At Audsley Windows, we manufacture and install high-quality aluminium doors of all descriptions. But while it’s often clear to our customers when a sliding door or bi-fold door is the best solution for a given space/purpose, it may not be as obvious when to choose a pivot door over a hinged door. So let’s take a look at the difference between these types of doors, beginning with hinged doors. When comparing a pivot door to a hinged door, the pivot door offers a more contemporary aesthetic, with its sleek and minimalist design.
Hinged Doors
The standard swinging doors, hinged doors are attached to a door frame by two or more hinges on the long side away from the side that opens in or out.
Pivot Doors
Pivoting doors swing on a central point, offering a dynamic entryway experience, while hinged doors operate on a side-mounted axis, providing a traditional and familiar feel.
Glass pivot doors, also known as pivot-hinged glass doors, achieve their sleek and minimalistic appearance by connecting to a frame or the building through two pivots positioned exactly opposite each other above and below the door. This design makes them a popular choice for contemporary interior designs as they lack visible door frames and hinges.
What are the Advantages of Pivot Doors?
- Pivot doors immediately stand out from the more common hinged variety, providing visual appeal and making a statement about your room and building. They are very impressive front doors!
- Because pivot doors swing at a fixed point within the doorway rather than in/out from one side, they require less space to open. Glass pivot doors feature toughened glass, which undergoes a specialized heating and cooling process to enhance its strength and durability, making it a reliable choice for modern architectural designs.
- At the same time, pivot doors may be larger and heavier than hinged doors as they are supported by the pivots and floor rather than the frame. This arrangement makes them more stable.
- Unlike hinged doors, pivot doors are not susceptible to sagging down at one corner over time due to gravity.
Are There any Disadvantages?
The size and style of the pivot door determine whether it proves to be a more expensive option than a traditional hinged door. Nonetheless, many argue that the advantages listed above easily compensate for this potentially higher initial cost.
Conclusion: Why Choose a Pivot Door Over a Hinged Door?
The pivot door’s rotational motion enables it to open in both directions, maximizing accessibility and versatility. Conversely, hinged doors typically swing in one direction, limiting entry options and spatial flexibility. However, pivot doors require precise installation and may be more costly, whereas hinged doors are simpler to install and more cost-effective. In conclusion, while pivot doors boast impressive functionality and modern aesthetics, hinged doors remain a reliable and economical choice for many households.
If you’re after an interior or exterior door that’s a real statement piece, a pivot door is the way to go. Likewise, if you want a door that’s larger and/or heavier but doesn’t require a huge frame to support it or as much clearance space as a hinged door, then a pivot door is the better bet. Even if you just feel like a change to something different and more modern, it’s definitely worth considering a pivot door.
Think a pivot door might be right for your space/purpose? Get in touch with Audsley Windows and we’ll be happy to discuss all of the possible options, and work out which one is best for you.
