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
| 16x20 ft Cabana Pavilion Plan | 14x18 ft Hot Tub Pavilion Plan (Cypress) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pavilions | Pavilions |
| Style | Cabana | Hot Tub Pavilion |
| Footprint | 16x20 ft (320 sq ft) | 14x18 ft (252 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Douglas Fir | Cypress |
| Roof finish | asphalt architectural shingles | open lattice rafters |
| Difficulty | Advanced | Beginner |
| Build time | ~153 hrs | ~20 hrs |
| Materials cost | $13,375–$20,900 | $13,300–$20,775 |
| Footing depth | 36″ × 6 posts | 36″ × 6 posts |
| Concrete | 12 × 60-lb bags | 12 × 60-lb bags |
| Cut-list items | 7 | 7 |
| Build steps | 12 | 12 |
Cost & budget
The 16x20 ft Cabana Pavilion Plan lands in the $13,375–$20,900 range for materials in Douglas Fir, while the 14x18 ft Hot Tub Pavilion Plan (Cypress) runs $13,300–$20,775 in Cypress. The second plan is approximately 1% more expensive at typical 2026 lumber-yard pricing — driven mostly by the choice of Douglas Fir over Cypress and the difference in cubic concrete volume between 6 and 6 footings.
Labor & difficulty
At ~153 hours, the 16x20 ft Cabana Pavilion Plan is rated Advanced. The 14x18 ft Hot Tub Pavilion Plan (Cypress) takes ~20 hours and is rated Beginner. The labor delta is roughly 133 hours, or one extra working day on the 16x20 ft Cabana Pavilion Plan. If you are newer to outdoor woodworking, the 14x18 ft Hot Tub Pavilion Plan (Cypress) is the safer pick — it uses simpler joinery and fewer compound cuts.
Footprint & site fit
At 320 sq ft vs 252 sq ft, you are choosing between a full outdoor room and a full outdoor room. Allow at least 24 inches of clearance on every side for furniture and walking paths — that means the 16x20 ft Cabana Pavilion Plan needs a clear area of approximately 20×24 ft and the 14x18 ft Hot Tub Pavilion Plan (Cypress) needs 18×22 ft.
Material & durability
The 16x20 ft Cabana Pavilion Plan is built from Douglas Fir, while the 14x18 ft Hot Tub Pavilion Plan (Cypress) calls for Cypress. 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, 14x18 ft Hot Tub Pavilion Plan (Cypress) 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 16x20 ft Cabana Pavilion Plan page and the complete 14x18 ft Hot Tub Pavilion Plan (Cypress) page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.