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
| 10x12 ft Patio Lean-To Lean-To Shelter Plan | 10x12 ft Saltbox Pergola Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Lean-To Shelters | Pergolas |
| Style | Patio Lean-To | Saltbox |
| Footprint | 10x12 ft (120 sq ft) | 10x12 ft (120 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Pressure-Treated Pine | Pressure-Treated Pine |
| Roof finish | HDPE shade cloth canopy | asphalt architectural shingles |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Beginner |
| Build time | ~32 hrs | ~24 hrs |
| Materials cost | $1,800–$2,825 | $2,275–$3,575 |
| Footing depth | 36″ × 2 posts | 36″ × 4 posts |
| Concrete | 4 × 60-lb bags | 8 × 60-lb bags |
| Cut-list items | 5 | 5 |
| Build steps | 10 | 11 |
Cost & budget
The 10x12 ft Patio Lean-To Lean-To Shelter Plan lands in the $1,800–$2,825 range for materials in Pressure-Treated Pine, while the 10x12 ft Saltbox Pergola Plan runs $2,275–$3,575 in Pressure-Treated Pine. The first plan is approximately 27% 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 4 footings.
Labor & difficulty
At ~32 hours, the 10x12 ft Patio Lean-To Lean-To Shelter Plan is rated Intermediate. The 10x12 ft Saltbox Pergola Plan takes ~24 hours and is rated Beginner. The labor delta is roughly 8 hours, or one extra working day on the 10x12 ft Patio Lean-To Lean-To Shelter Plan. If you are newer to outdoor woodworking, the 10x12 ft Saltbox Pergola Plan is the safer pick — it uses simpler joinery and fewer compound cuts.
Footprint & site fit
At 120 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 10x12 ft Patio Lean-To Lean-To Shelter Plan needs a clear area of approximately 14×16 ft and the 10x12 ft Saltbox Pergola Plan needs 14×16 ft.
Material & durability
The 10x12 ft Patio Lean-To Lean-To Shelter Plan is built from Pressure-Treated Pine, while the 10x12 ft Saltbox Pergola 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 10x12 ft Patio Lean-To Lean-To Shelter Plan page and the complete 10x12 ft Saltbox Pergola Plan page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.