it. That distance – even twelve seconds of it – creates a boundary between home life and whatever happens in that space.
Quick Comparison: Solid Roof Conversion vs Garden Room
| Factor | Solid Roof Conversion | Garden Room |
| Best for | Improving an existing attached room | Creating a new, separate dedicated space |
| Typical use | Dining, living, playroom, snug | Office, gym, studio, hobby room |
| Lifestyle feel | Connected to the home | Separate from the home |
| Garden footprint | None – uses existing space | Requires garden space |
| Privacy | Lower | Higher |
| Natural light | May reduce without rooflights | Designed in from scratch |
| Typical cost | £6,300-£22,000 | £14,000-£35,000+ |
| Planning | Building Regs usually required | Permitted Development in many cases |
How Much Does Each Option Cost in the UK?
Cost is often the deciding factor, so it’s worth being direct about what each option typically involves.
Solid roof conservatory conversion costs
According to a UK-based installer All Seasons Roof, the average cost to replace a conservatory roof is around £10,000, with a typical range of £6,300 to £18,225 or more depending on size, materials, and structural requirements. MyJobQuote puts solid conservatory roof costs at between £300 and £600 per square metre.
The final cost depends on:
- The size and shape of your existing conservatory
- The roof system you choose (tiled, panelled, or composite)
- Whether rooflights are added to preserve natural light
- The condition of the existing structure
- Whether heating, glazing upgrades, or interior work are included
A conservatory conversion tends to offer strong value when the existing structure is sound. You are improving a room that already exists rather than building from scratch.
Garden room costs
Garden room pricing varies widely based on size and specification. According to MyJobQuote‘s 2026 guide, smaller garden rooms (around 4.5m²-7.5m²) typically cost between £12,000 and £20,000. Medium-sized rooms (9m²-12m²) range from £16,000 to £32,000.
For properly insulated, bespoke garden rooms built for year-round use, Room Outside’s 2026 guide puts starting prices at around £35,000 or more.
The final cost depends on:
- Size and footprint
- Insulation and construction specification
- Electrical, internet, and heating requirements
- Interior finishes and glazing quality
- Site access and groundwork complexity
A garden room only delivers value if the specification matches the intended use. A poorly insulated structure is uncomfortable in winter – and the cost saving upfront rarely justifies it.
Comfort and Year-Round Use: What Actually Makes the Difference?
Both options promise year-round usability. Both can deliver it. But comfort depends on the whole room, not just the headline feature.
For a conservatory conversion
Replacing the roof alone does not guarantee year-round comfort. The insulated roof panels do the heavy lifting on temperature, but the existing glazing, walls, floor, and heating system all contribute. A solid roof on an otherwise draughty, single-glazed conservatory will be warmer – but it may still need further upgrades to feel truly comfortable in January.
The combination that works best: a high-quality insulated roof, upgraded glazing where needed, proper heating, and attention to draught and ventilation.
For a garden room
Not every garden room is built to the same standard. A well-specified garden room with properly insulated walls, floor, and roof – plus adequate heating – can be warm and comfortable throughout the year. A cheaply built garden room with thin cladding and minimal insulation will not.
The practical rule: compare specification, not just labels. “Solid roof conservatory” and “garden room” are not quality guarantees by themselves. Ask the installer about U-values, heating output, and airtightness before you commit to either.
Privacy, Separation, and How You’ll Use the Space
This is the question that most often decides the whole comparison.
Choose a solid roof conservatory conversion if the space needs to stay part of family life. A converted conservatory works well for dining, relaxing, hosting, or as a shared TV room. It overlooks the garden, flows naturally from the kitchen or living area, and remains accessible for children, pets, and everyday life.
Choose a garden room if the space needs to be separate from family life. A home office works better when you can close the door on the household. A gym is easier to use when it is away from the living area. A creative studio, music room, or therapy space benefits from genuine quiet and privacy.
The simple test: do you want to walk into the space, or walk away from the house to reach it?
