Roof Lantern Installation Cost: A Full Breakdown
Installing a roof lantern in the UK typically costs £1,600 to £5,500 in 2026, including the lantern, a timber kerb, flashing and fitting. A small 1m by 1m lantern usually comes to £1,600 to £2,600, while a mid-sized 1.5m by 1m lantern is around £2,500 to £4,000. Size and whether the roof needs a new opening make the biggest difference.
Whether you're adding a lantern to a new extension or an existing flat roof, the total is made up of a few separate parts. Here's what each one costs, from the lantern itself to fitting and extras, so you can plan your budget and compare quotes with confidence.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Roof Lantern?
Most roof lantern installations in the UK cost £1,600 to £5,500 in total, based on BestBuilders' July 2026 cost guide. That covers the lantern, a timber kerb, flashing and the roofer's time.
Size has the biggest effect on the price. A small lantern of around 1m by 1m usually comes to £1,600 to £2,600 fitted. A mid-sized 1.5m by 1m lantern is around £2,500 to £4,000, while a large 2m by 1.5m lantern comes to £3,800 to £5,500. Made-to-measure lanterns over 2.5m long start from around £5,500.
Where the lantern goes matters too. Fitting it into an existing opening is quicker and costs less than creating a new one, which needs extra structural work.
How Much Does a Roof Lantern Cost to Buy?
The lantern is usually the largest single cost. Roof lanterns start at £673 ex VAT for a 1000x1000mm unit, or £807.60 including VAT. A 1500x1500mm lantern is £1,045 ex VAT. The largest standard size, 2000x4000mm, is £2,264 ex VAT.
Every lantern from Rooflights and Skylights UK has an insulated aluminium frame and double glazing, in Anthracite Grey, Pure White or Jet Black. Lanterns are delivered free to UK mainland addresses within 10 to 14 working days and each one comes with a 10-year guarantee.
Buying direct from a UK manufacturer also keeps pricing clear. You can see the cost of each size before you speak to a roofer, which makes fitting quotes easier to compare. If you're still deciding on style and size, choosing the right roof lantern for your property first helps you get accurate quotes.
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Labour for a small lantern typically costs £550 to £850. That rises to £700 to £1,000 for a mid-sized lantern and £900 to £1,300 for a large one. Many roofers work in pairs. MyJobQuote's October 2026 figures put a team of two at around £325 a day.
Time on site depends on the job. Fitting a lantern into an existing opening usually takes about a day. Creating a new opening, building the kerb and finishing the roof around it takes two to three days.
An experienced roofer makes the whole job easier. Asking the right questions before hiring a rooflight installer helps you compare experience as well as price.
What Extra Costs Should You Budget For?
The kerb, also called an upstand, is the raised frame the lantern is fixed to. A timber kerb usually adds £150 to £600, depending on the lantern size. Flashing and trims that seal it neatly to the roof add another £120 to £400.
For a roof with no opening yet, budget £400 to £1,200 for creating one, strengthening the roof around it and Building Control approval. The Building Control application fee is typically £200 to £300 in England and Wales.
Lanterns on a first-floor flat roof may need scaffolding, which usually adds £500 to £1,500. Most roof lanterns on houses fall under permitted development, as long as they sit no more than 150mm above the existing roof surface. A taller lantern, a listed building or a home in a conservation area may need planning permission, so check with your local council before ordering. Our planning permission guide for skylights covers the rules in full.
How Can You Get the Best Value From a Roof Lantern Installation?
Choose a standard size where you can. Standard lanterns cost less than made-to-measure units, so measuring the opening early helps you pick the right one from the start.
For a lower-cost option, a flat rooflight also brings in plenty of daylight. Extension rooflights start at £165 ex VAT for a 500x500mm frameless unit, with a 1000x1000mm frameless unit at £420 ex VAT.
Plan the lantern at the same time as the roof. If your extension is still being built, the builder can frame the opening and build the kerb as part of the roof work. This saves a separate visit and keeps the whole job in one schedule.
Summary: Roof Lantern Installation Costs at a Glance
|
Cost Item |
Typical Cost |
|
Roof lantern, 1000x1000mm to 2000x4000mm |
£673 to £2,264 ex VAT |
|
Roofer's labour |
£550 to £1,300 |
|
Timber kerb |
£150 to £600 |
|
Flashing and trims |
£120 to £400 |
|
New roof opening and Building Control |
£400 to £1,200 |
|
Scaffolding, if needed |
£500 to £1,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a roof lantern cost fitted?
- How long does it take to fit a roof lantern?
- Do you need Building Regulations approval for a roof lantern?
- Is a roof lantern more expensive than a flat rooflight?
- Can I fit a roof lantern myself?
- Can a roof lantern be fitted to an existing flat roof?
- What colours do roof lanterns come in?
- Is a roof lantern worth the investment?
Most roof lanterns cost £1,600 to £5,500 fitted in the UK in 2026. That includes the lantern, kerb, flashing and labour. A small 1m by 1m lantern usually comes to £1,600 to £2,600, while larger made-to-measure lanterns start from around £5,500.
Fitting a lantern into an existing opening usually takes about a day. If the roofer is creating a new opening and building the kerb, allow two to three days.
Yes, if a new opening is being created in the roof. The work needs to meet structural and energy efficiency standards and Building Control signs it off. The application fee is typically £200 to £300 in England and Wales.
A roof lantern usually costs more than a flat rooflight of a similar size. At Rooflights and Skylights UK, a 1000x1000mm roof lantern is £673 ex VAT, while a 1000x1000mm frameless flat rooflight is £420 ex VAT. A lantern brings in light from several angles and adds height to the room, which is why many homeowners choose one for kitchens and living spaces.
A qualified roofer or builder is the best choice for fitting a roof lantern. The lantern needs a level, waterproofed kerb and careful flashing to keep the roof watertight. A professional fit also keeps the work in line with Building Regulations.
Yes. A roofer can create an opening in most existing flat roofs, build a new kerb and fit the lantern, usually within two to three days. It's a popular way to bring more daylight into an extension without rebuilding the roof.
Roof lanterns from Rooflights and Skylights UK come in Anthracite Grey, Pure White and Jet Black. Each finish is applied to an insulated aluminium frame, so you can match the lantern to your windows, doors or roofline.
For many homes, yes. A roof lantern brings daylight in from several angles throughout the day and adds a sense of height to the room below, making kitchens and living spaces feel brighter and more open.