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.
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
Also swinging doors, glass pivot doors connect to a frame or the building by two pivots situated exactly opposite each other at points above and below the door. Glass pivot doors, often referred to as pivot-hinged glass doors, offer a sleek and minimalistic appearance due to their absence of visible door frames and hinges, making them a popular choice for contemporary interior designs.
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?
Depending on the size and style of the pivot door, it can be a more expensive option than a traditional hinged door. However, many would argue that the advantages listed above easily compensate for this potentially higher initial cost.
Conclusion: Why Choose a Pivot Door Over a Hinged Door?
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.
