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 Square Hipped-Roof Gazebo Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Gazebos | Gazebos |
| Style | Hexagonal Garden | Square Hipped-Roof |
| Footprint | 12x14 ft (168 sq ft) | 12x12 ft (144 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Douglas Fir | Douglas Fir |
| Roof finish | aluminum louvered system | tensioned 320-gsm shade sail fabric |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Build time | ~43 hrs | ~85 hrs |
| Materials cost | $6,125–$9,575 | $5,250–$8,225 |
| 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 Square Hipped-Roof Gazebo Plan runs $5,250–$8,225 in Douglas Fir. The second plan is approximately 16% 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 12x12 ft Square Hipped-Roof Gazebo Plan takes ~85 hours and is rated Advanced. The labor delta is roughly 42 hours, or one extra working day on the 12x12 ft Square Hipped-Roof Gazebo Plan. If you are newer to outdoor woodworking, the 12x12 ft Square Hipped-Roof Gazebo Plan 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 Square Hipped-Roof Gazebo Plan needs 16×16 ft.
Material & durability
The 12x14 ft Hexagonal Garden Gazebo Plan is built from Douglas Fir, while the 12x12 ft Square Hipped-Roof Gazebo Plan 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 Hexagonal Garden Gazebo Plan 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 12x12 ft Square Hipped-Roof Gazebo Plan page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.