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 | 3x6 ft Moon Gate Arbor Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Arbors | Arbors |
| Style | Japanese Torii | Moon Gate |
| Footprint | 3x6 ft (18 sq ft) | 3x6 ft (18 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Western Red Cedar | Cypress |
| Roof finish | corrugated polycarbonate panels | cedar shake shingles |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate |
| Build time | ~15 hrs | ~41 hrs |
| Materials cost | $300–$475 | $325–$500 |
| Footing depth | 36″ × 2 posts | 36″ × 2 posts |
| Concrete | 4 × 60-lb bags | 4 × 60-lb bags |
| Cut-list items | 5 | 5 |
| Build steps | 9 | 9 |
Cost & budget
The 3x6 ft Japanese Torii Arbor Plan lands in the $300–$475 range for materials in Western Red Cedar, while the 3x6 ft Moon Gate Arbor Plan runs $325–$500 in Cypress. The first plan is approximately 7% more expensive at typical 2026 lumber-yard pricing — driven mostly by the choice of Cypress over Western Red Cedar and the difference in cubic concrete volume between 2 and 2 footings.
Labor & difficulty
At ~15 hours, the 3x6 ft Japanese Torii Arbor Plan is rated Beginner. The 3x6 ft Moon Gate Arbor Plan takes ~41 hours and is rated Intermediate. The labor delta is roughly 26 hours, or one extra working day on the 3x6 ft Moon Gate Arbor Plan. If you are newer to outdoor woodworking, the 3x6 ft Japanese Torii Arbor Plan is the safer pick — it uses simpler joinery and fewer compound cuts.
Footprint & site fit
At 18 sq ft vs 18 sq ft, you are choosing between a focal-point garden structure and a focal-point garden structure. 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 3x6 ft Moon Gate Arbor Plan needs 7×10 ft.
Material & durability
The 3x6 ft Japanese Torii Arbor Plan is built from Western Red Cedar, while the 3x6 ft Moon Gate Arbor Plan calls for Cypress. 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 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 3x6 ft Japanese Torii Arbor Plan page and the complete 3x6 ft Moon Gate Arbor Plan page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.