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
| 14x20 ft Arched-Top Pergola Plan (Black Locust) | 14x20 ft Craftsman Pergola Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pergolas | Pergolas |
| Style | Arched-Top | Craftsman |
| Footprint | 14x20 ft (280 sq ft) | 14x20 ft (280 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Black Locust | Mahogany |
| Roof finish | corrugated polycarbonate panels | cedar shake shingles |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate |
| Build time | ~11 hrs | ~47 hrs |
| Materials cost | $10,350–$16,150 | $13,175–$20,600 |
| Footing depth | 36″ × 4 posts | 36″ × 4 posts |
| Concrete | 8 × 60-lb bags | 8 × 60-lb bags |
| Cut-list items | 5 | 5 |
| Build steps | 11 | 11 |
Cost & budget
The 14x20 ft Arched-Top Pergola Plan (Black Locust) lands in the $10,350–$16,150 range for materials in Black Locust, while the 14x20 ft Craftsman Pergola Plan runs $13,175–$20,600 in Mahogany. The first plan is approximately 27% more expensive at typical 2026 lumber-yard pricing — driven mostly by the choice of Mahogany over Black Locust and the difference in cubic concrete volume between 4 and 4 footings.
Labor & difficulty
At ~11 hours, the 14x20 ft Arched-Top Pergola Plan (Black Locust) is rated Beginner. The 14x20 ft Craftsman Pergola Plan takes ~47 hours and is rated Intermediate. The labor delta is roughly 36 hours, or one extra working day on the 14x20 ft Craftsman Pergola Plan. If you are newer to outdoor woodworking, the 14x20 ft Arched-Top Pergola Plan (Black Locust) is the safer pick — it uses simpler joinery and fewer compound cuts.
Footprint & site fit
At 280 sq ft vs 280 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 14x20 ft Arched-Top Pergola Plan (Black Locust) needs a clear area of approximately 18×24 ft and the 14x20 ft Craftsman Pergola Plan needs 18×24 ft.
Material & durability
The 14x20 ft Arched-Top Pergola Plan (Black Locust) is built from Black Locust, while the 14x20 ft Craftsman Pergola 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, 14x20 ft Arched-Top Pergola Plan (Black Locust) 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 14x20 ft Arched-Top Pergola Plan (Black Locust) page and the complete 14x20 ft Craftsman Pergola Plan page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.