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
| 10x14 ft Farmhouse Pergola Plan | 14x18 ft Hot Tub Pavilion Plan (Cypress) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pergolas | Pavilions |
| Style | Farmhouse | Hot Tub Pavilion |
| Footprint | 10x14 ft (140 sq ft) | 14x18 ft (252 sq ft) |
| Wood species | White Oak | Cypress |
| Roof finish | retractable canvas awning | open lattice rafters |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Beginner |
| Build time | ~44 hrs | ~20 hrs |
| Materials cost | $4,850–$7,600 | $13,300–$20,775 |
| Footing depth | 36″ × 4 posts | 36″ × 6 posts |
| Concrete | 8 × 60-lb bags | 12 × 60-lb bags |
| Cut-list items | 5 | 7 |
| Build steps | 11 | 12 |
Cost & budget
The 10x14 ft Farmhouse Pergola Plan lands in the $4,850–$7,600 range for materials in White Oak, while the 14x18 ft Hot Tub Pavilion Plan (Cypress) runs $13,300–$20,775 in Cypress. The first plan is approximately 174% more expensive at typical 2026 lumber-yard pricing — driven mostly by the choice of Cypress over White Oak and the difference in cubic concrete volume between 4 and 6 footings.
Labor & difficulty
At ~44 hours, the 10x14 ft Farmhouse Pergola Plan is rated Intermediate. The 14x18 ft Hot Tub Pavilion Plan (Cypress) takes ~20 hours and is rated Beginner. The labor delta is roughly 24 hours, or one extra working day on the 10x14 ft Farmhouse Pergola 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 140 sq ft vs 252 sq ft, you are choosing between a generous patio cover and a full outdoor room. Allow at least 24 inches of clearance on every side for furniture and walking paths — that means the 10x14 ft Farmhouse Pergola Plan needs a clear area of approximately 14×18 ft and the 14x18 ft Hot Tub Pavilion Plan (Cypress) needs 18×22 ft.
Material & durability
The 10x14 ft Farmhouse Pergola Plan is built from White Oak, 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, 10x14 ft Farmhouse 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 10x14 ft Farmhouse Pergola 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.