My kitchen used to be properly dark. Even with all the lights on it felt like a cave. Then I saw my mate’s timber roof lantern and everything clicked. His kitchen was flooded with natural light and just felt warmer somehow. That wooden-framed glass thing on his ceiling made all the difference.
What Are Timber Roof Lanterns?
It’s a raised glass structure sitting on your flat roof with wooden frames holding it all together. Instead of a boring flat ceiling, you get this glass box that sticks up and lets light pour in from the sides and top.
The timber frames are what set it apart. You could get aluminum or plastic but wood gives it actual character. The whole thing sits on your existing roof and catches light from different angles all day long.
Most people put them over kitchen extensions or dining areas. I’ve seen them in home offices too. Anywhere that needs more daylight. The timber makes it feel homely rather than industrial.
Natural Aesthetic Appeal
Wood just looks better than metal. When sunlight hits those timber frames you see the grain and texture. It has warmth to it. My brother went for aluminum to save money. His works fine but it’s a bit cold looking.
Get proper high quality rooflights with well-treated timber. The cheap stuff warps and rots within a few years. I learned that lesson with a garden shed. Engineered timber that’s been prepared for outdoor use costs more but actually survives British weather.
Wood also ages beautifully. My neighbor’s is seven years old now and looks better than when it was new. Got this lovely mellowed appearance. Aluminum just stays exactly the same forever.
Benefits of Choosing Timber
Timber keeps warmth in better than metal. Wood doesn’t conduct heat so you don’t get condensation dripping down inside during winter. I had metal window frames in my old flat and the condensation was awful. Puddles on the sills every single morning.
If the environment matters to you, timber is renewable and biodegradable. Get FSC certified wood and you know it’s from managed forests. Plastic frames will outlive us all in some landfill somewhere.
You can paint or stain timber any color. Mine are cream to match my windows. My cousin went dark brown. Try that with plastic. You’re stuck with whatever you bought.
Timber is also properly strong. You can have thinner frames than metal while still supporting heavy glass. Thinner frames mean more glass and more light coming through.
Boosting Natural Light
This is where roof lanterns really shine. Because it’s raised up, it catches light that would just hit your flat roof otherwise. Morning sun from one side, midday sun from above and evening light from the other side.
Your room stays naturally bright way longer. I barely turn my kitchen lights on during the day now. Maybe in deep winter on really grey days but that’s it.
Some people combine them with flat roof skylights for even more impact. Skylights give direct overhead light while the lantern catches side light and adds height. Together they completely open up a space.
My electricity bill dropped after installation. Not massively but I noticed it over a few months. Natural light is free once you’ve paid for the setup.
Easy Maintenance Tips
Timber needs looking after but it’s not difficult. Every few months I check the frames for worn patches in the paint. Spot something and touch it up with a brush. Takes ten minutes tops.
Glass cleaning is just normal window cleaner. The timber gets a wipe with a damp cloth when dusty. I use warm water with a bit of washing up liquid. Nothing harsh that might damage the finish.
Every couple of years I repaint the frames. Takes an afternoon. My dad usually helps because he’s better at painting. This keeps weather out and stops the wood going bad. Skip it and you’ll deal with rot later.
I also clear leaves from the drainage channels twice a year. Blocked drains mean standing water and that causes problems. Two minute job with a trowel.
Cost Considerations
They’re not cheap. Mine was about three and a half thousand including installation. That’s for a medium-sized one over my kitchen extension. Bigger costs more, smaller costs less.
Installation is a big part of the price because it needs doing right. A leaky roof is a nightmare. I got three quotes and picked the middle one. The cheapest worried me and the expensive one seemed like they were having a laugh.
It does add value to your house though. My neighbor works in property and she says a good roof lantern adds more value than it costs. Plus you actually get to enjoy it while living there, not just when selling up.
Energy savings help a bit too. Less electricity for lights and slightly less heating because of better insulation and solar gain. Over ten years that’s proper money. Not enough to cover the full cost but it takes the edge off.
Conclusion
Timber roof lanterns turn dark miserable rooms into spaces you want to be in. They cost a fair bit and need maintaining but the difference is massive. If you’re sick of gloomy rooms with lights on all day, this is worth considering. Best decision I made for my home.