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) | 10x14 ft Mission Pergola Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Lean-To Shelters | Pergolas |
| Style | Grill Shelter | Mission |
| Footprint | 10x16 ft (160 sq ft) | 10x14 ft (140 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Black Locust | Composite (Trex / Azek) |
| Roof finish | aluminum louvered system | aluminum louvered system |
| Difficulty | Advanced | Beginner |
| Build time | ~58 hrs | ~11 hrs |
| Materials cost | $4,650–$7,250 | $7,525–$11,750 |
| Footing depth | 36″ × 2 posts | 36″ × 4 posts |
| Concrete | 4 × 60-lb bags | 8 × 60-lb bags |
| Cut-list items | 5 | 5 |
| Build steps | 10 | 11 |
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 10x14 ft Mission Pergola Plan runs $7,525–$11,750 in Composite (Trex / Azek). The first plan is approximately 62% more expensive at typical 2026 lumber-yard pricing — driven mostly by the choice of Composite (Trex / Azek) over Black Locust and the difference in cubic concrete volume between 2 and 4 footings.
Labor & difficulty
At ~58 hours, the 10x16 ft Grill Shelter Lean-To Shelter Plan (Black Locust) is rated Advanced. The 10x14 ft Mission Pergola Plan takes ~11 hours and is rated Beginner. The labor delta is roughly 47 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 10x14 ft Mission Pergola Plan is the safer pick — it uses simpler joinery and fewer compound cuts.
Footprint & site fit
At 160 sq ft vs 140 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 10x16 ft Grill Shelter Lean-To Shelter Plan (Black Locust) needs a clear area of approximately 14×20 ft and the 10x14 ft Mission Pergola Plan needs 14×18 ft.
Material & durability
The 10x16 ft Grill Shelter Lean-To Shelter Plan (Black Locust) is built from Black Locust, while the 10x14 ft Mission Pergola Plan calls for Composite (Trex / Azek). 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, 10x16 ft Grill Shelter Lean-To Shelter Plan (Black Locust) 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 10x14 ft Mission Pergola Plan page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.