Conservatory vs Orangery: Which is Right for Your Home?

If you’re considering adding an extension to your home, you may be wondering what’s the difference between a conservatory and orangery? At Reddish Joinery, we’ve been crafting bespoke extensions for homes across Cheshire and the North West for over 60 years, and we’re here to help you understand the key distinctions between these two popular choices.

Understanding Conservatories and Orangeries

Both conservatories and orangeries are beautiful additions to any home, offering extra living space and a seamless connection to your garden. However, they have some fundamental differences in design, functionality, and aesthetics.

What is a Conservatory?

A conservatory is typically a glass structure with a pitched roof, designed to let in maximum light. Key features include:

• Large glass windows and doors
• Glass or polycarbonate roof
• Minimal brickwork
• Often used as a sunroom or garden room

What is an Orangery?

The best way to describe an orangery is a more suitable living space than a conservatory. It’s a place to live, to use day in day out and a light and airy space which doesn’t suffer the temperature variations that a conservatory does. Orangeries should be well-designed for modern living. Characteristics include:

• Solid brick pillars
• A flat perimeter roof with a central glass lantern
• More insulation than a conservatory
• Often used as a kitchen extension or dining room

There is also a third option that bridges the gap between a conservatory and an orangery.

The Benefits of Hup! Extensions

At Reddish Joinery, we’re proud to offer our innovative hup! extensions, which combine the best features of both conservatories and orangeries. These eco-friendly, versatile structures provide numerous benefits including:

• Energy-efficient design
• Customisable to suit your home’s style
• Seamless integration with existing architecture
• Year-round usability
• Increased property value

Have a look at our dedicated hup! extensions page for more detailed information.

Materials and Craftsmanship

When it comes to creating the perfect extension for your home, it is essential to choose the best materials for your specific needs. At Reddish Joinery, we specialise in premium timber products, offering unparalleled quality and craftsmanship.

Timber: The Sustainable Choice

Our timber extensions are both beautiful and also environmentally friendly. We source our wood from sustainable forests, ensuring that your new addition is as eco-conscious as it is stunning. Using engineered Accoya wood, we can create the perfect home extension for you.

Expert Craftsmanship

With decades of experience, our skilled artisans create bespoke extensions that seamlessly blend with your home’s existing architecture. Every joint, every finish is crafted to perfection, ensuring longevity and aesthetic appeal.

Choosing Between a Conservatory and Orangery

When deciding between a conservatory and an orangery, consider the following factors.

1. Purpose

Think about how you’ll use the space. If you want a light-filled room for relaxation or as a home office, a conservatory might be ideal. For a more versatile space that can serve as a kitchen extension or dining area, an orangery could be the better choice.

2. Integration with Your Home

Conservatories can sometimes feel like a separate space, while orangeries tend to integrate more seamlessly with the existing structure of your home. With an orangery, you also have more opportunities to create a bespoke designed living area to meet your exact requirements.

3. Climate Control

Orangeries typically offer better insulation and temperature control, making them more comfortable year-round. Conservatories can be warm in summer and cool in winter, although modern designs have improved significantly in this aspect.

4. Budget

Generally, orangeries are more expensive due to their more substantial construction. However, the cost can vary greatly depending on size, materials, and design. An orangery can also add more value to your home. This makes it a better long-term investment despite the initial higher cost.

Why Choose Reddish Joinery for Your Extension?

At Reddish Joinery, we bring decades of expertise to every project. Whether you’re leaning towards a conservatory, orangery, or our innovative hup! extension, we offer:

• Bespoke designs tailored to your home and preferences
• High-quality, sustainable materials
• Expert craftsmanship and attention to detail
• Comprehensive service from design to installation
• Long-lasting, beautiful results that add value to your home

If you’d like to find out more about working with Reddish Joinery on your next home improvement project, get in touch today. For more information about our conservatories, orangeries or any of our products or services call 0161 969 7474 or send us a message online and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.