The two contenders circle around each other in the ring. They are rotating pretty well… after all, it’s in their DNA. Which will win in the bout to beautify your home? Shall it be hinge, with his rakish swing? Or shall it be Pivot, with her graceful moves? Both pivot doors and hinged doors are amongst the most popular products here at Monumental Windows and Doors. And thanks to solid U.S. construction, they last for many years in service of your loved ones. Hopefully this guide to the differences between the two classic options will help you to decide which best fits your home. Unless, of course, you just have to have both!
A Quick Reminder From Monumental
What sets hinged and pivot doors apart? The main difference between a hinged door and a pivot door is the way they are mounted and rotate.
A hinged door is mounted to a frame with hinges on one side of the door, and swings open and closed on that side. Hinged doors are the most common type of door and can be found in homes, offices, and buildings of all types.
A pivot door, on the other hand, rotates around a pivot point that is usually located at the center of the door or close to the edge. Pivot doors are less common than hinged doors and are typically used for larger or more unique door designs, such as large entrance doors, revolving doors, or high-end interior doors.
Pivot doors can provide a sleek and modern look, and they can be designed to swing in or out. Because they don’t rely on hinges, pivot doors can larger and heavier than hinged doors, and they can also be easier to operate. However, they may require more maintenance and can be more expensive to install than hinged doors.
This all depends, of course, upon your build and your dealer. Monumental hinged and pivot doors are lighter than those crafted with wood or other building materials. They are made with thermally broken aluminum, one of the lightest, most durable, and environmentally friendly options.
Crafting the Perfect Hinged Door
As a manufacturing and construction firm that crafts high-quality hinged doors framed with thermally broken aluminum, there are several important factors to consider.
In the manufacturing process, it is essential to ensure that all of our doors are fabricated with precision and accuracy. This involves careful measurement, cutting, and assembly of the aluminum frame and the door panels. We do this in-house in our Palm Desert facilities. It is also important to pay attention to the thermal break design and ensure that it is effective in minimizing heat transfer and improving energy efficiency.
The selection of the appropriate hardware and accessories is crucial in ensuring the functionality and durability of the hinged doors. We offer these in both polished chrome and brushed stainless steel. This includes the hinges, locks, handles, and other components that are required for the proper operation and security of the doors.
In terms of construction, the installation of the hinged doors must be carried out with care and attention to detail. This involves ensuring that the door frames are properly aligned and levelled, and that the doors are installed with sufficient clearance and smooth operation. It is also important to ensure that the doors are properly sealed to prevent air and water infiltration.
Finally, as a manufacturer and construction firm, it is essential to consider the overall aesthetic appeal of the hinged doors. This involves offering a range of options for door styles, finishes, and glass types that can meet the diverse preferences and needs of customers. Read more about customization options offered by Monumental for our hinged doors.
Overall, crafting hinged doors framed with thermally broken aluminum requires a careful balance of technical expertise, quality materials, and attention to detail to produce doors that are functional, durable, energy-efficient, and aesthetically appealing.
Designing Highly Functional Pivot Doors
At Monumental, we’ve definitely noticed that pivot doors have become increasingly popular in high-end builds in recent years. As a reminder — Pivot doors are a type of door that operates on a pivot hinge, allowing it to swing open and closed with a smooth and effortless motion.
One of the reasons for the popularity of pivot doors is their unique and modern design. Pivot doors offer a sleek and minimalist look that can create a statement piece in any home or commercial space. They can also be customized with a range of materials and finishes, including wood, glass, metal, and more, making them highly versatile in terms of design and style. Thermally broken aluminum framing and 1” glazing promise clean lines and clear views.
Another advantage of pivot doors is their size. They can be designed to be much larger than traditional hinged doors, allowing for a more dramatic and grand entrance. This makes them particularly popular in high-end builds, where large and impressive entrances are often desired. Our 6000 Series Pivot Door is specially crafted for massive entrances up to 6 feet wide and 10 feet tall!
Pivot doors offer a unique way of opening and closing that can add to the overall experience of entering a space. They can be designed to open inward or outward, depending on the space and the desired effect. They are also known as “in-swing” and “out-swing” configurations. This can create a sense of grandeur and elegance that is highly sought after in luxury homes and commercial spaces.
Also — pivot doors can also offer practical benefits in terms of energy efficiency and security. When properly designed and installed, pivot doors can provide excellent insulation and prevent air leakage, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reduce energy costs. They can also be fitted with high-quality locks and security systems to ensure the safety and security of the space.
Pivot doors have become increasingly popular in high-end builds due to their unique design, versatility, size, and practical benefits. As a manufacturing and construction firm that specializes in crafting high-quality doors, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best possible products and services, including a range of pivot doors that can meet the diverse needs and preferences of our clients.
Famous Hinged and Pivot Doors
The Farnsworth House
One example of a famous hinged door in modern construction is the entrance door of the Farnsworth House, designed by renowned architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1951. The Farnsworth House is located in Plano, Illinois and is widely regarded as a masterpiece of modernist architecture.
The hinged door of the Farnsworth House is a simple yet elegant design, consisting of a large glass panel set within a steel frame that swings open on a pair of concealed hinges. The door is located at the center of the house’s south facade and provides a seamless connection between the interior living space and the surrounding natural environment.
The door’s clean lines, minimal detailing, and precision engineering are typical of Mies van der Rohe’s modernist style, which emphasized simplicity, functionality, and the use of industrial materials. The Farnsworth House hinged door is an iconic feature of the house and has inspired countless designers and architects since its construction.
The Stahl House
An example of a famous pivot door in a modern home build is the “pivot door” at the entrance of the Pierre Koenig’s Stahl House, also known as Case Study House #22, located in Los Angeles, California. The Stahl House was designed and built in 1960 as part of the Case Study House program, which aimed to showcase innovative and affordable residential architecture in post-World War II America.
The pivot door at the Stahl House is a large, floor-to-ceiling glass door that opens outwards to the iconic view of the city below. The door operates on a pivot hinge, allowing it to open and close with ease and providing a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
The door’s minimalist design, combined with its unique function and location, has made it an iconic feature of modern residential architecture and a popular destination for architecture enthusiasts from around the world.
The Stahl House pivot door is a great example of how hinged doors can be used to create a striking and functional entrance in a modern home build.
Get In Touch with Monumental
Ready to purchase your hinged or pivot doors? Monumental’s expert dealers are here to help. We also recommend taking a look at our sliding window wall products and other options in creating your ideal luxury home.