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Pivot Door vs Hinged Door: Pros and Cons
A pivot door turns on a pin set into the floor and head, so it can be far wider and heavier than a hinged door and opens with a light touch. The trade-off is weather sealing, which takes more care on an exposed exterior pivot.
St. Pete Custom Doors builds and installs hand-carved and custom wood doors in St. Petersburg, FL. Short answer: A pivot door turns on a pin set into the floor and head, so it can be far wider and heavier than a hinged door and opens with a light touch. The trade-off is weather sealing, which takes more care on an exposed exterior pivot.
Why People Choose a Pivot
- Very wide and tall doors, often reeded or flush
- The weight carried by the floor pivot, not the jamb
- A clean modern line with a long pull
What to Plan For
Exterior pivots need careful sealing at the edges, a cover or overhang where possible, and product approval like any exterior door. The floor has to take the pivot, so it is planned before flooring goes down when possible. See pivot front doors.
FAQ
More on Pivot Doors
Can a pivot door be installed in an existing house?
Often, if the floor and head can take the pivot hardware; it is planned at the consultation.
Is a pivot door harder to lock?
No; multipoint locks are available for pivot doors.
Ask Us About Pivot Doors
Based in St. Petersburg · serving St. Pete, St. Pete Beach, South Tampa & Apollo Beach