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
| 10x16 ft Grill Shelter Lean-To Shelter Plan (Black Locust) | 3x6 ft Japanese Torii Arbor Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Lean-To Shelters | Arbors |
| Style | Grill Shelter | Japanese Torii |
| Footprint | 10x16 ft (160 sq ft) | 3x6 ft (18 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Black Locust | Western Red Cedar |
| Roof finish | aluminum louvered system | corrugated polycarbonate panels |
| Difficulty | Advanced | Beginner |
| Build time | ~58 hrs | ~15 hrs |
| Materials cost | $4,650–$7,250 | $300–$475 |
| Footing depth | 36″ × 2 posts | 36″ × 2 posts |
| Concrete | 4 × 60-lb bags | 4 × 60-lb bags |
| Cut-list items | 5 | 5 |
| Build steps | 10 | 9 |
Cost & budget
The 10x16 ft Grill Shelter Lean-To Shelter Plan (Black Locust) lands in the $4,650–$7,250 range for materials in Black Locust, while the 3x6 ft Japanese Torii Arbor Plan runs $300–$475 in Western Red Cedar. The second plan is approximately 1447% more expensive at typical 2026 lumber-yard pricing — driven mostly by the choice of Black Locust over Western Red Cedar and the difference in cubic concrete volume between 2 and 2 footings.
Labor & difficulty
At ~58 hours, the 10x16 ft Grill Shelter Lean-To Shelter Plan (Black Locust) is rated Advanced. The 3x6 ft Japanese Torii Arbor Plan takes ~15 hours and is rated Beginner. The labor delta is roughly 43 hours, or one extra working day on the 10x16 ft Grill Shelter Lean-To Shelter Plan (Black Locust). If you are newer to outdoor woodworking, the 3x6 ft Japanese Torii Arbor Plan is the safer pick — it uses simpler joinery and fewer compound cuts.
Footprint & site fit
At 160 sq ft vs 18 sq ft, you are choosing between a generous patio cover and a focal-point garden structure. Allow at least 24 inches of clearance on every side for furniture and walking paths — that means the 10x16 ft Grill Shelter Lean-To Shelter Plan (Black Locust) needs a clear area of approximately 14×20 ft and the 3x6 ft Japanese Torii Arbor Plan needs 7×10 ft.
Material & durability
The 10x16 ft Grill Shelter Lean-To Shelter Plan (Black Locust) is built from Black Locust, while the 3x6 ft Japanese Torii Arbor Plan calls for Western Red Cedar. 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, 3x6 ft Japanese Torii Arbor 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 10x16 ft Grill Shelter Lean-To Shelter Plan (Black Locust) page and the complete 3x6 ft Japanese Torii Arbor Plan page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.