Planning Permission and Building Regulations: What You Need to Know
This section covers the basics. Always confirm the details with your local planning authority or Building Control before committing to either project.
Solid roof conservatory conversions
Replacing a translucent conservatory roof with a solid roof typically requires Building Regulations approval. According to the Planning Portal and specialist conservatory installers, this covers structural adequacy, thermal performance, and completion certification.
The key point: if you plan to remove the internal doors between the conservatory and the house, the conservatory may no longer qualify as an exempt structure. Building Regulations become especially important in that scenario.
Ask your installer whether they handle the Building Control application and provide completion paperwork. A reputable installer will.
Garden rooms
Many garden rooms fall under Permitted Development – meaning no formal planning permission is required. But Permitted Development has conditions.
According to the Planning Portal, a garden room must meet rules covering:
- Height: maximum 2.5 metres if the structure is within 2 metres of a boundary; up to 4 metres for a dual-pitched roof further from the boundary
- Coverage: the total area covered by extensions and outbuildings must not exceed 50% of the land around the original house
- Position: must not be forward of the principal elevation
- Use: cannot include sleeping accommodation under Permitted Development
Homes in conservation areas, listed buildings, or Article 4 Direction zones face stricter rules. Check before you proceed.
Which Option Suits Your Situation?
Use this as a quick decision guide.
A solid roof conservatory conversion is likely the better choice if:
- You already have a conservatory in reasonable structural condition
- You want more usable everyday living space connected to the home
- You do not want to lose garden space
- Your use case is family life, dining, relaxing, or entertaining
- You want to improve a room that currently feels wasted
A garden room is likely the better choice if:
- You need privacy or genuine separation from the house
- You work from home regularly and want a dedicated office
- You need a gym, studio, or hobby space away from daily household noise
- Your conservatory is too small, poorly built, or poorly positioned
- Your garden has enough space and access for a new structure
Be cautious with a conservatory conversion if:
- The existing structure is old or poorly built
- The glazing is very poor and would still need replacing
- You genuinely need quiet and privacy for work or specialist use
Be cautious with a garden room if:
- Your garden is small and a new structure would dominate it
- You need plumbing or sleeping accommodation (planning becomes more complex)
- You want year-round comfort but are considering a low-spec build to cut costs
The Right Space Starts with the Right Question
A solid roof conservatory conversion and a stand-alone garden room both create extra usable space. But they do it in different ways, for different purposes, at different price points.
If the goal is to rescue and improve an existing attached room, a conservatory conversion usually offers the most straightforward, cost-effective route. It makes a room you already have feel like a proper part of the home.
If the goal is to create a new, dedicated, separate space, a garden room usually delivers more – provided the specification is high enough to match the intended use.
The best choice is not the one that looks best in a brochure. It is the one that fits how your household actually lives.
If you are considering a solid roof conservatory conversion and want to understand what is involved, speak to a specialist who can assess your existing structure and recommend the right solution for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a solid roof conservatory conversion and a garden room?
A solid roof conservatory conversion replaces the roof on an existing attached conservatory to make it warmer, quieter, and more usable year-round. A garden room is a brand-new structure built separately in the garden, designed for a dedicated purpose such as a home office, gym, or studio. The key difference is connection: a converted conservatory remains part of the home, while a garden room is separate from it.
How much does a solid roof conservatory conversion cost in the UK in 2026?
According to Checkatrade’s 2026 UK price guide, the average cost to replace a conservatory roof is around £10,000, with a typical range of £6,300 to £18,225 or more. MyJobQuote puts solid roof costs at £300-£600 per square metre. Final cost depends on the size of the conservatory, the roof system chosen, and whether additional work such as glazing upgrades or heating is included.
How much does a garden room cost in the UK in 2026?
Smaller garden rooms typically cost between £12,000 and £20,000. Medium-sized rooms range from £16,000 to £32,000. Bespoke, fully insulated garden rooms designed for year-round use start from around £35,000, according to Room Outside’s 2026 pricing guide. Costs vary significantly based on size, specification, and site conditions.
