The difference between a steel pivot door and a hinged door

The right type of door can completely transform the look of your interior and enhance the comfort of your home. But what exactly are the differences between steel pivot doors and steel hinged doors? In this article, we discuss the six main differences.

The most visible and important difference between a pivot door and a hinged door is the pivot movement. A pivot door rotates on a hinge that is fixed into both the floor and the ceiling. This allows the door to open in two directions, offering flexibility and modern ease of use. A hinged door, on the other hand, rotates on side hinges attached to a frame and opens in only one direction: either inward or outward, depending on its placement. In the photo below on the left, you see a pivot door; on the right, a hinged door.

A pivot door does not require a traditional frame, resulting in a minimalist and sleek appearance. This makes the door a perfect choice for modern interiors. A hinged door, however, is always fitted with a frame.

A major advantage of a pivot door is the integrated soft-close mechanism. This ensures that the door closes automatically and silently. A hinged door generally does not have this mechanism and remains open or closed through manual operation.

A hinged door can usually be opened up to 180 degrees, whereas a pivot door typically opens up to 90 degrees in both directions. Pivot doors are equipped with a self-closing mechanism, which causes the door to close automatically once it is within 90 degrees. Hinged doors generally do not have this feature and will remain open until closed manually.

A pivot door requires free space on both sides to open, as it pivots in two directions. This makes it less suitable for small or narrow passageways. A hinged door is more space-saving as it only opens in one direction.

An important feature of a pivot door is the placement of the hinge at the bottom of the door. This design impacts the dimensions of the threshold. Compared to a traditional hinged door, a pivot door has a larger threshold.

Choosing between a steel pivot door and a hinged door depends on your personal preferences and the space in which the door will be installed. At De Rooy Steel Doors, we design and manufacture not only steel pivot doors and hinged doors but also sliding doors. All types of doors are fully tailor-made and customised to suit your interior and personal wishes. Our team is ready to help you make the perfect choice. Do you have any questions or are you unsure which door best suits your situation? Visit our showroom and discover the possibilities!