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 | 12x12 ft Pagoda-Style Gazebo Plan (Mahogany) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Gazebos | Gazebos |
| Style | Hexagonal Garden | Pagoda-Style |
| Footprint | 12x14 ft (168 sq ft) | 12x12 ft (144 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Douglas Fir | Mahogany |
| Roof finish | aluminum louvered system | tongue-and-groove cedar planks |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Build time | ~43 hrs | ~147 hrs |
| Materials cost | $6,125–$9,575 | $11,625–$18,150 |
| 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 12x12 ft Pagoda-Style Gazebo Plan (Mahogany) runs $11,625–$18,150 in Mahogany. The first plan is approximately 90% more expensive at typical 2026 lumber-yard pricing — driven mostly by the choice of Mahogany 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 12x12 ft Pagoda-Style Gazebo Plan (Mahogany) takes ~147 hours and is rated Advanced. The labor delta is roughly 104 hours, or one extra working day on the 12x12 ft Pagoda-Style Gazebo Plan (Mahogany). If you are newer to outdoor woodworking, the 12x12 ft Pagoda-Style Gazebo Plan (Mahogany) is the safer pick — it uses simpler joinery and fewer compound cuts.
Footprint & site fit
At 168 sq ft vs 144 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 12x12 ft Pagoda-Style Gazebo Plan (Mahogany) needs 16×16 ft.
Material & durability
The 12x14 ft Hexagonal Garden Gazebo Plan is built from Douglas Fir, while the 12x12 ft Pagoda-Style Gazebo Plan (Mahogany) calls for Mahogany. 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, 12x14 ft Hexagonal Garden Gazebo 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 12x14 ft Hexagonal Garden Gazebo Plan page and the complete 12x12 ft Pagoda-Style Gazebo Plan (Mahogany) page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.