Before ordering or installing an Apex Pergola, make sure your space has enough clearance for the pergola frame, posts, louvers, accessories, and installation work.
Apex is a motorized louvered pergola, so clearance is not only about the pergola footprint. You also need to consider how the louvers move, where the posts sit, and whether nearby walls, gutters, doors, windows, or overhead structures may interfere with installation or operation.
Apex was formerly known as Master+. Some older manuals, packaging labels, or support materials may still use the Master+ name.
Why clearance matters
Proper clearance helps make sure:
The Apex Pergola fits the space correctly
The motorized louvers can open and close without hitting anything
Posts and base plates have enough room
Accessories can be installed properly
Installers or contractors have enough working space
The pergola can be safely anchored
Future service or maintenance can be performed more easily
A pergola may fit by size, but still not be suitable if the surrounding clearance is too tight.
Overhead clearance
Apex has motorized louvers that rotate when opening and closing.
Before installation, check for anything above the pergola area, including:
Roof overhangs
Balconies
Soffits
Low ceilings
Tree branches
Beams
Light fixtures
Fans
Gutters
Other overhead obstructions
As a general pre-check, allow at least 5–6 inches of clearance above the fully opened louvers if there is any ceiling, roof overhang, balcony, or other overhead obstruction.
Do not install Apex where the louvers may hit something when opening.
Side clearance
Check the space around all sides of the pergola.
Side clearance is important for:
Installation access
Accessory installation
Sunshade or slat wall fit
Walking space
Furniture placement
Service access
Make sure the pergola will not be too close to:
Fences
Walls
Railings
Outdoor kitchens
Trees or landscaping
Stairs
Pool edges
Neighboring structures
For tight spaces, take photos and measurements before confirming the order.
Post and base plate clearance
Apex posts must be installed in clear and suitable locations.
For freestanding Apex Pergolas:
Single-bay sizes typically have 4 posts
Double-bay sizes typically have 6 posts
For wall-mounted Apex Pergolas:
Single-bay sizes typically have 2 front posts
Double-bay sizes typically have 3 front posts
Each post needs enough space for the base plate and anchoring.
Before installation, confirm that post locations are not blocked by:
Steps
Drains
Railings
Deck seams
Paver edges
Cracks in concrete
Utility covers
Sprinkler lines
Electrical lines
Plumbing lines
The pergola must be properly anchored. It cannot simply sit unsecured on the ground.
Wall-mounted clearance
For a wall-mounted Apex Pergola, the wall area must be suitable for attachment.
Check the wall for:
Enough wall height
Proper structural support
Clear attachment area
Gutters
Fascia boards
Windows
Doors
Vents
Pipes
Trim
Lights
Electrical fixtures
The pergola should not be attached to a weak, damaged, unsupported, or unsuitable wall surface.
If the wall has limited space or many obstructions, a freestanding Apex Pergola may be a better option.
Door and window clearance
Make sure the Apex Pergola will not block important access points.
Check for:
Doors that swing outward
Sliding doors
Windows
Emergency exits
Walkways
Stairs
Gates
The pergola frame, posts, and accessories should not interfere with normal use of the space.
Clearance for accessories
If you plan to add Apex accessories, you may need additional clearance.
Accessories may include:
Sunshades
Slat walls
Heaters
Lighting
Before ordering accessories, confirm:
The accessory is compatible with your Apex size
There is enough space for the accessory to operate
The accessory will not hit walls, railings, furniture, or landscaping
Electrical access is available if needed
Accessory clearance should be considered before installation, not after.
Installation working space
Installers or contractors need enough room to safely assemble and anchor the pergola.
Before installation day, make sure the area is clear of:
Furniture
Planters
Grills
Outdoor storage
Toys
Décor
Loose items
Vehicles
Debris
The delivery and access path should also be clear so large boxes and parts can be moved safely to the installation area.
When clearance may be a concern
Your site may need additional review if:
The pergola will be installed under a roof overhang or balcony
The space is very tight
The installation area is elevated
The surface is uneven
The pergola is being installed on a deck
The wall-mounted attachment area has gutters, windows, or trim
You are choosing a double-bay size
You want to add accessories
You are unsure where the posts will land
In these cases, it is best to confirm the site before ordering or scheduling installation.
Need help confirming clearance?
Hanso’s Professional Install Service may be available to help with installation planning and assembly.
This service can be helpful if you are unsure about:
Overhead clearance
Post placement
Wall-mounted feasibility
Anchoring requirements
Deck or paver installation
Double-bay sizing
Accessory clearance
Overall installation complexity
Professional installation availability may vary by location and project scope. Contact Hanso Support to check availability and next steps.
What to send Hanso Support
If you need help reviewing clearance, please send:
Photos of the full installation area
Width, depth, and height measurements
Photos of any overhead obstructions
Photos of the wall, if wall-mounted
Surface type
Preferred Apex size
Freestanding or wall-mounted preference
Planned accessories
Your city and state, if asking about Professional Install Service