Sun tunnels are a practical way to bring natural light into rooms where a conventional window isn't possible. Not sure what the cost could be? We look at the practicalities of getting a sun tunnel and give a good idea of what you could end up paying.

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Supply for a sun tunnel usually costs around £760 for a pitched roof and £865 for a flat roof.

Installation labour alone averages £480. Sun tunnels are a practical way to bring natural light into rooms where a conventional window isn't possible.

What is a sun tunnel?

A sun tunnel is a roof-mounted dome or panel connected to a highly reflective tube that channels daylight down into a room below. It’s ideal for windowless bathrooms, hallways and stairwells that can’t take a conventional window.

Unlike a skylight, a sun tunnel doesn’t require structural changes to ceiling joists or a full roof opening. You can also think about adding more light to your loft with windows if a full conversion is on your horizon.

Sun tunnels are sometimes called sky tunnels, light tunnels or sun tubes. All refer to the same product.

What sun tunnel options are there?

• Flexible tunnels

• Rigid tunnels

• Flat roof panels

• Domed roof panels

• Opening roof panels

• Fixed roof panels

What are other names for sun tunnels?

• Sky tunnels

• Light tunnels

• Sun tubes

How much does sun tunnel installation cost?

The table below shows 2026 supply and fit costs across the main job types with averages across the UK.

Installing a sun tunnel is a good option for dark or windowless areas of your home. The right product and a skilled roofer matter for the end result and long-term weatherproofing.

Velux sun tunnel installation cost

Velux is the best-known brand for sun tunnels in the UK. Their TLR (rigid tube) and TWF (flexible tube) systems are well regarded.

The average Velux sun tunnel installation cost varies widely, based on factors such as window type, ease of access, tube size and roof type.

See also Velux maintenance if you already have Velux products on your roof.

How long does sun tunnel installation take?

Most sun tunnel installations take a roofer half a day to a full day to complete.

A straightforward rigid-tube fit on a pitched roof is typically done in three to four hours. A flexible tube on a flat roof with more complex routing takes longer.

Your tradesperson should confirm the likely time when they quote. Not sure if a sun tunnel is right for you?

Skylight installation: Cost breakdown 2026

Do you want to get more natural daylight in a room of your house? Installing a skylight can help to brighten up your home, improve ventilation and bring down the costs of lighting.

Learn more

Factors affecting sun tunnel costs

The cost of a sun tunnel is shaped by a range of factors:

Type of tunnel and roof panel

You can choose from rigid or flexible tunnels and domed or flat roof panels. Each option has a different cost.

Tube diameter

Small rooms or stairways can benefit from a 10-inch diameter tube, while larger rooms need a wider tube. The greater the tube diameter, the higher the cost.

Length of the tunnel

Longer tunnels cost more than shorter ones. Whether the tunnel runs from the roof to the second or first floor affects the price.

Ease of access

Flexible tubes work well where the route from roof to ceiling isn’t a straight line. They can be fitted around obstacles in your loft, but they don’t let in as much light as rigid tubes and can take longer to install.

Location

Where you live affects the cost. Higher living costs in your area generally mean higher labour rates.

Roof type

A flat roof installation costs more than a pitched roof job because the flashing and panel type differ. Flat roof kits require a raised upstand, which adds to the materials cost. You can compare roof repair costs if your roof needs attention before installation.

What's included in a sun tunnel installation quote?

A standard sun tunnel installation quote typically covers:

• Supply of the tunnel kit (dome/panel, tube, diffuser)

• Cutting the roof opening and fitting the dome or panel with appropriate flashing

• Installing and securing the reflective tube through the loft space

• Fitting the ceiling diffuser and making good around it

• Disposal of any cut materials

What it usually doesn’t cover: scaffolding (if needed), making good any ceiling plaster, or VAT. Check all three with your tradesperson before accepting a quote.

Sun tunnel cost calculator

The total cost depends on the combination of factors above. Roof type, ease of access, and tube type and length have the biggest impact.

These are supply-only unit prices. You add installation labour (£260 - £680) on top for the all-in cost.

