A pivot hinge door is a unique design offering an exciting twist to any entryway—rotating on a single point at the top and bottom, giving it a ‘secret passageway’ feel. Its hidden mounting is tucked inside the door for a seamless and surprising opening.
Homeowners looking to achieve a grand entry often choose pivot doors. A single pivot point is an ideal way to incorporate large and bold designs as they’re capable of handling extraordinary weight. Their innovative engineering creates breathtaking size—a perfect complement to modern designs and luxurious homes.
Elegance and modern appeal are guaranteed when pivot doors are involved. Their versatility is unmatched as pivot doors create a striking focal point in any living area or separate room, adding depth and openness to the space.
The History of Pivot Doors
While pivot doors may seem like a modern innovation, they actually date back centuries. According to FritsJurgens®, an example of an early pivot door can be found in the ancient city of Persepolis in modern-day Iran. Additionally, there are several indications of this door style found in the Gate of All Nations, a grand hall that was built between 486 and 465 B.C.
How Does a Pivot Door Work?
Essentially, a pivot door is a pivoting panel that can take on any type of custom design or measurement. Its basic elements include:
- A door panel
- A pivot hinge system
- A top pivot
- A floor plate
- A ceiling plate
Unlike old examples, modern pivot doors don’t rotate on an extension of the vertical axis. Instead, they leverage a pivot hinge system and a top pivot that are both invisible on the finished door. Where the pivot is located depends on personal preference and the width of the door. Typically, it’s about 15” from the end, but that may change if the designer or homeowner needs a bigger or smaller opening to walk through.
Types of Pivot Doors
Pivot doors are available in a few different materials, each offering benefits or drawbacks depending on your aesthetic preferences.
- Wood: Complements homes with traditional design elements, but may not offer the most durability.
- Steel: Flawlessly pairs with modern or contemporary designs, and has unmatched durability.
- Glass: Offers the most natural light, but is only applicable for interior doors or shower doors. Glass does not offer enough security for exterior doors.
Pivot Doors vs. Regular Doors: A Quick Comparison
| Features & Performance | Pivot Doors | Regular Doors |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | ✅ A single point = more even weight distribution. | ❌ Multiple hinges = more points for wear and tear. |
| Versatility | ✅ Unlimited by size and weight for dramatic entrances in contemporary designs. | ❌ Limited by size and weight for dramatic entrances in contemporary designs. |
| Warping | ✅ Less prone to warping as they swing on a single point and weight is evenly distributed | ❌ More prone to warping because weight is hinged on side and less evenly distributed. |
| Drilling | ❌ More Complex installation requires specialized hardware and a larger opening. | ✅ Less complex installation, specialized hardware, and space requirements. |
| Airtightness | ❌ Less airtight due to their offset access. | ✅ More airtight and easier to weather-seal. |
| Aesthetic Appeal | ✅ More grand opening experience with big, bold designs. | ❌ Less grand opening experience. |
| Maintenance Requirements | ✅ Less parts to clean and maintain than a traditional door. | ⚖️ Regular cleaning and specific types of maintenance depend on the material of the door. |
| Security Features | ✅ More secure. Hinges are concealed within the door, with only floor and ceiling plates visible. | ❌ Less secure. Hinges are exposed by multi-locking systems. |
Pivot doors offer several distinctive advantages over regular doors, the most striking being their ability to carry the load of larger doors. Size is not a limit when it comes to the strong pivot hinge, as the most grand ideas and designs can be carried out. The single pivot point offers durability against wear and warping, resulting in a timeless entrance.
Regular maintenance is expected for the longevity of any door—pivots are no exception. However, with simple bi-annual lubrication of the hinges, a pivot door is sure to prevail over time. Their sleek design with seamless entry makes them a perfect match for the clean lines of modern designs. Hidden hardware and hinges make a tidy appearance and offer security.
Pivot Door Pros & Cons
While pivot doors offer the beauty of wide-open and unobstructed views, there are a few pros and cons to consider when exploring them as a feature in your home.
Pros:
- Pivot doors save space, as their hinges eliminate the presence of side-mounted hinges of traditional doors, allowing them to open fully.
- The design of pivot hinges is ideal for supporting substantial weight, making them ideal for high-end entrances.
- They offer significant durability and lower maintenance than regular doors over time.
Cons:
- While they save space, they create a small gap between the door and the wall—the “pivot gap”—which accommodates the door’s rotation to prevent interference with surrounding surfaces.
- Mounting and installing pivot hinge doors requires specialized work that demands precise alignment and larger openings.
- Pivot hinge doors may come with higher upfront costs due to complicated installation.
4 Reasons to Choose a Modern Pivot Door over a Traditional Door
Whether you’re looking for an elevated style or a smoother entryway system—our pivot doors have both. Check out a few of their top advantages.
