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 | 16x20 ft Gabled Pergola Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pergolas | Pergolas |
| Style | Asian-Inspired | Gabled |
| Footprint | 8x8 ft (64 sq ft) | 16x20 ft (320 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Cypress | Mahogany |
| Roof finish | tongue-and-groove cedar planks | corrugated polycarbonate panels |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Beginner |
| Build time | ~46 hrs | ~20 hrs |
| Materials cost | $1,725–$2,700 | $15,050–$23,525 |
| 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 16x20 ft Gabled Pergola Plan runs $15,050–$23,525 in Mahogany. The first plan is approximately 776% more expensive at typical 2026 lumber-yard pricing — driven mostly by the choice of Mahogany 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 16x20 ft Gabled Pergola Plan takes ~20 hours and is rated Beginner. The labor delta is roughly 26 hours, or one extra working day on the 8x8 ft Asian-Inspired Pergola Plan. If you are newer to outdoor woodworking, the 16x20 ft Gabled Pergola Plan is the safer pick — it uses simpler joinery and fewer compound cuts.
Footprint & site fit
At 64 sq ft vs 320 sq ft, you are choosing between a focal-point garden structure and a full outdoor room. 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 16x20 ft Gabled Pergola Plan needs 20×24 ft.
Material & durability
The 8x8 ft Asian-Inspired Pergola Plan is built from Cypress, while the 16x20 ft Gabled 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, 8x8 ft Asian-Inspired 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 8x8 ft Asian-Inspired Pergola Plan page and the complete 16x20 ft Gabled Pergola Plan page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.