What Is the Difference Between a Conservatory and a Garden Room?

You’re contemplating adjusting the size of your home but want to know the difference between a conservatory and a garden room? Don’t worry! We’re here to help you navigate this difficult decision and make sure we help you make the right choice.

From building process to cost, we’ll unravel the mysteries and highlight the key differences between these two structures.

Building Process

It’s essential to note that the building process for a conservatory differs significantly from that of a garden room. You might be wondering what is a conservatory and how does it differ in construction from a garden room?

Well, when considering adding some extra living space to your property, both options come into play. However, they are not the same; each has unique features and requires different construction methods.

A conservatory is typically attached to your house and made primarily of glass or polycarbonate. It’s designed to let in lots of light and is often used as an extra sitting area or indoor room for the summer. The building process involves careful planning regarding glazing options, thermal efficiency, and ventilation systems.

On the other hand, what is a garden room? Unlike conservatories, garden rooms are detached structures usually located at the bottom of a garden. A key distinction lies in their structure; a garden room is more solid than a conservatory with walls, roof, and windows – essentially like building another small house! They’re ideal if you want an office space separate from your home or somewhere peaceful to relax.

Structure

In terms of structure, you’ll find that one is typically made entirely of glass, while the other often incorporates solid walls. This distinction is a key part of the difference between a garden room and a conservatory.

A conservatory is either all glass or clear plastic, providing an unobstructed view of your surroundings, which makes it perfect for a conservatory summer room.

On the other hand, you have a garden room. Unlike its counterpart, this structure tends to include more solid materials in its construction. A garden room has a more insulated roof than a conservatory and usually includes at least one solid wall. This design allows for better temperature control, making it ideal for year-round use.

Materials

You’ll need to carefully consider the materials used in each structure, as they significantly impact function and comfort. There are distinct differences in their material composition when comparing garden rooms and conservatories.

A conservatory garden room typically has more glass involved in its construction. This design allows for a profusion of natural light which can be a beautiful feature. On the downside, it may also mean your conservatory is colder due to heat escaping through the large windows.

On the other hand, garden rooms are warmer spaces because they have fewer windows, making them better insulated than their counterpart. The walls of these structures usually consist of solid materials like timber or brick, which effectively retain heat.

In summary, if you’re interested in a bright space that lets you enjoy your outdoor surroundings year-round from inside your home, a conservatory might be best suited. However, if warmth and insulation are top priorities for you, especially during colder months, investing in a garden room would be more beneficial.

Remember to weigh these factors when deciding between garden rooms and conservatories based on your needs and lifestyle.

Windows

Let’s delve deeper into the topic of windows in these structures, as they’re a pivotal element in both design and functionality.

Conservatories typically have large, panoramic windows which offer abundant natural light, but they have less insulation. This could be a setback if you consider using it as office space since working in a conservatory can be demotivating as they get too hot in the summer.

On the other hand, garden rooms are more versatile due to their solid construction and smaller windows. These features allow for better temperature control, making them comfortable all year round. Therefore, if you need an extra room to function as your office, you can use a garden room as an office without worrying about extreme temperatures or lack of privacy.

While conservatories give you fantastic views and let you feel closer to nature from within your home, remember that you’re limited with what you can use a conservatory for.

On balance, though, don’t dismiss the versatility of a garden room too quickly – its structure might just provide the flexibility and comfort that suits your needs best.

Overall Cost

Shifting our focus to overall cost, it’s important to note that prices can vary greatly depending on the size and features you choose. Let’s delve into this further.

If you’re wondering about the price tag for garden rooms or conservatories, you’ll find that both fall within a similar range. In most cases, garden rooms are a similar cost to conservatories. What drives up the price is not just the square footage but also the complexity of design and additional features. For instance, if you decide on a bespoke design or want underfloor heating and high-end glazing options, your costs will inevitably rise.

Remember, it’s not just about initial outlay; consider ongoing maintenance costs. Garden rooms often require less upkeep than conservatories due to their robust construction and materials used. You don’t have to worry as much about extreme weather conditions causing damage over time.

Conclusion

So, you’re pondering whether to opt for a conservatory or a garden room?

Remember, while both offer additional space, they differ in structure, materials used, the number of windows, and overall cost.

Think of it like this – if you fancy a glass-walled sunroom with more light but higher costs, go for a conservatory.

But if you prefer something less extravagant with more choices of use throughout the year, choose a garden room.

Your choice should reflect your style and needs.