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
| 3x4 ft Moon Gate Arbor Plan | 3x4 ft Picket-Sided Wedding Arbor Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Arbors | Arbors |
| Style | Moon Gate | Picket-Sided Wedding |
| Footprint | 3x4 ft (12 sq ft) | 3x4 ft (12 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Pressure-Treated Pine | Pressure-Treated Pine |
| Roof finish | tensioned 320-gsm shade sail fabric | clear EPDM membrane |
| Difficulty | Advanced | Intermediate |
| Build time | ~50 hrs | ~55 hrs |
| Materials cost | $150–$225 | $150–$225 |
| 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 3x4 ft Moon Gate Arbor Plan lands in the $150–$225 range for materials in Pressure-Treated Pine, while the 3x4 ft Picket-Sided Wedding Arbor Plan runs $150–$225 in Pressure-Treated Pine. The second plan is approximately 0% more expensive at typical 2026 lumber-yard pricing — driven mostly by the choice of Pressure-Treated Pine over Pressure-Treated Pine and the difference in cubic concrete volume between 2 and 2 footings.
Labor & difficulty
At ~50 hours, the 3x4 ft Moon Gate Arbor Plan is rated Advanced. The 3x4 ft Picket-Sided Wedding Arbor Plan takes ~55 hours and is rated Intermediate. The labor delta is roughly 5 hours, or one extra working day on the 3x4 ft Picket-Sided Wedding Arbor Plan. If you are newer to outdoor woodworking, the 3x4 ft Picket-Sided Wedding Arbor Plan is the safer pick — it uses simpler joinery and fewer compound cuts.
Footprint & site fit
At 12 sq ft vs 12 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 3x4 ft Moon Gate Arbor Plan needs a clear area of approximately 7×8 ft and the 3x4 ft Picket-Sided Wedding Arbor Plan needs 7×8 ft.
Material & durability
The 3x4 ft Moon Gate Arbor Plan is built from Pressure-Treated Pine, while the 3x4 ft Picket-Sided Wedding Arbor Plan calls for Pressure-Treated Pine. 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, these two plans are close in cost and effort — your choice comes down to style and footprint. 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 3x4 ft Moon Gate Arbor Plan page and the complete 3x4 ft Picket-Sided Wedding Arbor Plan page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.