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
| 16x24 ft Cathedral Ceiling Pavilion Plan | 16x20 ft Timber Frame Pavilion Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pavilions | Pavilions |
| Style | Cathedral Ceiling | Timber Frame |
| Footprint | 16x24 ft (384 sq ft) | 16x20 ft (320 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Douglas Fir | Mahogany |
| Roof finish | asphalt architectural shingles | clear EPDM membrane |
| Difficulty | Advanced | Beginner |
| Build time | ~65 hrs | ~21 hrs |
| Materials cost | $16,050–$25,100 | $29,550–$46,200 |
| 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 16x24 ft Cathedral Ceiling Pavilion Plan lands in the $16,050–$25,100 range for materials in Douglas Fir, while the 16x20 ft Timber Frame Pavilion Plan runs $29,550–$46,200 in Mahogany. The first plan is approximately 84% more expensive at typical 2026 lumber-yard pricing — driven mostly by the choice of Mahogany over Douglas Fir and the difference in cubic concrete volume between 6 and 6 footings.
Labor & difficulty
At ~65 hours, the 16x24 ft Cathedral Ceiling Pavilion Plan is rated Advanced. The 16x20 ft Timber Frame Pavilion Plan takes ~21 hours and is rated Beginner. The labor delta is roughly 44 hours, or one extra working day on the 16x24 ft Cathedral Ceiling Pavilion Plan. If you are newer to outdoor woodworking, the 16x20 ft Timber Frame Pavilion Plan is the safer pick — it uses simpler joinery and fewer compound cuts.
Footprint & site fit
At 384 sq ft vs 320 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 16x24 ft Cathedral Ceiling Pavilion Plan needs a clear area of approximately 20×28 ft and the 16x20 ft Timber Frame Pavilion Plan needs 20×24 ft.
Material & durability
The 16x24 ft Cathedral Ceiling Pavilion Plan is built from Douglas Fir, while the 16x20 ft Timber Frame Pavilion 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, 16x24 ft Cathedral Ceiling Pavilion 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 16x24 ft Cathedral Ceiling Pavilion Plan page and the complete 16x20 ft Timber Frame Pavilion Plan page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.