How Much Do Aluminium Roof Lanterns Cost in the UK? (2026 Guide)
Most homeowners pay 1,200 to 4,500 pounds supply-only for an aluminium roof lantern in 2026, or roughly 1,800 to 6,000 pounds fitted. Here is what drives the price by size and how to get your exact figure online.
Most homeowners in the UK spend between £1,200 and £4,500 supply-only on an aluminium roof lantern in 2026, and roughly £1,800 to £6,000 fitted, depending mainly on the size, the glass and the roof works involved. This guide breaks down the price by size, what pushes it up, and how to get your exact figure in minutes.
Aluminium roof lantern price guide by size (2026):
| Size (approx) | Supply only | Supply & fit |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0m x 1.0m | £1,200 – £2,200 | £1,800 – £3,200 |
| 1.5m x 1.0m | £1,500 – £2,800 | £2,200 – £4,000 |
| 2.0m x 1.0m | £1,900 – £3,400 | £2,700 – £4,800 |
| 2.5m x 1.5m | £2,600 – £4,500 | £3,600 – £6,000 |
| 3.0m x 2.0m+ | from £3,500 | from £5,000 |
These are typical UK prices for a thermally broken aluminium roof lantern. Fitting a lantern usually takes a two-person team two to three days at roughly £1,200 per day, and you may need scaffolding (around £875 on a two-storey home). You can configure your exact price online in minutes.
What affects the price of a roof lantern
Size. The biggest driver. A larger lantern uses more aluminium and bigger, heavier glass units, and needs a larger, stronger roof opening.
Glass specification. Standard double glazing is the baseline. Solar-control glass to reduce overheating, self-cleaning coatings, and triple glazing all add cost, and are worth considering on a south-facing roof.
Roof and structural work. The lantern sits on an upstand (kerb) built on your flat roof. If the opening needs forming or strengthening, that is a separate builder cost on top of the lantern itself.
Colour and finish. A standard RAL colour such as anthracite grey is usually included or a small upcharge. Dual colour and non-standard finishes add cost.
Supply only vs supply and fit
Supply only is the lowest-cost route: you receive the made-to-measure lantern and your own builder installs it on the upstand, which they are usually building anyway as part of the extension. Supply and fit costs more but the installer handles everything. On most extension projects the builder is already on site, so supply only is often the better value.
How to keep the cost down
Buy supply only and use your existing builder, choose the size that suits the room rather than oversizing, stick to a standard RAL colour, and order direct from the manufacturer. Getting an exact online price up front avoids estimates that creep up.
Roof lantern or flat rooflight?
A roof lantern is a raised, pitched glass structure that makes a real feature of a ceiling, while a flat rooflight sits flush with the roof for a more minimal look and usually costs less. If you are weighing them up, see our guide to how much aluminium rooflights cost, or browse flat rooflights.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an aluminium roof lantern cost in the UK?
Most homeowners pay between £1,200 and £4,500 supply-only, or roughly £1,800 to £6,000 fitted, depending on the size, the glass and the roof works involved.
How much does it cost to fit a roof lantern?
Installation typically takes a two-person team two to three days at around £1,200 per day, so roughly £2,400 to £3,600, plus scaffolding if needed (around £875). Forming or strengthening the roof opening is a separate builder cost.
What size roof lantern do I need?
Common sizes run from about 1m x 1m up to 3m x 2m and beyond. As a rule the lantern should suit the room below and the roof opening. Bigger lanterns flood in more light but cost more.
Are aluminium roof lanterns better than uPVC?
Aluminium has far slimmer sightlines, so you get more glass and a more contemporary look, and it is stronger and holds its colour over decades. For a feature ceiling, most people choose aluminium.
Do roof lanterns add value to a home?
They can. A roof lantern over a kitchen-diner or extension makes the space brighter and more appealing to buyers, and is one of the most popular extension upgrades.
Ready to see your exact price? Configure your aluminium roof lantern online, choose your size, glass and colour, and watch the price update live. Free UK mainland delivery.
Author at SmartaView, writing about aluminium glazing, home improvements and the buying process.
