What is a Pivot Door? Everything You Need to Know

So what is a pivot door? A pivot door is a large door with vertically aligned hinges attached to the door’s top and bottom.

These hinges are set away from the door’s edge. The hinge placement allows for vertical weight transfer instead of horizontal weight transfer from the side frame. Modern design and luxurious homes frequently incorporate pivot doors.

The Advantages of a Pivot Door

Aside from being unique, the primary advantage of a pivot door is that it allows for much wider doors. The closer the spindle is to the door’s frame, the wider the door.

As is always the case with home improvement, there is also the benefit of design. You can simply prefer the appearance of a larger single-panel door.

The first time you encounter a pivot door after staying in a home with one is somewhat perplexing. You are aware that something is slightly different, but you cannot pinpoint it.

Visual

Pivot doors are made to make a statement. Utilized in luxurious residences and high-end projects, their impact is well-known. Their large-size capabilities and smooth pivoting operation produce an unparalleled entryway experience.

Observing the operation of a pivot door is fascinating from every angle. Both the open and closed positions of pivoting doors provide a captivating appearance.

Auditory

Additionally, the sound properties of a pivot door are quite distinct. When the deadbolt is engaged and disengaged, a deep locking sound is audible.

Likewise, opening and closing a pivot door produces a loud and resonant sound. These audible features enhance the overall user experience of a pivot door.

Tactile

The front door is the physical point of entry into a home. As the homeowner reaches for the door pull handle, the home, and the user becomes one.

The luxury of pivot doors affords the opportunity to be inventive with adjacent details, such as front door hardware. Long door handles and intriguing textures create a memorable impression of a home.

Types of Pivot Doors

There are two primary classifications for pivot doors — by use and by material. Other than that, their functionality is comparable.

By Use

By use, refer to the location of the door type within the home. While it is technically possible to convert any door into a pivot door, they are typically used for the following applications.

Pivot Front Door

The front door is the most common use for a pivot door, though they are not exactly prevalent. This allows a homeowner to install a large front door that is not double-paned.

Pivot Shower Door

Shower doors are another area in the home where pivot doors are utilized. As showers continue to grow in size, there is more room for a larger door. Pivot-style glass doors make it possible to hang a large shower door.

Pivot Closet Door

While pivot doors are typically used for large doors, you can also use pivot hinges for closet doors.

Pivot Doors for Interior or Patio Doors

A pivot door can be used in place of a traditional hinged door. It depends on whether your client is willing to spend the money and have the space. In fact, they could make excellent patio entrance doors because they can be quite large, resulting in a spacious patio entrance.

By Material

Material is another way to distinguish between pivot doors. There are three primary materials used to construct pivot doors. The following are:

  • Wood
  • Steel
  • Glass

There are also hybrids composed of two or more materials listed above, such as steel and wood.

Extraordinary Pivot Doors at Euroline Steel Windows and Doors

If your client wishes to install a pivot door, you must carefully consider the type of pivot door they desire.

In addition, there are countless professional pivot door manufacturers around the globe. Many specialize in particular products, such as wood, steel, or glass sliding doors. Consider contacting a door manufacturer if you already know what type of pivot door your client wants.

If you are still undecided, it can be helpful to examine the many existing entry door projects that have been completed successfully.

There are numerous brands of door hardware available throughout the world. Consider that a pivot door represents a long-term investment in terms of design. Therefore, it is crucial that you select high-quality pivot hardware to avoid costly maintenance or, worse, malfunction.

Safety must be considered, especially because exterior pivot doors or interior pivot doors are often large and heavy.

Euroline Steel Windows and Doors can help you if you require assistance or are looking for a suitable partner for your pivot door project. Feel free to contact us at 877-590-2741 if you have any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are frequently asked questions about pivot doors:

Are pivot doors safe?

They leave a large opening on the back swing side of the door, where a child’s hand or arm could become entangled.

Considering how frequently these doors are heavy, it could result in injury. Traditional hinged doors are not risk-free, but the opening created by a hinge is significantly smaller.

Can pivot doors swing both ways?

Yes, they can be installed to swing either inward or outward. This may be appropriate for a front door, but closet doors should only swing outward.

Can you install a double pivot door?

A pivot hinge door can be 48 inches wide. That’s four feet wide, which is sufficient for most people. But suppose you really need a large opening; is it possible to install two pivot doors side-by-side, like double doors?

Yes, you can. You could have a door opening nearly 8 feet wide and 100 inches wide. That is quite an entrance.

Author: Elyas Balta

Experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history in innovation and scalability in the luxury building materials industry. Passionate about inspiring and empowering others to grow in character and success. Determined in bringing art and engineering together to create and manufacture an exotic product line of steel windows and doors.