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• PVCu or wood

PVCu is the most popular choice for conservatories, as it is hard-wearing, a good insulator and almost maintenance free and available in many different styles and sizes. It is also usually the lowest cost option. White is the popular choice, but there are other PVCu options, such as mahogany and rose woodgrain to match your existing windows, or the colour of your house. Internally beaded windows - the glass is held in place from the inside - are considered the most secure. Depth or thickness of frame can differ, most are 60 - 65 mm, and the thicker the frames then generally the stronger they are.

Traditional hardwood and aluminium are also available in most designs of conservatory. Aluminium frames clad with PVCu are useful in roof structures where extra strength is required. Hardwood especially suits older or listed houses and requires regular maintenance.

Buy the best conservatory you can possibly afford. It is a marvellous investment, and will bring you years of pleasure, so if you can choose the best materials available - such as opting for a glass roof, or 24 or 25 mm polycarbonate, which will provide excellent insulation - it will pay you dividends over the years. Don't necessarily choose the lowest quotation. The cheapest supplier may not supply the best products available or the best service.