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
| 8x8 ft Farmhouse Pergola Plan | 8x8 ft Farmhouse Pergola Plan (Redwood) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pergolas | Pergolas |
| Style | Farmhouse | Farmhouse |
| Footprint | 8x8 ft (64 sq ft) | 8x8 ft (64 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Redwood | Redwood |
| Roof finish | cedar shake shingles | HDPE shade cloth canopy |
| Difficulty | Advanced | Advanced |
| Build time | ~159 hrs | ~106 hrs |
| Materials cost | $2,075–$3,250 | $2,075–$3,250 |
| 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 8x8 ft Farmhouse Pergola Plan lands in the $2,075–$3,250 range for materials in Redwood, while the 8x8 ft Farmhouse Pergola Plan (Redwood) runs $2,075–$3,250 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 ~159 hours, the 8x8 ft Farmhouse Pergola Plan is rated Advanced. The 8x8 ft Farmhouse Pergola Plan (Redwood) takes ~106 hours and is rated Advanced. The labor delta is roughly 53 hours, or one extra working day on the 8x8 ft Farmhouse 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 64 sq ft vs 64 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 8x8 ft Farmhouse Pergola Plan needs a clear area of approximately 12×12 ft and the 8x8 ft Farmhouse Pergola Plan (Redwood) needs 12×12 ft.
Material & durability
The 8x8 ft Farmhouse Pergola Plan is built from Redwood, while the 8x8 ft Farmhouse Pergola Plan (Redwood) 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, 8x8 ft Farmhouse Pergola Plan (Redwood) 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 8x8 ft Farmhouse Pergola Plan page and the complete 8x8 ft Farmhouse Pergola Plan (Redwood) page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.