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
| 4x6 ft Bench-Built Arbor Plan | 4x6 ft Farmhouse Gate Arbor Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Arbors | Arbors |
| Style | Bench-Built | Farmhouse Gate |
| Footprint | 4x6 ft (24 sq ft) | 4x6 ft (24 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Western Red Cedar | Mahogany |
| Roof finish | asphalt architectural shingles | standing-seam metal roofing |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Beginner |
| Build time | ~52 hrs | ~10 hrs |
| Materials cost | $400–$625 | $725–$1,125 |
| Footing depth | 36″ × 2 posts | 36″ × 2 posts |
| Concrete | 4 × 60-lb bags | 4 × 60-lb bags |
| Cut-list items | 5 | 5 |
| Build steps | 9 | 9 |
Cost & budget
The 4x6 ft Bench-Built Arbor Plan lands in the $400–$625 range for materials in Western Red Cedar, while the 4x6 ft Farmhouse Gate Arbor Plan runs $725–$1,125 in Mahogany. The first plan is approximately 80% more expensive at typical 2026 lumber-yard pricing — driven mostly by the choice of Mahogany over Western Red Cedar and the difference in cubic concrete volume between 2 and 2 footings.
Labor & difficulty
At ~52 hours, the 4x6 ft Bench-Built Arbor Plan is rated Intermediate. The 4x6 ft Farmhouse Gate Arbor Plan takes ~10 hours and is rated Beginner. The labor delta is roughly 42 hours, or one extra working day on the 4x6 ft Bench-Built Arbor Plan. If you are newer to outdoor woodworking, the 4x6 ft Farmhouse Gate Arbor Plan is the safer pick — it uses simpler joinery and fewer compound cuts.
Footprint & site fit
At 24 sq ft vs 24 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 4x6 ft Bench-Built Arbor Plan needs a clear area of approximately 8×10 ft and the 4x6 ft Farmhouse Gate Arbor Plan needs 8×10 ft.
Material & durability
The 4x6 ft Bench-Built Arbor Plan is built from Western Red Cedar, while the 4x6 ft Farmhouse Gate Arbor 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, 4x6 ft Bench-Built Arbor 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 4x6 ft Bench-Built Arbor Plan page and the complete 4x6 ft Farmhouse Gate Arbor Plan page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.