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 | 14x18 ft Hot Tub Pavilion Plan (Cypress) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Lean-To Shelters | Pavilions |
| Style | Grill Shelter | Hot Tub Pavilion |
| Footprint | 10x16 ft (160 sq ft) | 14x18 ft (252 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Cypress | Cypress |
| Roof finish | tongue-and-groove cedar planks | open lattice rafters |
| Difficulty | Advanced | Beginner |
| Build time | ~99 hrs | ~20 hrs |
| Materials cost | $3,375–$5,275 | $13,300–$20,775 |
| Footing depth | 36″ × 2 posts | 36″ × 6 posts |
| Concrete | 4 × 60-lb bags | 12 × 60-lb bags |
| Cut-list items | 5 | 7 |
| Build steps | 10 | 12 |
Cost & budget
The 10x16 ft Grill Shelter Lean-To Shelter Plan lands in the $3,375–$5,275 range for materials in Cypress, while the 14x18 ft Hot Tub Pavilion Plan (Cypress) runs $13,300–$20,775 in Cypress. The first plan is approximately 293% more expensive at typical 2026 lumber-yard pricing — driven mostly by the choice of Cypress over Cypress and the difference in cubic concrete volume between 2 and 6 footings.
Labor & difficulty
At ~99 hours, the 10x16 ft Grill Shelter Lean-To Shelter Plan is rated Advanced. The 14x18 ft Hot Tub Pavilion Plan (Cypress) takes ~20 hours and is rated Beginner. The labor delta is roughly 79 hours, or one extra working day on the 10x16 ft Grill Shelter Lean-To Shelter 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 160 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 10x16 ft Grill Shelter Lean-To Shelter Plan needs a clear area of approximately 14×20 ft and the 14x18 ft Hot Tub Pavilion Plan (Cypress) needs 18×22 ft.
Material & durability
The 10x16 ft Grill Shelter Lean-To Shelter Plan is built from Cypress, while the 14x18 ft Hot Tub Pavilion Plan (Cypress) calls for Cypress. 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, 10x16 ft Grill Shelter Lean-To Shelter 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 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.