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) | 14x16 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pergolas | Pergolas |
| Style | Arched-Top | Tuscan Stone-Column |
| Footprint | 14x20 ft (280 sq ft) | 14x16 ft (224 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Black Locust | Redwood |
| Roof finish | corrugated polycarbonate panels | aluminum louvered system |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Advanced |
| Build time | ~11 hrs | ~56 hrs |
| Materials cost | $10,350–$16,150 | $7,275–$11,375 |
| 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 14x16 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan runs $7,275–$11,375 in Redwood. The second plan is approximately 42% more expensive at typical 2026 lumber-yard pricing — driven mostly by the choice of Black Locust over Redwood 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 14x16 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan takes ~56 hours and is rated Advanced. The labor delta is roughly 45 hours, or one extra working day on the 14x16 ft Tuscan Stone-Column 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 224 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 14x16 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan needs 18×20 ft.
Material & durability
The 14x20 ft Arched-Top Pergola Plan (Black Locust) is built from Black Locust, while the 14x16 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan calls for Redwood. 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 14x16 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.