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
| 12x14 ft Hexagonal Garden Gazebo Plan | 12x14 ft Modern Cube Gazebo Plan (Douglas Fir) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Gazebos | Gazebos |
| Style | Hexagonal Garden | Modern Cube |
| Footprint | 12x14 ft (168 sq ft) | 12x14 ft (168 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Douglas Fir | Douglas Fir |
| Roof finish | aluminum louvered system | standing-seam metal roofing |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Build time | ~43 hrs | ~25 hrs |
| Materials cost | $6,125–$9,575 | $6,125–$9,575 |
| Footing depth | 36″ × 6 posts | 36″ × 6 posts |
| Concrete | 12 × 60-lb bags | 12 × 60-lb bags |
| Cut-list items | 6 | 6 |
| Build steps | 9 | 9 |
Cost & budget
The 12x14 ft Hexagonal Garden Gazebo Plan lands in the $6,125–$9,575 range for materials in Douglas Fir, while the 12x14 ft Modern Cube Gazebo Plan (Douglas Fir) runs $6,125–$9,575 in Douglas Fir. The second plan is approximately 0% more expensive at typical 2026 lumber-yard pricing — driven mostly by the choice of Douglas Fir over Douglas Fir and the difference in cubic concrete volume between 6 and 6 footings.
Labor & difficulty
At ~43 hours, the 12x14 ft Hexagonal Garden Gazebo Plan is rated Intermediate. The 12x14 ft Modern Cube Gazebo Plan (Douglas Fir) takes ~25 hours and is rated Intermediate. The labor delta is roughly 18 hours, or one extra working day on the 12x14 ft Hexagonal Garden Gazebo 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 168 sq ft vs 168 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 12x14 ft Hexagonal Garden Gazebo Plan needs a clear area of approximately 16×18 ft and the 12x14 ft Modern Cube Gazebo Plan (Douglas Fir) needs 16×18 ft.
Material & durability
The 12x14 ft Hexagonal Garden Gazebo Plan is built from Douglas Fir, while the 12x14 ft Modern Cube Gazebo Plan (Douglas Fir) calls for Douglas Fir. 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, 12x14 ft Modern Cube Gazebo Plan (Douglas Fir) 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 12x14 ft Hexagonal Garden Gazebo Plan page and the complete 12x14 ft Modern Cube Gazebo Plan (Douglas Fir) page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.