If you have narrowed your shortlist to two specific designs, this is exactly the kind of decision where a side-by-side spec view saves a weekend of second-guessing. Both plans below are complete, code-aware DIY builds, but they differ on the things that matter for a backyard project — total cost, raw labor hours, footprint, and the wood species on the cut list.
Side-by-side specs
| 14x14 ft 5-Point Overlapping Shade Sail Frame Plan (Western Red Cedar) | 14x14 ft Drop-Down Awning Sail Shade Sail Frame Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Shade Sail Frames | Shade Sail Frames |
| Style | 5-Point Overlapping | Drop-Down Awning Sail |
| Footprint | 14x14 ft (196 sq ft) | 14x14 ft (196 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Western Red Cedar | Mahogany |
| Roof finish | tensioned 320-gsm shade sail fabric | tensioned 320-gsm shade sail fabric |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Beginner |
| Build time | ~35 hrs | ~18 hrs |
| Materials cost | $2,525–$3,950 | $4,600–$7,200 |
| Footing depth | 48″ × 4 posts | 48″ × 4 posts |
| Concrete | 12 × 60-lb bags | 12 × 60-lb bags |
| Cut-list items | 4 | 4 |
| Build steps | 9 | 9 |
Cost & budget
The 14x14 ft 5-Point Overlapping Shade Sail Frame Plan (Western Red Cedar) lands in the $2,525–$3,950 range for materials in Western Red Cedar, while the 14x14 ft Drop-Down Awning Sail Shade Sail Frame Plan runs $4,600–$7,200 in Mahogany. The first plan is approximately 83% more expensive at typical 2026 lumber-yard pricing — driven mostly by the choice of Mahogany over Western Red Cedar and the difference in cubic concrete volume between 4 and 4 footings.
Labor & difficulty
At ~35 hours, the 14x14 ft 5-Point Overlapping Shade Sail Frame Plan (Western Red Cedar) is rated Intermediate. The 14x14 ft Drop-Down Awning Sail Shade Sail Frame Plan takes ~18 hours and is rated Beginner. The labor delta is roughly 17 hours, or one extra working day on the 14x14 ft 5-Point Overlapping Shade Sail Frame Plan (Western Red Cedar). If you are newer to outdoor woodworking, the 14x14 ft Drop-Down Awning Sail Shade Sail Frame Plan is the safer pick — it uses simpler joinery and fewer compound cuts.
Footprint & site fit
At 196 sq ft vs 196 sq ft, you are choosing between a generous patio cover and a generous patio cover. Allow at least 24 inches of clearance on every side for furniture and walking paths — that means the 14x14 ft 5-Point Overlapping Shade Sail Frame Plan (Western Red Cedar) needs a clear area of approximately 18×18 ft and the 14x14 ft Drop-Down Awning Sail Shade Sail Frame Plan needs 18×18 ft.
Material & durability
The 14x14 ft 5-Point Overlapping Shade Sail Frame Plan (Western Red Cedar) is built from Western Red Cedar, while the 14x14 ft Drop-Down Awning Sail Shade Sail Frame Plan calls for Mahogany. The species choice drives the cost delta and the maintenance schedule. Pressure-treated southern yellow pine is the cheapest and most rot-tolerant for in-ground posts; western red cedar is the DIY favorite for visible parts; redwood and white oak are heritage choices that command a premium.
Verdict
For a builder weighing these two specifically, 14x14 ft 5-Point Overlapping Shade Sail Frame Plan (Western Red Cedar) is the clear budget pick. If both fit your budget and yard, default to the design whose style language matches the rest of your house — a Craftsman bungalow looks awkward beside a modern slatted pergola, and vice versa.
Read each plan in full before committing: the complete 14x14 ft 5-Point Overlapping Shade Sail Frame Plan (Western Red Cedar) page and the complete 14x14 ft Drop-Down Awning Sail Shade Sail Frame Plan page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.