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
| 3x6 ft Japanese Torii Arbor Plan | 10x14 ft Mission Pergola Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Arbors | Pergolas |
| Style | Japanese Torii | Mission |
| Footprint | 3x6 ft (18 sq ft) | 10x14 ft (140 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Western Red Cedar | Composite (Trex / Azek) |
| Roof finish | corrugated polycarbonate panels | aluminum louvered system |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Beginner |
| Build time | ~15 hrs | ~11 hrs |
| Materials cost | $300–$475 | $7,525–$11,750 |
| Footing depth | 36″ × 2 posts | 36″ × 4 posts |
| Concrete | 4 × 60-lb bags | 8 × 60-lb bags |
| Cut-list items | 5 | 5 |
| Build steps | 9 | 11 |
Cost & budget
The 3x6 ft Japanese Torii Arbor Plan lands in the $300–$475 range for materials in Western Red Cedar, while the 10x14 ft Mission Pergola Plan runs $7,525–$11,750 in Composite (Trex / Azek). The first plan is approximately 2407% more expensive at typical 2026 lumber-yard pricing — driven mostly by the choice of Composite (Trex / Azek) over Western Red Cedar and the difference in cubic concrete volume between 2 and 4 footings.
Labor & difficulty
At ~15 hours, the 3x6 ft Japanese Torii Arbor Plan is rated Beginner. The 10x14 ft Mission Pergola Plan takes ~11 hours and is rated Beginner. The labor delta is roughly 4 hours, or one extra working day on the 3x6 ft Japanese Torii Arbor 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 18 sq ft vs 140 sq ft, you are choosing between a focal-point garden structure and a generous patio cover. Allow at least 24 inches of clearance on every side for furniture and walking paths — that means the 3x6 ft Japanese Torii Arbor Plan needs a clear area of approximately 7×10 ft and the 10x14 ft Mission Pergola Plan needs 14×18 ft.
Material & durability
The 3x6 ft Japanese Torii Arbor Plan is built from Western Red Cedar, while the 10x14 ft Mission Pergola Plan calls for Composite (Trex / Azek). 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, 3x6 ft Japanese Torii Arbor 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 3x6 ft Japanese Torii Arbor Plan page and the complete 10x14 ft Mission Pergola Plan page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.