Pivot Doors

A guide to steel pivot doors

A pivot door is a door that rotates on a pivot set into the floor and the top of the frame, rather than swinging on hinges along one side. Because the weight rests on the pivot instead of hanging from hinges, a pivot door can be larger and taller than a hinged door, with more room for glass. PINKYS builds pivot doors in steel for front entrances and exterior openings. The guide below covers how pivot doors work, how they compare with hinged doors and how to choose one for your home.

How a pivot door works

A pivot door turns on a center or offset axis. On a center pivot, the door rotates around its middle, leaving an opening on each side. On an offset pivot, the axis sits closer to one edge, so the door opens more like a conventional door while keeping the pivot's look and larger size. The floor-mounted pivot carries the door's weight, which is what allows steel pivot doors to reach heights up to 10 ft.

Pivot doors vs hinged doors

Hinged doors hang from the frame on one side, which limits how wide and heavy the door can be. A pivot door carries its weight on the floor pivot, so a single steel pivot door can fill an opening that would otherwise need a pair of hinged double doors. For homeowners who want one large, uninterrupted panel of glass and steel at the front entry, a pivot front door is often the cleaner choice.

Choosing a pivot front door

A pivot entry door works best where the entry has the width and height to show it off. Exterior pivot doors with expansive glass and minimal framing bring natural light into the entry and give the front of the home a strong first impression. Pair the door with locks and handles made for pivot doors to complete the entry.

Care and finish

Every PINKYS door is protected by an eight-stage coating system designed for exterior exposure. Do not repaint a PINKYS door; any repainting voids the warranty. PINKYS offers touch-up paint for minor scuffs and chips. Custom colors are available for an added cost.

Common questions

What is a pivot door?

A pivot door is a door that rotates on a pivot set into the floor and the top of the frame, rather than swinging on side hinges. The pivot carries the door's weight, which allows a larger, taller door.

What is the difference between a pivot door and a hinged door?

A hinged door swings on hinges along one side. A pivot door turns on a center or offset pivot, which lets it be larger and heavier than a hinged door of the same style.

Can a pivot door replace double doors?

Yes. Because a pivot door can be much wider than a hinged door, a single steel pivot door can fill an opening that would otherwise need a pair of double doors.

How tall can a steel pivot door be?

PINKYS steel pivot doors are available in heights up to 10 ft.

Do pivot doors need special locks?

Yes. PINKYS pivot doors come with stock pivot hardware. Any other handle or lock, including hardware sold by PINKYS such as Rocky Mountain Hardware or hardware you supply, must be installed at the factory during production, which makes it a custom pivot door. To order a pivot door with different hardware, contact the PINKYS Studio Steel team. Custom hardware extends the lead time.

Can I add Rocky Mountain Hardware to a pivot door?

Yes, though not every Rocky Mountain Hardware piece is compatible with a pivot door. Any hardware other than the stock hardware, including hardware PINKYS sells, is a custom order. The hardware is installed at the factory during production, so contact the PINKYS Studio Steel team before ordering to confirm compatibility. Custom hardware extends the lead time.

Can I paint my steel pivot door?

No. Repainting a PINKYS door voids the entire warranty. Custom colors can be ordered at purchase for an added cost, and PINKYS touch-up paint is available for minor scuffs.