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
| 12x16 ft Hot Tub Pavilion Plan | 10x12 ft Open Air Screened Gazebo Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pavilions | Gazebos |
| Style | Hot Tub Pavilion | Open Air Screened |
| Footprint | 12x16 ft (192 sq ft) | 10x12 ft (120 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Black Locust | Douglas Fir |
| Roof finish | aluminum louvered system | corrugated polycarbonate panels |
| Difficulty | Advanced | Beginner |
| Build time | ~138 hrs | ~15 hrs |
| Materials cost | $13,950–$21,775 | $4,375–$6,850 |
| Footing depth | 36″ × 6 posts | 36″ × 6 posts |
| Concrete | 12 × 60-lb bags | 12 × 60-lb bags |
| Cut-list items | 7 | 6 |
| Build steps | 12 | 9 |
Cost & budget
The 12x16 ft Hot Tub Pavilion Plan lands in the $13,950–$21,775 range for materials in Black Locust, while the 10x12 ft Open Air Screened Gazebo Plan runs $4,375–$6,850 in Douglas Fir. The second plan is approximately 218% more expensive at typical 2026 lumber-yard pricing — driven mostly by the choice of Black Locust over Douglas Fir and the difference in cubic concrete volume between 6 and 6 footings.
Labor & difficulty
At ~138 hours, the 12x16 ft Hot Tub Pavilion Plan is rated Advanced. The 10x12 ft Open Air Screened Gazebo Plan takes ~15 hours and is rated Beginner. The labor delta is roughly 123 hours, or one extra working day on the 12x16 ft Hot Tub Pavilion Plan. If you are newer to outdoor woodworking, the 10x12 ft Open Air Screened Gazebo Plan is the safer pick — it uses simpler joinery and fewer compound cuts.
Footprint & site fit
At 192 sq ft vs 120 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 12x16 ft Hot Tub Pavilion Plan needs a clear area of approximately 16×20 ft and the 10x12 ft Open Air Screened Gazebo Plan needs 14×16 ft.
Material & durability
The 12x16 ft Hot Tub Pavilion Plan is built from Black Locust, while the 10x12 ft Open Air Screened Gazebo Plan calls for Douglas Fir. 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, 10x12 ft Open Air Screened 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 12x16 ft Hot Tub Pavilion Plan page and the complete 10x12 ft Open Air Screened Gazebo Plan page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.