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
| 16x16 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan (Black Locust, Weathered gray) | 16x16 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan (Douglas Fir) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pergolas | Pergolas |
| Style | Tuscan Stone-Column | Tuscan Stone-Column |
| Footprint | 16x16 ft (256 sq ft) | 16x16 ft (256 sq ft) |
| Wood species | Black Locust | Douglas Fir |
| Roof finish | clear EPDM membrane | HDPE shade cloth canopy |
| Difficulty | Advanced | Beginner |
| Build time | ~138 hrs | ~15 hrs |
| Materials cost | $9,450–$14,775 | $5,450–$8,500 |
| 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 16x16 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan (Black Locust, Weathered gray) lands in the $9,450–$14,775 range for materials in Black Locust, while the 16x16 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan (Douglas Fir) runs $5,450–$8,500 in Douglas Fir. The second plan is approximately 74% more expensive at typical 2026 lumber-yard pricing — driven mostly by the choice of Black Locust over Douglas Fir and the difference in cubic concrete volume between 4 and 4 footings.
Labor & difficulty
At ~138 hours, the 16x16 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan (Black Locust, Weathered gray) is rated Advanced. The 16x16 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan (Douglas Fir) takes ~15 hours and is rated Beginner. The labor delta is roughly 123 hours, or one extra working day on the 16x16 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan (Black Locust, Weathered gray). If you are newer to outdoor woodworking, the 16x16 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan (Douglas Fir) is the safer pick — it uses simpler joinery and fewer compound cuts.
Footprint & site fit
At 256 sq ft vs 256 sq ft, you are choosing between a full outdoor room and a full outdoor room. Allow at least 24 inches of clearance on every side for furniture and walking paths — that means the 16x16 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan (Black Locust, Weathered gray) needs a clear area of approximately 20×20 ft and the 16x16 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan (Douglas Fir) needs 20×20 ft.
Material & durability
The 16x16 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan (Black Locust, Weathered gray) is built from Black Locust, while the 16x16 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan (Douglas Fir) calls for Douglas Fir. 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, 16x16 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan (Douglas Fir) 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 16x16 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan (Black Locust, Weathered gray) page and the complete 16x16 ft Tuscan Stone-Column Pergola Plan (Douglas Fir) page. Both ship with full cut lists, hardware schedules, footing specs, and step-by-step build instructions.