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 Saltbox Pergola Plan | 10x12 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pergolas | Pergolas |
| Style | Saltbox | Tuscan Stone-Column |
| Footprint | 10x12 ft (120 sq ft) | 10x12 ft (120 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Pressure-Treated Pine | Mahogany |
| Roof finish | asphalt architectural shingles | bamboo reed mat overlay |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate |
| Build time | ~24 hrs | ~49 hrs |
| Materials cost | $2,275–$3,575 | $5,650–$8,825 |
| Footing depth | 36″ × 4 posts | 36″ × 4 posts |
| Concrete | 8 × 60-lb bags | 8 × 60-lb bags |
| Cut-list items | 5 | 5 |
| Build steps | 11 | 11 |
Cost & budget
The 10x12 ft Saltbox Pergola Plan lands in the $2,275–$3,575 range for materials in Pressure-Treated Pine, while the 10x12 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan runs $5,650–$8,825 in Mahogany. The first plan is approximately 147% more expensive at typical 2026 lumber-yard pricing — driven mostly by the choice of Mahogany over Pressure-Treated Pine and the difference in cubic concrete volume between 4 and 4 footings.
Labor & difficulty
At ~24 hours, the 10x12 ft Saltbox Pergola Plan is rated Beginner. The 10x12 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan takes ~49 hours and is rated Intermediate. The labor delta is roughly 25 hours, or one extra working day on the 10x12 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola 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 Saltbox Pergola Plan needs a clear area of approximately 14×16 ft and the 10x12 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan needs 14×16 ft.
Material & durability
The 10x12 ft Saltbox Pergola Plan is built from Pressure-Treated Pine, while the 10x12 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan calls for Mahogany. 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, 10x12 ft Saltbox Pergola 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 10x12 ft Saltbox Pergola Plan page and the complete 10x12 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.