Standard or Custom Motorized Pergola: Which Fits Your Site?
Share
Pergola configuration guide
A standard motorized pergola is a sensible starting point when a listed layout, footprint, height and post position work for your site. Ask about a custom design when a fixed dimension or obstacle makes those choices unsuitable. FlexPatio lists standard Gen 2 configurations and a separate custom design service, but a request form is not an approved build drawing. Before choosing either route, sketch the clear area, note doors, drainage, furniture and access, and ask for the exact drawing and installation document for the proposed configuration. Resolve site approvals, support and electrical routing before treating any proposal as ready to order.
Start with what the site must do
This decision is narrower than asking which pergola size sounds generous. The FlexPatio POWER+ Gen 2 product page offers selectable layouts and sizes. The custom pergola page asks for length, width, height, style, side features and installation location. First determine which requirements are fixed and which are preferences.
Draw the patio boundary and any steps, doors, windows, existing posts, planting beds and furniture. Mark where people need to walk with chairs pulled out. Include the space that must remain usable outside the roof. A listed pergola can work well even if it does not cover every inch of the patio; a custom footprint may be useful when that uncovered strip would defeat the main purpose.
Record overhead and vertical constraints separately. The height you want for a view or tall door may not be the height that can be supported at that site. Ask for the finished underside and outside dimensions on a drawing rather than inferring them from a nominal product label.
| Question | Listed Gen 2 configuration may fit when | Ask for a custom review when |
|---|---|---|
| Footprint | A selectable size leaves workable furniture and circulation space. | A fixed site boundary or use area needs a different footprint. |
| Layout and posts | The selected freestanding or wall-mounted arrangement places support where it can be evaluated. | A doorway, view or circulation route conflicts with a proposed post. |
| Height | The exact drawing clears doors and desired activity. | There is an unusual overhead limit or requested finished height. |
| Accessories and power | The specific options shown for the chosen model meet the plan. | Accessory sides, post positions or wiring exits need to be designed together. |
| Documentation | A matching model, variant and manual can be identified. | A project-specific drawing is needed to review the proposed build. |
What the standard selector can establish
The current Gen 2 page presents freestanding and wall-mounted choices, multiple footprints and optional side accessories. Those on-page choices are a starting set, not proof that every accessory or mounting approach works on every selected variant. Save the exact selection and request its matching manual and dimensioned drawing. Check the selected color, model generation and post count before comparing it with the site sketch.
If two listed units appear to cover a larger patio, treat their layout and services as a separate design question. FlexPatio describes extended configurations, but a larger roof is not automatically one continuous structure with one power feed. Confirm the exact combination, support positions and connection requirements in writing.
A wall-mounted option deserves its own review because the house connection and water path affect the building. A freestanding choice still needs a verified support and anchor design. Ask the installer and local authority which drawings and approvals apply to this address; an online selector cannot approve the structure or electrical work.
What a custom request changes
The current FlexPatio custom form asks for pergola style, length, width, height, side-wall selections, accessories and installation location. Its process shows a concept, final design review and production drawings before fabrication. That sequence makes the custom route useful when several decisions interact—for example, a doorway limits one post location while a shade and cable exit are needed on the neighboring side.
Submit a dimensioned sketch with fixed boundaries and desired clearances, then ask the designer to mark assumptions. Identify which side is the house side, where runoff can go, where electrical supply may enter, and which areas must stay open. A useful proposal should state the exact roof type, side accessories, post locations and installation method. Request a revised drawing after any change; a perspective rendering cannot substitute for that review.
The current custom page describes a shorter-side and longer-side limit in its configuration section, yet its project showcase includes a longer example. These are different statements on one official page. Do not use either as a universal ordering limit; ask FlexPatio to confirm the buildable dimensions for the specific request in writing.
The custom page also shows optional fixed louvers alongside motorized adjustable louvers. Specify which roof is quoted. A custom pergola should not be assumed to include motorization, any particular outlet, shade, fan or weather capacity unless the approved proposal identifies it.
Use the same pre-order checklist for either route
- Sketch measured site boundaries, doors, steps, furniture and circulation.
- Identify the exact model generation, layout, roof type, color and selected accessories.
- Obtain a dimensioned drawing showing outside and clear dimensions, posts and attachment points.
- Ask how roof water exits and where it will land on this site.
- Confirm the matching manual, support and anchoring plan with the installer or engineer.
- Review electrical routing with a qualified electrician and local requirements with the authority and HOA, if applicable.
- Check the final written configuration before placing the order.
This checklist is a way to make the vendor and site review specific. It is not a structural approval. Actual footing, attachment, drainage and electrical requirements depend on the location and approved design.
Frequently asked questions
Is custom always better for an irregular patio?
No. A listed configuration may leave a useful open strip and meet the main use. Request custom review when a fixed boundary, door, post or height requirement makes the listed choice unworkable.
Can I order from nominal dimensions alone?
Use a dimensioned drawing for the exact selected configuration. Check outside and clear dimensions, post locations, door movement and circulation against a measured site sketch.
Can I move a post on a standard kit?
Do not assume that a post can be moved. Ask FlexPatio and the installer whether the exact configuration permits the requested position, and obtain a corresponding approved drawing.
Does a custom request include motorized louvers?
Confirm the roof type in the written proposal. The current custom page presents both motorized adjustable and fixed louver options, so the request alone does not establish what will be supplied.
Does a custom design bypass permits or HOA review?
No site-specific approval follows from a custom proposal. Ask the local authority and any HOA what applies to the address, and have the installer or engineer review support, attachment and drainage details.
Reviewed on September 17, 2026. Product and configuration information comes from the current Gen 2 product page and custom pergola page. Exact site fit and approvals require the final configuration documents and local review.
