Working out roof lantern cost before you commit to a project saves a lot of stress later. Prices vary hugely between frame materials, brands and sizes. It is easy to overpay for engineering you do not actually need.
This guide breaks down real UK pricing, straight from the Skylights Roof Lanterns range. You will know exactly what you are paying for, and where you can save.
What Really Drives Roof Lantern Cost in the UK?
Four things move the needle on price. These are frame material, glazing specification, overall size, and brand. Aluminium frames cost more to manufacture than PVCu. Each one is cut, welded and powder-coated to order. Bigger openings need more structural bars and thicker glazing units, which pushes the price up. Bespoke sizes cost more than stock sizes too, simply because they take longer to build.
Wendland Roof Lantern Cost: The Transparent, Budget-Smart Choice
The Wendland Roof Lantern starts from £511.99. That makes it one of the most accessible ways to add a full lantern to a flat roof extension. It is built from UV-stabilised PVCu, with a fixed 20 degree pitch. A pre-assembled RidgeLOCK system keeps the fixings hidden.
That lower roof lantern price is not a compromise. Wendland uses fewer bars than many rivals, so more daylight gets through. The frame looks cleaner overhead too. Thermal rider rails and thermal clips are built in to control condensation. This matters most in kitchens, where moisture levels change quickly.
Brett Martin Roof Lantern Price: The Premium Aluminium Route
For a different look and a bigger budget, the Brett Martin Roof Lantern starts from £858.33. It is a well-specified, double-glazed option with a powder-coated aluminium frame. Colours include RAL 7016 anthracite, RAL 9010 white, and RAL 9005 black. That higher price reflects genuine engineering. Brett Martin's Low-E glazing reaches U-values as low as 1.7 W/m²K. That comfortably beats the 2.2 W/m²K limit set by Approved Document L.
Both product lines are manufactured to ISO 9001 standards. Choosing between them is not about one being better in every case.
It comes down to whether your budget calls for a raised aluminium statement, or a lighter structure that looks sharp for less.
Roof Lantern Price Compared: Specification at a Glance
The table below pulls specification detail straight from Skylights Roof Lanterns pages. It helps you weigh up value beyond the headline price.
|
Feature |
Wendland Roof Lantern |
Brett Martin Roof Lantern |
|
Frame material |
UV-stabilised PVCu |
Powder-coated aluminium |
|
Typical pitch |
Fixed 20 degrees |
Upstand pitch up to 5 degrees |
|
Glazing |
Toughened self-cleaning glass |
Low-E double glazing, U-value from 1.7 W/m²K |
|
Colour options |
White, grey, black PVCu |
RAL 7016, RAL 9010, RAL 9005 |
|
Standard warranty |
10 year manufacturer warranty |
10 year manufacturer warranty |
|
Standard lead time |
Fast dispatch on stock sizes |
3 to 5 working days for 4-pane clear glass |
Why Wendland Wins on Lead Time
Roof lantern cost is not only about the invoice total. Lead time affects your build programme too. This is where the gap between product lines becomes clear.
Wendland's PVCu construction uses standardised, pre-assembled parts. Stock sizes typically leave the warehouse fast. Many Skylights Roof Lanterns products dispatch within 48 hours across the UK mainland.
Bespoke aluminium systems cannot move that quickly. Brett Martin's bespoke sizes and alternative glazing options carry a 10 to 15 working day lead time. Each frame has to be cut and powder-coated to order. For a developer working to a tight programme, that difference can decide which product actually fits the schedule.
If you are still weighing this up, our orangery roof lantern guide covers sizing and pitch requirements in more detail.
Roof Lantern Cost for Developers and Trade Buyers
For developers and contractors running multiple plots, the roof lantern cost conversation looks a little different. Ordering the same specification across several units keeps site paperwork simple and avoids mismatched frames on a terrace or estate.
Working with one supplier for every plot also protects your programme. Skylights Roof Lanterns supports account purchasing and invoice payment for trade buyers. Cash flow does not have to depend on card payments at the point of order. Documented lead times make it easier to plan install dates with subcontractors ahead of time.
This matters just as much as the headline price. A lantern that arrives two weeks late can cost more in lost site days than the price gap between brands. Factor delivery reliability into your decision alongside the number on the quote.
Hidden Costs to Budget For
The headline number is only part of the picture. A few extras are worth budgeting for before you finalise a quote. Electric or manual opening vents add cost over a fixed unit. Solar control glass also carries a premium over standard toughened glazing. Neither is essential, but both change the final number.
Delivery to certain postcodes, particularly parts of Scotland and the South West, can carry an additional charge. This will not always show at checkout, so it is worth confirming upfront.
For the flat sections either side of a lantern, flat rooflights start from £163.00. Factor these in if your extension needs more than one type of glazing. Comparing this against premium roof window brands also helps with perspective.
Our VELUX alternatives guide shows where UK-made options like Brett Martin sit against premium imported names.
This is worth a look before you finalise a spec, especially on a larger project with several openings.
Getting an Accurate Price for Your Project
Every roof is different, so the fastest way to a genuine roof lantern cost is to send over your rough opening size. Include your preferred frame material too.
Standard sizes are usually the most cost-effective route. Bespoke dimensions take a little longer but open up the full range of the collection. If you want to compare live pricing, browse the roof lanterns collection to see current stock and specifications side by side.
Final Thoughts
Roof lantern cost comes down to a simple trade-off between material, glazing and lead time, not marketing gloss. Wendland delivers a genuinely capable PVCu lantern from £511.99, with fast dispatch and a 10 year warranty as standard. Brett Martin's aluminium range starts from £858.33, for buyers wanting a heavier frame who can wait a little longer. Neither is the wrong answer.
The right one depends on your budget, your timeline, and how the finished room needs to feel. If you would like a straight answer on roof lantern cost for your own project, call the team on 0204 538 3079.
For a straight, no-pressure conversation about your budget, you can also get in touch here.
