A pivot hinge is a type of hinge that allows a door to rotate on a single point at the top and bottom, rather than being mounted on the side of the door frame like traditional hinges.
Their unique design provides an elegant, modern look and allows for larger, heavier doors to be used without compromising the door’s smooth operation. Read more to discover the mechanics, types, and common uses of pivot hinges.
How Do Pivot Hinges Work?
Unlike conventional hinges, pivot hinges are often hidden from view, making their operation less apparent.
Basic Mechanics
A pivot hinge works by using a set of pivot points — one pivot point is installed at the top of the door and the other at the bottom, allowing the door to rotate on its central axis rather than swinging out.
When you push a pivot door open, it may feel like you’re walking through a revolving door, as the door glides smoothly and effortlessly around its pivot system, creating a fluid and balanced motion that guides you through the entryway.
Installation Process
To install a pivot hinge, first mark and drill holes for the pivot pins at the top and bottom of the door frame and door. Next, secure the top and bottom pivot brackets to their respective locations, ensuring they are level and aligned. Finally, hang the door by inserting the pivot pins into the brackets, and voilà! Your pivot door will be ready for you to enjoy!
Common Applications for Pivot Hinges
Pivot hinges are versatile and can be used in various settings to enhance both function and design.
Residential Doors
Pivot doors are a popular choice for modern front doors because they create a striking focal point and provide a seamless, contemporary entry. They are commonly found in entryways, but they can also be used for interior spaces such as large living areas or to separate rooms while maintaining an open, airy feel.
Cabinetry and Furniture
Pivot hinges are increasingly used in cabinetry and furniture to create innovative and space-saving designs. For example, in bookcases, they allow for smooth, rotating shelves or hidden compartments and in windows they provide a sophisticated way to open and close them.
Advantages of Using Pivot Hinges
Pivot hinges provide numerous benefits that make them a standout choice for contemporary design.
Aesthetic Appeal
Pivot hinges offer a modern, sleek design that elevates the appearance of front doors. Their minimalist, hidden mounting creates a clean and unobstructed look, enhancing the door’s visual appeal and allowing for large, bold designs.
Space-Saving Design
Pivot hinges save space by eliminating the need for traditional side-mounted hinges, allowing doors to open fully without obstruction. They create a small gap between the door and the wall, known as the “pivot gap,” which accommodates the door’s rotation and prevents interference with surrounding surfaces.
Enhanced Durability and Load Capacity
Pivot hinges are designed to support substantial weight, making them ideal for grand, impactful entrances and high-end designs. Their robust construction and placement at the top and bottom of the door ensure that weight is evenly distributed even with oversized or heavyweight doors.
Smooth Operation
The rotation of the central axis minimizes friction and resistance, making the door easy to open and close with minimal effort. The result is a fluid movement that enhances the overall user experience.
Disadvantages of Pivot Hinges
While pivot hinges offer numerous advantages, there are a few drawbacks to consider.
Complexity in Installation
Pivot hinges can be complex to install due to the precise alignment and mounting required. However, Clark Hall’s expert installation service ensures a flawless setup, handling all the intricacies to deliver a perfectly functioning pivot door.
We install a custom four-sided steel jamb; different from our typical three-sided jambs with adjustable thresholds. Additionally, all of our pivot doors are fitted with ADA-compliant thresholds.
It’s important to note that pivot doors require a larger opening. For example, a standard 36″ opening isn’t ideal because the hinge needs at least 12 inches, leaving only 24 inches for the entryway, which can be too narrow for most purposes.
Potential Water Leakage
Another potential drawback of pivot doors is the risk of water leakage due to their ADA-compliant thresholds, which are designed to be low for accessibility. This can allow rain and wind to enter through the bottom of the door, especially in areas without adequate coverage.
To mitigate this risk, we recommend installing exterior pivot doors under a covered porch or similar protection. Without sufficient coverage, a pivot door may be more vulnerable to water intrusion during inclement weather.
Cost Considerations
While pivot hinges may involve a higher upfront cost due to their specialized design and construction, which requires precise engineering and higher-quality materials, they add significant value through their durability and aesthetic appeal.
Choosing the Right Hinge
Choosing the right hinge ultimately depends on whether you prefer a traditional door with regular hinges or a pivot door.
Material Considerations
Clark Hall exclusively uses high-quality pivot hinges from FritsJurgens. Discover their exceptional range of hinges on their website, where you’ll find that FritsJurgens’ designs are distinctively concealed within the pivot door, with only the floor and ceiling plates visible for a refined and stylish look.
These hinges incorporate roller catches that help glide the door into place, ensuring a smooth and lightweight flow when opening and closing. The door is securely locked by a deadbolt, with the roller catches providing effortless functionality without the need for traditional latches.
Weight and Size of the Door
Pivot hinges are designed to handle substantial weight and large door sizes. Their robust construction ensures that the weight is evenly distributed across the top and bottom pivot points, allowing for effortless movement even with significant dimensions.
Type of Installation Environment
Pivot hinges are ideal for environments that require large, heavy doors or where a minimalist, modern aesthetic is desired. They work well in high-traffic areas and are particularly suited for entryways or spaces where space-saving door movement is important.
Upgrade Your Entryway with Clark Hall Pivot Doors
Pivot hinges offer a unique blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, making them a standout choice for both residential and commercial applications.
Their innovative design allows doors to rotate on a central axis, delivering effortless movement and stability that is particularly well-suited for large, heavy doors. While pivot hinges may come with higher upfront costs and a more complex installation process, they offer significant long-term value through enhanced durability, space-saving design, and modern, sleek aesthetics.
If you’re considering pivot hinges for your home or business, our team at Clark Hall can help bring your vision to life. To experience a pivot door firsthand, visit our Charlotte or Raleigh showrooms and see them in action. Contact us today to learn more.
FAQs
What is a pivot hinge and how does it differ from a traditional hinge?
A pivot hinge enables a door to rotate on a central axis, while a traditional hinge connects the door to the frame along one side, usually with two hinges, causing the door to swing outward or inward.
What is the purpose of a pivot door?
Pivot doors create a modern, visually striking entrance that operates smoothly and can accommodate larger, heavier doors. Pivot doors often serve as a focal point in contemporary architecture, providing a seamless transition between spaces and enhancing the overall design of a home.
Where is the pivot hinge positioned?
The pivot hinge is positioned at the top and bottom of the door, rather than along the side.
Are pivot hinges self-closing?
Pivot hinges can be self-closing if designed with an integrated closing mechanism, providing both convenience and enhanced security. Clark Hall uses FritsJurgens pivot hinges, which are equipped with roller catches to ensure a soft close, preventing the door from slamming.
How much weight can a pivot hinge hold?
Depending on the specific model and construction, pivot hinges can support doors weighing several hundred pounds, with some capable of holding up to 1,000 pounds or more.
