How to attach a side awning to a terrace roof?

Hello everyone.

We would like to attach 2 side awnings to extend on our terrace roof.

I would like to avoid mounting on the house wall because the awning boxes would then permanently protrude several centimeters into the path that runs around the house.
Therefore, we would like to attach the awning boxes to the pillars (Aluminium?!) of the terrace roof.

Now the question arises for me... How?!

My idea would be to use regular metal toggle bolts, like those used in drywall.

Basically, drill the corresponding hole through a wall of the post and then use the toggle bolts to attach the awning boxes there...

Will that hold?!

How do the manufacturers do it directly when you order a roof with a side awning?

I’m curious if some of you have already solved this “problem”...

Just take a look on YouTube or go to an exhibition. Maybe you can see a detailed photo on provider sites familiar to you?

I assume if it is planned in advance, there are screw holes in the profiles.

At least that is the case with the fences.

If you now drill holes afterwards, it can weaken that spot.

So my provider would also offer to retrofit the whole thing... So it should somehow be possible to retrofit the things, I think...

Exactly about the weakening of the material I am concerned...

Just ask him, otherwise don't probe but

Try using threaded rivets. Mark the holes, drill, set the threaded rivets, and then fasten the awning with suitable screws. It's a clean solution, doesn't cost much, and the screws hold better in the rivets than if you just drive a self-tapping screw directly into the wall of the posts.