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
| 8x8 ft Pagoda-Style Gazebo Plan | 8x8 ft Square Hipped-Roof Gazebo Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Gazebos | Gazebos |
| Style | Pagoda-Style | Square Hipped-Roof |
| Footprint | 8x8 ft (64 sq ft) | 8x8 ft (64 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Douglas Fir | Douglas Fir |
| Roof finish | tensioned 320-gsm shade sail fabric | bamboo reed mat overlay |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Build time | ~40 hrs | ~74 hrs |
| Materials cost | $2,350–$3,650 | $2,350–$3,650 |
| Footing depth | 36″ × 4 posts | 36″ × 4 posts |
| Concrete | 8 × 60-lb bags | 8 × 60-lb bags |
| Cut-list items | 6 | 6 |
| Build steps | 9 | 9 |
Cost & budget
The 8x8 ft Pagoda-Style Gazebo Plan lands in the $2,350–$3,650 range for materials in Douglas Fir, while the 8x8 ft Square Hipped-Roof Gazebo Plan runs $2,350–$3,650 in Douglas Fir. The second plan is approximately 0% 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 4 and 4 footings.
Labor & difficulty
At ~40 hours, the 8x8 ft Pagoda-Style Gazebo Plan is rated Intermediate. The 8x8 ft Square Hipped-Roof Gazebo Plan takes ~74 hours and is rated Advanced. The labor delta is roughly 34 hours, or one extra working day on the 8x8 ft Square Hipped-Roof Gazebo Plan. If you are newer to outdoor woodworking, the 8x8 ft Square Hipped-Roof Gazebo Plan is the safer pick — it uses simpler joinery and fewer compound cuts.
Footprint & site fit
At 64 sq ft vs 64 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 8x8 ft Pagoda-Style Gazebo Plan needs a clear area of approximately 12×12 ft and the 8x8 ft Square Hipped-Roof Gazebo Plan needs 12×12 ft.
Material & durability
The 8x8 ft Pagoda-Style Gazebo Plan is built from Douglas Fir, while the 8x8 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, 8x8 ft Pagoda-Style 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 8x8 ft Pagoda-Style Gazebo Plan page and the complete 8x8 ft Square Hipped-Roof Gazebo Plan page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.