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
| 24x30 ft A-Frame Pavilion Plan | 20x30 ft Timber Frame Pavilion Plan (Mahogany) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pavilions | Pavilions |
| Style | A-Frame | Timber Frame |
| Footprint | 24x30 ft (720 sq ft) | 20x30 ft (600 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Roof finish | asphalt architectural shingles | open lattice rafters |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Build time | ~31 hrs | ~112 hrs |
| Materials cost | $66,525–$103,950 | $55,450–$86,625 |
| Footing depth | 36″ × 6 posts | 36″ × 6 posts |
| Concrete | 12 × 60-lb bags | 12 × 60-lb bags |
| Cut-list items | 7 | 7 |
| Build steps | 12 | 12 |
Cost & budget
The 24x30 ft A-Frame Pavilion Plan lands in the $66,525–$103,950 range for materials in Mahogany, while the 20x30 ft Timber Frame Pavilion Plan (Mahogany) runs $55,450–$86,625 in Mahogany. The second plan is approximately 20% more expensive at typical 2026 lumber-yard pricing — driven mostly by the choice of Mahogany over Mahogany and the difference in cubic concrete volume between 6 and 6 footings.
Labor & difficulty
At ~31 hours, the 24x30 ft A-Frame Pavilion Plan is rated Intermediate. The 20x30 ft Timber Frame Pavilion Plan (Mahogany) takes ~112 hours and is rated Advanced. The labor delta is roughly 81 hours, or one extra working day on the 20x30 ft Timber Frame Pavilion Plan (Mahogany). If you are newer to outdoor woodworking, the 20x30 ft Timber Frame Pavilion Plan (Mahogany) is the safer pick — it uses simpler joinery and fewer compound cuts.
Footprint & site fit
At 720 sq ft vs 600 sq ft, you are choosing between a full outdoor room and a full outdoor room. Allow at least 24 inches of clearance on every side for furniture and walking paths — that means the 24x30 ft A-Frame Pavilion Plan needs a clear area of approximately 28×34 ft and the 20x30 ft Timber Frame Pavilion Plan (Mahogany) needs 24×34 ft.
Material & durability
The 24x30 ft A-Frame Pavilion Plan is built from Mahogany, while the 20x30 ft Timber Frame Pavilion Plan (Mahogany) calls for Mahogany. Both plans share the same species, so you can buy from a single lumber order if you build them in sequence — a common move for homeowners adding both a primary structure and a complementary screen or arbor.
Verdict
For a builder weighing these two specifically, 24x30 ft A-Frame Pavilion Plan is the faster build. 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 24x30 ft A-Frame Pavilion Plan page and the complete 20x30 ft Timber Frame Pavilion Plan (Mahogany) page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.