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 | 14x20 ft Arched-Top Pergola Plan (Black Locust) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pergolas | Pergolas |
| Style | Arched-Top | Arched-Top |
| Footprint | 14x20 ft (280 sq ft) | 14x20 ft (280 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Pressure-Treated Pine | Black Locust |
| Roof finish | aluminum louvered system | corrugated polycarbonate panels |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Beginner |
| Build time | ~21 hrs | ~11 hrs |
| Materials cost | $5,350–$8,350 | $10,350–$16,150 |
| 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 lands in the $5,350–$8,350 range for materials in Pressure-Treated Pine, while the 14x20 ft Arched-Top Pergola Plan (Black Locust) runs $10,350–$16,150 in Black Locust. The first plan is approximately 94% more expensive at typical 2026 lumber-yard pricing — driven mostly by the choice of Black Locust over Pressure-Treated Pine and the difference in cubic concrete volume between 4 and 4 footings.
Labor & difficulty
At ~21 hours, the 14x20 ft Arched-Top Pergola Plan is rated Beginner. The 14x20 ft Arched-Top Pergola Plan (Black Locust) takes ~11 hours and is rated Beginner. The labor delta is roughly 10 hours, or one extra working day on the 14x20 ft Arched-Top Pergola Plan. Both plans require the same skill level, so the deciding factor is footprint and aesthetics rather than your comfort with carpentry.
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 needs a clear area of approximately 18×24 ft and the 14x20 ft Arched-Top Pergola Plan (Black Locust) needs 18×24 ft.
Material & durability
The 14x20 ft Arched-Top Pergola Plan is built from Pressure-Treated Pine, while the 14x20 ft Arched-Top Pergola Plan (Black Locust) calls for Black Locust. 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 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 14x20 ft Arched-Top Pergola Plan page and the complete 14x20 ft Arched-Top Pergola Plan (Black Locust) page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.