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 bold opening.
A single pivot point is an ideal way to incorporate large and bold designs while still being capable of handling the weight of a great entry. Elegance and modern appeal are guaranteed when pivot doors are involved.
Versatility is unmatched as pivot doors create a striking opening in any living area or separate room, adding depth and openness to the space. Pivot hinges can even be added to cabinets or furniture for innovative and expansive designs offering a range of features and advantages over regular doors.
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:
- The door panel
- A pivot 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.
Pivot Doors vs. Regular Doors: A Quick Comparison
| Features & Performance | Pivot Doors | Regular Doors |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Designed to support substantial weight evenly on a single point. | Multiple hinges result in more points for wear and tear. |
| Versatility | Unique functionality for innovative and space-saving designs. Allows for larger, heavier doors. | Limited by size and weight for dramatic entrances in contemporary designs. |
| Warping | They can be more prone to warping as they swing on a single point. | Warping may depend more on the material of the door. |
| Drilling | Installation usually requires drilling in the floor and ceiling as they require a larger opening. | Less complex installation and specialized hardware. |
| Airtightness | Risk water leakage due to their ADA thresholds designed for low accessibility. | Can be considered more airtight and easier to weather-seal. |
| Aesthetic Appeal | Clean unobstructed look for big, bold designs. | Traditional and less novel opening experience. |
| Maintenance Requirements | Periodic application of a lubricant to hinges and pivot points but fewer parts to worry about. | Regular cleaning and specific types of maintenance depend on the material of the door. |
| Security Features | Hinges are concealed within the door, with only floor and ceiling plates visible. | Hinges are revealed but multi-locking systems and security depend on design. |
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.
Pivot Door Security
Clark Hall’s Pivot doors are secure, offering clients peace of mind. 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 custom 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.
Purpose of a Pivot Door
Homeowners looking to have a large and impressive front door often choose pivot doors. With a pivot door system, the hinge points are on the top and bottom of the door, allowing the weight of the door to be transferred vertically, as opposed to hanging off the side frame. Pivot door systems are often used in modern designs and luxurious homes because of their breathtaking size and superior engineering.
The History of Pivot Doors
Although modern pivot doors seem to be a contemporary trend, the technology dates 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.
4 Benefits of Modern Pivot Doors
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 traditionalstyles, 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.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. —-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.Learn more about iron doors today.
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