Want a better idea? Why not try out our dedicated pricing tool, which uses real costings from actual jobs.

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Additional sun tunnel costs

A few extras can add to the base cost:

Scaffolding

If a ladder isn’t safe access for your roof type, you may need tower scaffolding, which can add £250 per week depending on the size of your property. A flat roof extension or multi-storey property is more likely to need it.

Multiple tunnels

Installing two or three sun tunnels at the same time is more cost-efficient than separate visits. Ask your tradesperson for a combined quote.

Decorating

Once the ceiling diffuser is fitted, you may need to make good the plaster around it. Budget around £15 per m² for a fix if the cut-out leaves a gap.

Flat roof upstands

Flat roof installations require a raised upstand kit to prevent water pooling. This is typically included in the supply cost but worth confirming.

Every Checkatrade job is backed by our £1,000 guarantee

Up to £1000. Eligibility criteria and T&C’s apply.

Benefits of a sun tunnel

You may be wondering, are sun tunnels worth it?

Sun tunnels can:

• Improve physical and mental health: Our bodies turn sunlight into vitamin D, an essential vitamin for health, and bright, sunny rooms help increase serotonin and lift our spirits.

• Create a great focal point: Sun tunnels are still rare enough to impress your guests.

• Add value to your home: Buyers are drawn to light, open rooms over dark, dingy spaces.

• Make your home feel bigger: Light creates the illusion of space and a sun tunnel gives a constant supply of sunlight during the daytime.

• Channel natural light into dull or dark rooms: Terraced houses or small rooms with no windows always benefit from an injection of light.

• Reduce energy costs: All the natural sunlight filtered into your home cuts the need for artificial light, saving money on energy bills.

Sun tunnels work in almost any property type, from terraced houses to newer builds. The sections below cover whether they’re worth the investment and how to find a trusted roofer.

Are sun tunnels worth it?

For most homeowners, yes. Sun tunnels pay for themselves over time.

A bespoke supply-and-fit cost of around £1,200 - £2,100 is typically recouped through lower electricity bills and the uplift to natural light in previously gloomy rooms.

They’re especially worth it in windowless bathrooms, stairwells and north-facing extensions where conventional windows aren’t possible.

Find a roofer covering your area

Finding a roofer is easy with Checkatrade.

We check, verify and approve all of our members. All of the tradespeople in our directory meet our high quality standards.

Use our quick and easy request a quote feature and we’ll get experienced local roofers to contact you directly. To get accurate quotes, be as detailed as you can:

• The room you want to light (bathroom, hallway, loft, etc.)

• Whether you have a pitched or flat roof

• Any obstructions in the loft space (water tanks, beams)

• Whether scaffolding access will be needed

Can I install a sun tunnel myself?

It’s always important to consider your skill level and physical ability before taking on a DIY job.

Sun tunnel installation isn’t designed to be attempted without experience and training, for these reasons:

• It’s very dangerous to work on a roof due to the risk of falling or dropping heavy materials

• You’ll likely need specialist equipment, which may include scaffolding

• Your sun tunnel must be properly sealed to prevent leaks and draughts coming through your roof

• This isn’t a simple job - it involves removing roof tiles, attaching a panel, carefully installing the tunnel and more

We’d always recommend hiring a professional. Look for a roofer who has experience with Velux or Fakro systems and carries public liability insurance.

If you’re planning a bigger project at the same time, see our guide to loft conversion costs as sun tunnels are often fitted during conversions.

Sun tunnel cost checklist

Sun tunnel cost checklist

I know whether my roof is pitched or flat. The type affects both the product needed and the total cost.

I've measured the room I want to light and considered the tube diameter required (10" for small spaces, 14" for larger rooms).

I've checked whether my loft has any obstructions (water tanks, beams) that might require a flexible tube.

I've confirmed whether scaffolding will be needed for safe roof access.

I plan to get at least three quotes and compare what each includes (supply, fitting, VAT, making good).

I've asked each tradesperson whether they have experience with the brand of sun tunnel I'm considering.

Sun tunnel cost FAQs

Find roofers near me or use our request a quote feature to compare prices from vetted local professionals.

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