Frequently asked questions

Akeley is a specialist manufacturer rather than a reseller of standard-size lanterns. We design the lantern around your project, produce detailed CAD before manufacture, machine components accurately on our CNC equipment and finish the product with traditional joinery in our own workshop near Milton Keynes.

Our roof lanterns combine a hardwood interior with powder-coated aluminium external capping, giving you the appearance and character of timber internally while using a durable external weathering detail. You can also choose the timber, glass specification, colour, vents and architectural details rather than being limited to a small set of standard configurations.

Yes. We supply roof lanterns nationwide from our workshop near Milton Keynes to homeowners, builders, developers and trade customers. Delivery is arranged around the size of the product and the requirements of the project.

We can manufacture in sapele, oak or Accoya. Sapele is our standard hardwood. Oak is available where a more traditional natural timber appearance is wanted, while Accoya is available as a high-performance modified timber option. We can advise which is most appropriate for the finish and exposure of the project.

Yes. Roof lanterns are designed to suit the finished external dimensions of the upstand. We also consider bay spacing, symmetry, vent positions, ridge length, pitch and the visual relationship between the lantern and the room below. If the opening is still being built, we can often suggest small dimensional adjustments that produce cleaner, more even rafter spacing.

There is a broad choice. We can discuss the full current TuffX Ambience conservatory and roof-glass range, including options intended for solar control, different tints, glare reduction, improved thermal performance, privacy and self-cleaning performance. Examples include Ambi Neutral, Aqua, Blue, Bronze, Sunshade, Ultra, Max, Satin Privacy and triple-glazed options. Exact availability depends on glass size, build-up and the structural requirements of the individual project.

Yes. Depending on the lantern geometry, we can design manual or electrically operated opening vents. Electric options can be configured with suitable controls and sensors. Vent width, position and whether a purlin is required are considered as part of the lantern design rather than added as an afterthought.

Options can include finials, pendants, decorative bosses, internal cornice or panelling, plant-on glazing bars, opening vents and different external cap colours. Not every detail suits every size or bay layout, so we confirm compatibility during design.

We use Teknos water-based coatings and can match a very wide range of opaque colours, including RAL, Farrow & Ball and Dulux references. Natural timber stain finishes are also available where appropriate. Internal and external colours can be discussed to suit the project.

The most useful starting point is the proposed external upstand size, together with any drawings or sketches, your project postcode and any preferences for pitch, vents, timber, colour or glazing. If the opening has not yet been built, tell us that too — it gives us more freedom to optimise the bay spacing and overall proportions.

Our core service is design, manufacture and supply. We do not carry out the building works or site installation ourselves, but we can provide details of independent installers where appropriate. This keeps responsibility for manufacturing with us while allowing the site work to be handled by contractors local to the project.

No. Roof lanterns are a major focus, but we also manufacture bespoke hardwood conservatories, orangeries, casement and flush sash windows, French doors and bifold doors. This is useful where a project needs the lantern and surrounding joinery to share the same timber, colour and design language.

Yes. Made-to-measure manufacture is fundamental to how we work. We are not restricted to a small catalogue of standard frame or lantern sizes, although glass limits, structural requirements and practical manufacturing constraints still apply.

We can offer a wide selection of handles, stays, latches and door furniture, including suitable products from From The Anvil and Hardwick. The final choice depends on the product, required finish and hardware compatibility, so we confirm the specification before manufacture.

Our main timber structure carries a 10-year guarantee and the paint finish carries a 5-year guarantee, subject to the supplied maintenance requirements. Glass, locks, ironmongery and other bought-in components are covered by the relevant manufacturers’ guarantees.

The payment schedule is stated clearly on the quotation and order confirmation. A deposit is required before drawings and manufacture proceed, with the remaining balance due in accordance with the agreed terms before release or delivery.

Lead time depends on current workshop capacity, the product and the level of customisation. We confirm the current lead time with the quotation or order. Manufacture starts after the required deposit and drawing approval have been received.

We prepare detailed drawings for approval before manufacture. This stage is where dimensions, bay layouts, openings, colours and other options are checked. Once the drawings are approved, the job is released to manufacture and we coordinate delivery as completion approaches.

No. Professional drawings are helpful but not essential for an initial quotation. Clear sketches, approximate sizes and photographs can often be enough to establish a budget, although accurate final dimensions are required before manufacture.

These depend on the property and the wider project. Akeley supplies the joinery product; planning, structural design and building-control matters for the building works should be confirmed with your architect, builder, structural engineer, local authority or other suitably qualified adviser.

We use timber from responsibly managed sources and work to minimise manufacturing waste, including recycling suitable timber waste from production. Timber is also repairable and maintainable over a long service life. More detail is available on our sustainability page.