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
| 8x8 ft Asian-Inspired Pergola Plan | 8x8 ft Farmhouse Pergola Plan (Redwood) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pergolas | Pergolas |
| Style | Asian-Inspired | Farmhouse |
| Footprint | 8x8 ft (64 sq ft) | 8x8 ft (64 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Cypress | Redwood |
| Roof finish | tongue-and-groove cedar planks | HDPE shade cloth canopy |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Build time | ~46 hrs | ~106 hrs |
| Materials cost | $1,725–$2,700 | $2,075–$3,250 |
| 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 8x8 ft Asian-Inspired Pergola Plan lands in the $1,725–$2,700 range for materials in Cypress, while the 8x8 ft Farmhouse Pergola Plan (Redwood) runs $2,075–$3,250 in Redwood. The first plan is approximately 21% more expensive at typical 2026 lumber-yard pricing — driven mostly by the choice of Redwood over Cypress and the difference in cubic concrete volume between 4 and 4 footings.
Labor & difficulty
At ~46 hours, the 8x8 ft Asian-Inspired Pergola Plan is rated Intermediate. The 8x8 ft Farmhouse Pergola Plan (Redwood) takes ~106 hours and is rated Advanced. The labor delta is roughly 60 hours, or one extra working day on the 8x8 ft Farmhouse Pergola Plan (Redwood). If you are newer to outdoor woodworking, the 8x8 ft Farmhouse Pergola Plan (Redwood) is the safer pick — it uses simpler joinery and fewer compound cuts.
Footprint & site fit
At 64 sq ft vs 64 sq ft, you are choosing between a focal-point garden structure and a focal-point garden structure. Allow at least 24 inches of clearance on every side for furniture and walking paths — that means the 8x8 ft Asian-Inspired Pergola Plan needs a clear area of approximately 12×12 ft and the 8x8 ft Farmhouse Pergola Plan (Redwood) needs 12×12 ft.
Material & durability
The 8x8 ft Asian-Inspired Pergola Plan is built from Cypress, while the 8x8 ft Farmhouse Pergola Plan (Redwood) 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, 8x8 ft Asian-Inspired 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 8x8 ft Asian-Inspired Pergola Plan page and the complete 8x8 ft Farmhouse Pergola Plan (Redwood) page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.