A conservatory is a great choice if you’re looking to add some extra space or you just fancy creating a relaxing retreat where you can put your feet up and soak up some natural light. If you’ve settled on a conservatory, the first point you need to decide is the building material.
When it comes to choosing the material for your conservatory, your decision usually boils down to two options: wood or upvc. In truth, each of them comes with its own set of pros and cons, so let’s go over them to help make your decision that little bit more straightforward.
Wood
Pros
Durable
Constructed from hardwoods such as oak, sapele, idigbo and iroko, wooden conservatories are hardy constructions that are built to last. In fact, if maintained properly, some types of wood will outlast uPVC and aluminium frames, making them a great choice if longevity is an important factor.
Aesthetically Versatile
With various types of wood to choose from, each has its own distinctive finish, offering a degree of variety not found with uPVC.
Moreover, unlike uPVC, wood can be painted or varnished to suit the owner’s individual style. So when it comes to versatility, wood takes the victory hands down.
Visually Striking
Okay, so this one comes down to personal preference as style is obviously subjective. But with that said, it’s likely that most would agree that a wooden construction offers a luxurious aesthetic that’s difficult for a uPVC conservatory to top.
Cons
Cost
So one of the main drawbacks with a wooden conservatory is the cost, as they tend to be more expensive than uPVC options. For those with a higher budget, this might not be so much of an issue. But if you’re trying to find the most cost-effective options, then a wooden conservatory might not be the most suitable choice.
Maintenance
As mentioned above, with regular maintenance your wooden conservatory can flourish, and it could last even longer than a uPVC option. However, this maintenance is key, as without regular upkeep your conservatory will start to deteriorate over time.
This will affect not only the strength and sturdiness, but also the aesthetic of your conservatory. So regular staining and painting to protect against moisture, the sun and wood-boring bugs is essential.
Wood Rot
Even with regular maintenance, in rare circumstances any timber construction can encounter wood rot. This is usually down to poor installation, so assuming you’re hiring a reputable installation team then this shouldn’t be anything to worry about.
uPVC
Pros
Cost
Unlike wooden options, uPVC conservatories won’t break the bank and pound-for-pound they offer the best value on the market. So if price is a serious consideration, uPVC is probably the way to go!
Low Maintenance
If you’d rather avoid spending time cleaning or treating your conservatory, the low-maintenance uPVC material will probably suit you better. Unlike wood, it won’t need regular upkeep – a simple wipe down every once in a while to keep it looking clean will do just fine!
Resistant to Moisture
uPVC is resistant to moisture, making it a suitable choice if you live in an area that experiences frequent rainfall – such as right here in the good old United Kingdom, where rain is pretty much an everyday occurrence!
Cons
Less Attractive
Again, this is dependent on taste, but most would agree the appearance of uPVC is less attractive than that of wood. It’s also less versatile, so you can’t really paint or varnish it, which may be a tad underwhelming for the more creative types who’d like to give their space a unique look.
Not Eco-Friendly
If you’re someone who considers themselves to be environmentally conscious then you might want to look at other options. As materials go, sadly uPVC isn’t exactly the kindest on the planet as it gives off carbon emissions and isn’t biodegradable.
Limited Customisation
Although uPVC offers some design choices, it doesn’t provide the same level of customisation as wood. Custom shapes and intricate architectural details may be more challenging to achieve with uPVC, so if you’re hoping for something unique then you might struggle to find what you’re looking for.
So those are the main pros and cons of both types of conservatories, uPVC and wood. When it comes to choosing your building material, ultimately much of the choice comes down to personal preference.
Budget is also an important consideration, but hopefully you now have a better understanding of each type of conservatory and the decision has been simplified a little!