1. They expand your entryway.
The beauty of the pivot is that you can build a much larger door than a standard swinging single door. To give you an idea, we often see modern pivot doors measure at about 10 ft. and over 50” wide.
2. They make a statement.
Most clients who want a pivot door installed in their home are looking to make a statement. These doors are visually different from the average hinged doors, and they feature a very elegant door movement that captivates those who enter.
3. They’re extremely smooth.
Our pivot doors boast a very smooth operating system, and help create a seamless transition from one area to another. We often hear clients who visit our design studios say that they are “wowed” by their beauty and effortless functionality.
4. They can be completely customized.
Whether you prefer modern, ornate, or traditional styles, our experts and artisans can work closely with you to design a custom pivot door that suits your taste. Plus, choose from a range of glass styles and finishes that complement your exterior. Feeling inspired and want to design your own custom pivot door? Check out our blog article, “How to Design a Custom Door” to learn more about the process. Then, schedule a consultation at one of our design studios—we have a few pivot doors showcased on-site, so it’s a great opportunity to get a taste for their look and feel.
How To Install a Pivot Door
Installing a pivot door requires careful alignment of the hardware and plates.. For steel doors, the pivot hardware is fitted into the door’s frame or profiles. Next, the floor and ceiling plates are aligned for exact positioning. The door is then placed with the bottom spindle fitting into the floor plate socket and the top pivot locking into the ceiling fixture. Once mounted, the door is fine-tuned to adjust for closing speeds and holding positions.
Installation may depend on a variety of factors, including the condition of the existing entryway and door size. The best way to ensure lasting performance and the achieved aesthetic is to consult with Clark Hall Door today for personalized guidance.
Summary
Pivot doors create a large and impressive entryway guaranteed to spark many conversations among friends, family, and visitors. Sweepingly beautiful and secure—our doors are constructed with 14-gauge steel and double-paned insulated glass, offering resilience to traditional wear-and-tear that prolongs the life of your door. This eye-catching focal point welcomes big and bold designs that can be tailored to suit any taste. Whether you prefer modern, ornate, or traditional styles, our experts can collaborate with you on a custom pivot door that is perfect for your home.
Pivot Door Security
Clark Hall’s Pivot doors go beyond aesthetics.. Our doors are constructed of 14-gauge steel and double-paned insulated glass, ensuring privacy and security for the home.
Plus, all of the hardware is made with security and durability in mind.
If you’re concerned about privacy with a pivot door that features a large glass window panel, we recommend choosing a textured glass option that slightly obscures an onlooker’s view of the inside of your home—Seedy Baroque, Flemish, Cotswold textures are some of the most popular options, size permitting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pivot Doors
What is the advantage of a pivot door?
Pivot doors offer many advantages, but the biggest one is that they easily expand your entryway. These entrances give you the opportunity to build a much larger door than a standard swinging single door—for example, many of our pivot doors measure at about 10 ft. and over 50” wide. Other advantages include their statement-worthy craftsmanship, extremely smooth operating system, and complete customizability.
What is the difference between a swing door and a pivot door?
Pivot doors are doors that swing, but instead of being restrained by hinges on either side, pivot doors rotate on a vertical axis, or spindle. The pivot points are located at the very top and bottom of the door at points that are located the same distance from the edge of the frame.
Where are pivot doors used?
Pivot doors are great entry doors, giving an elegant first impression. We often recommend that pivot doors be covered so as not to leave the entryway exposed to rain and other elements that could leak through the inactive space. You can speak to a member of our sales team to see if a pivot door is right for your entryway.
Are pivot doors practical?
Pivot doors look contemporary and sophisticated, complementing modern homes exceptionally well. Practicality depends on what you are looking for. If you want to expand your entryway and prefer a pivot over double doors, pivot doors are your best choice. However, if you have a smaller, restricted entryway, a single door would better suit your needs.
What is the point of a pivot door?
The strength of a single pivot hinge makes it capable of handling larger, heavier, and bolder doors than traditional hinges. Since they operate from a central off-axis pivot point, they open in a striking and unexpected motion. For homeowners seeking a distinctive feature and a grand entry, pivot doors are the answer.
What are the downsides of pivot doors?
Pivot doors are less airtight than traditional doors and may require specialized weather stripping for extra protection. These expertly crafted doors start at higher price ranges. Built to last, they’re best when installed by professionals with high-quality hardware.
What is the difference between a pivot door and a sliding door?
Pivot doors rotate on a single offset hinge, while sliding doors move horizontally up and down a track. A pivot door is common for creating a large and bold entryway or interior statement, while sliding doors are often found leading to backyards or patios, where saving space is key.
