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
| 12x12 ft Asian-Inspired Pergola Plan | 12x12 ft Craftsman Pergola Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pergolas | Pergolas |
| Style | Asian-Inspired | Craftsman |
| Footprint | 12x12 ft (144 sq ft) | 12x12 ft (144 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Pressure-Treated Pine | Pressure-Treated Pine |
| Roof finish | tensioned 320-gsm shade sail fabric | aluminum louvered system |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Beginner |
| Build time | ~25 hrs | ~11 hrs |
| Materials cost | $2,750–$4,275 | $2,750–$4,275 |
| 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 12x12 ft Asian-Inspired Pergola Plan lands in the $2,750–$4,275 range for materials in Pressure-Treated Pine, while the 12x12 ft Craftsman Pergola Plan runs $2,750–$4,275 in Pressure-Treated Pine. The second plan is approximately 0% more expensive at typical 2026 lumber-yard pricing — driven mostly by the choice of Pressure-Treated Pine over Pressure-Treated Pine and the difference in cubic concrete volume between 4 and 4 footings.
Labor & difficulty
At ~25 hours, the 12x12 ft Asian-Inspired Pergola Plan is rated Intermediate. The 12x12 ft Craftsman Pergola Plan takes ~11 hours and is rated Beginner. The labor delta is roughly 14 hours, or one extra working day on the 12x12 ft Asian-Inspired Pergola Plan. If you are newer to outdoor woodworking, the 12x12 ft Craftsman Pergola Plan is the safer pick — it uses simpler joinery and fewer compound cuts.
Footprint & site fit
At 144 sq ft vs 144 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 12x12 ft Asian-Inspired Pergola Plan needs a clear area of approximately 16×16 ft and the 12x12 ft Craftsman Pergola Plan needs 16×16 ft.
Material & durability
The 12x12 ft Asian-Inspired Pergola Plan is built from Pressure-Treated Pine, while the 12x12 ft Craftsman Pergola Plan calls for Pressure-Treated Pine. 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, 12x12 ft Craftsman Pergola 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 12x12 ft Asian-Inspired Pergola Plan page and the complete 12x12 ft Craftsman Pergola Plan page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.