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 Modern Slatted Pergola Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pergolas | Pergolas |
| Style | Asian-Inspired | Modern Slatted |
| Footprint | 8x8 ft (64 sq ft) | 16x20 ft (320 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Cypress | White Oak |
| Roof finish | tongue-and-groove cedar planks | asphalt architectural shingles |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Beginner |
| Build time | ~46 hrs | ~18 hrs |
| Materials cost | $1,725–$2,700 | $11,125–$17,375 |
| 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 8x8 ft Asian-Inspired Pergola Plan lands in the $1,725–$2,700 range for materials in Cypress, while the 16x20 ft Modern Slatted Pergola Plan runs $11,125–$17,375 in White Oak. The first plan is approximately 547% more expensive at typical 2026 lumber-yard pricing — driven mostly by the choice of White Oak 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 Modern Slatted Pergola Plan takes ~18 hours and is rated Beginner. The labor delta is roughly 28 hours, or one extra working day on the 8x8 ft Asian-Inspired Pergola Plan. If you are newer to outdoor woodworking, the 16x20 ft Modern Slatted 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 Modern Slatted Pergola Plan needs 20×24 ft.
Material & durability
The 8x8 ft Asian-Inspired Pergola Plan is built from Cypress, while the 16x20 ft Modern Slatted Pergola Plan calls for White Oak. 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 Modern Slatted Pergola Plan page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.