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
| 12x14 ft Cantilevered Pergola Plan | 12x14 ft Mission Pergola Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pergolas | Pergolas |
| Style | Cantilevered | Mission |
| Footprint | 12x14 ft (168 sq ft) | 12x14 ft (168 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Redwood | Redwood |
| Roof finish | corrugated polycarbonate panels | standing-seam metal roofing |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Beginner |
| Build time | ~14 hrs | ~14 hrs |
| Materials cost | $5,450–$8,525 | $5,450–$8,525 |
| 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 12x14 ft Cantilevered Pergola Plan lands in the $5,450–$8,525 range for materials in Redwood, while the 12x14 ft Mission Pergola Plan runs $5,450–$8,525 in Redwood. The second plan is approximately 0% more expensive at typical 2026 lumber-yard pricing — driven mostly by the choice of Redwood over Redwood and the difference in cubic concrete volume between 4 and 4 footings.
Labor & difficulty
At ~14 hours, the 12x14 ft Cantilevered Pergola Plan is rated Beginner. The 12x14 ft Mission Pergola Plan takes ~14 hours and is rated Beginner. The labor delta is roughly 0 hours, or one extra working day on the 12x14 ft Mission Pergola Plan. Both plans require the same skill level, so the deciding factor is footprint and aesthetics rather than your comfort with carpentry.
Footprint & site fit
At 168 sq ft vs 168 sq ft, you are choosing between a generous patio cover and a generous patio cover. Allow at least 24 inches of clearance on every side for furniture and walking paths — that means the 12x14 ft Cantilevered Pergola Plan needs a clear area of approximately 16×18 ft and the 12x14 ft Mission Pergola Plan needs 16×18 ft.
Material & durability
The 12x14 ft Cantilevered Pergola Plan is built from Redwood, while the 12x14 ft Mission Pergola Plan calls for Redwood. Both plans share the same species, so you can buy from a single lumber order if you build them in sequence — a common move for homeowners adding both a primary structure and a complementary screen or arbor.
Verdict
For a builder weighing these two specifically, these two plans are close in cost and effort — your choice comes down to style and footprint. 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 12x14 ft Cantilevered Pergola Plan page and the complete 12x14 ft Mission Pergola Plan page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.