Freestanding vs wall-mounted pergola: how to choose mounting context

Short answer decision rule

1. If the structure must stand on its own posts with no structural reliance on the house wall → plan freestanding.
2. If the pergola will attach to the house wall (to shade a door wall, continue a roofline or drop a post on the house side) → plan a wall-mounted layout, then ask [email protected] whether it works for your site.
3. Size still comes from the Size Guide: 3 × 3 m, 3 × 4 m and 4 × 4 m.
4. Email [email protected] with wall photos, door/gutter notes, and your preferred size before you order.

If the house wall, the flashing at the wall, or the local code path is unclear, keep the project in “confirm mounting” mode. Ask [email protected] about your layout before you order.

What “wall-mounted” means here

In homeowner language, wall mounted pergola usually means the structure is planned next to the house and may use the wall as part of the support or alignment story (sometimes called attached or lean-to style in retail copy).

For Louvano, wall mounting is a site question. Ask [email protected] about your layout before you order.

Site checks for wall-mounted plans

Check	What to verify	Why it matters
Wall structure	Load-bearing capacity, finish, and attachment zones	Frames need a sound host surface where attachment is proposed
Doors and windows	Swing, egress, and head height under the cover	Open louvers and beams must not block safe use
Gutters and drip lines	Roof runoff path along the wall	Water must leave the wall and frame without dumping on the patio seating
Flashing at the wall	How the wall–pergola junction will be flashed	Plan it with your installer or roofer
Utilities	Outlets, hose bibs, gas lines, exterior lights	Avoid covering service points you still need
HOA / permit path	Local rules for structures attached near the house	Attachment can change review requirements

Bring clear photos of the full wall elevation, close-ups of the proposed attachment band, and notes on door swings when you write to hello@.

What freestanding means here

A freestanding motorized louvered pergola stands on its own posts and foundations (or approved base details). It does not depend on the house wall for primary support.

Site checks for freestanding plans

Check	What to verify	Why it matters
Ground / pad	Level, drainage, and base readiness	Posts need a planned foundation or pad detail
Post layout vs furniture	Table and path clearances between posts	Same size label, different usable room if posts land badly
Power path	Route for motor / control power	Motorized louvers need a planned electrical path
Access for install	Crane / crew / carry path if needed	Large aluminum sections need staging room
Setbacks	Property lines, pools, easements	Freestanding still obeys site limits
Site exposure	Open corners vs sheltered courtyards	Discuss site exposure with your installer and local building department

Freestanding is often simpler when the patio sits away from the house or when you want the structure as a separate outdoor room.

Comparison table

Topic	Freestanding	Wall-mounted
Primary support story	Own posts and bases	May involve house wall alignment or attachment — confirm product support
Typical patio position	Away from or lightly near the house	Along a door wall or rear elevation
Leak risk at the house wall	Lower at the wall junction	Higher — flashing and runoff must be planned
Door / window interaction	Usually less direct	Must map swings and head clearance
Post count / layout feel	Full freestanding post layout	House-side posts may reduce or change — confirm with drawings
Power / controls	Plan trench or surface route	Wall proximity may shorten some runs — still plan electrical
Size options at Louvano	3 × 3 m, 3 × 4 m and 4 × 4 m	Still 3 × 3 m, 3 × 4 m and 4 × 4 m
Before you order	Ask [email protected] about your layout.	Ask [email protected] about your layout.

Shared checklist (10 items)

Use this before you email hello@ or place an order intent.

1. Mark patio edges and take overall length × width.
2. Choose a candidate size: 3 × 3 m, 3 × 4 m or 4 × 4 m (see Size Guide).
3. Sketch furniture and walking paths between posts.
4. Decide in one sentence whether you want freestanding or wall-mounted.
5. Photograph the full elevation if a wall is involved.
6. Note doors, windows, gutters, and drip lines.
7. Trace curb-to-patio access for delivery and install.
8. Note where power could enter the structure.
9. List HOA or permit questions you already know.
10. Write [email protected] with size, mounting intent, photos, and open questions.

How mounting interacts with size

Mounting does not change the sizes. Freestanding or wall-mounted, Louvano sells the same three sizes:

Size	Typical mounting notes
3 × 3 m (Approx. 9′10″ × 9′10″)	Fits many compact door-wall or courtyard pads. Confirm the post and wall interface on the drawings.
3 × 4 m (Approx. 9′10″ × 13′1″)	Fits a longer rear wall, with the long side along the wall. Confirm post spacing against doors and furniture.
4 × 4 m (Approx. 13′1″ × 13′1″)	Fits a freestanding dual zone (dining plus lounge). Confirm post spacing against doors and furniture.

If a wall-mounted plan needs a size Louvano does not sell, redesign the furniture layout or the covered area.

Read: Louvered pergola size guide.

What to include when you compare costs

Compare the full project scope.

Include in any comparison:

• structure size (3 × 3 m, 3 × 4 m or 4 × 4 m);
• mounting hardware and work at the house wall, if wall-mounted;
• foundation or pad work;
• electrical for motors and controls;
• freight / receiving;
• local installation labor;
• flashing, drainage, and finish repairs at the house wall when attachment is involved.

Louvano product prices: 3 × 3 m $5,490, 3 × 4 m $6,990 and 4 × 4 m $8,990. Product prices only. Freight, tax, unloading, installation and custom engineering are quoted separately. Tell [email protected] the size and mounting context you are considering.

Disclosure

Louvano is a China-based DTC brand selling motorized aluminum louvered pergolas for US homes. Standard sizes: 3 × 3 m, 3 × 4 m and 4 × 4 m, built to order. Public emails: [email protected] (projects) and [email protected] (ownership). Images marked “Concept visualization · Not a customer installation” are illustrations.