A Guide for Pivot Doors and How to Install Them

There’s a number of ways you can create separation between your spaces. Depending on the space and the product you’re looking for, pivot doors are a common household solution for separating one room from another, as well as for hiding away your closet space. Read on to find out how pivot doors could be a great addition to your home and get tips on installation.

What Are Pivot Doors?

Unlike traditional hinge doors which are connected via hinges to a nearby wall and the side of the door, pivot doors swing open and rotate on a vertical axis and are attached by a pivot hinge. While a traditional hinge is located on the side of the door, pivot hinges are located at the top and bottom of the door.

Generally, pivot doors can be quite large and heavy, but with a pivot hinge they swing open seamlessly and easily. The doors themselves can vary in size and material type. For example, Alumcomplete uses aluminum frames and varying materials like glass, MDF, and acrylic for the pivot door panels, which you can then customize with your own measurements, colors, or printed design. 

And because the pivot point can be placed anywhere along the top and bottom of the door, these doors offer flexibility in terms of swing direction and space utilization.

How Do Pivot Doors Work?

The functionality of pivot doors lies in their innovative pivoting mechanism. Unlike traditional doors that require hinges, pivot doors use a system of pivots and brackets. This system allows the door to swing open horizontally on a central axis, providing a unique movement that is both smooth and efficient.

One of the main advantages of pivot doors is their ability to support larger and heavier panels. Because the pivot points distribute the weight evenly, these doors can handle more substantial materials without compromising on performance.

How to Install Pivot Doors: A Step-by-Step Guide

Pivot doors bring a sophisticated and modern flair to any space. Although professional installation is recommended, you can achieve a successful DIY install by following this comprehensive guide for installing pivot doors with a standard system.

Pivot doors bring a sophisticated and modern flair to any space. Although professional installation is recommended, you can achieve a successful DIY install by following this comprehensive guide for installing pivot doors with a standard system.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, ensure you have the following items from your pivot door kit:

• Two bases (top and bottom)
• One top attachment element
• One bottom attachment element
• One screw
• One plastic attachment element
• One self-tapping screw
• Two lock nuts
• Two hole covers
• Six euro screws

Preparation

Prepare the Holes:

• Begin by preparing the holes according to the specifications for the standard system. This will involve marking and drilling the necessary holes in your wall or cabinet where the door will be installed.

Insert the Plastic Attachment Element:

• Place the plastic attachment element into the groove of the top rail. Secure it with an assembling self-tapping screw. For added stability, use an additional self-tapping screw from the kit.

Attachment and Base Installation

Install the Top Attachment Element:

• Fix the top attachment element into place using a self-tapping screw. Ensure it is well-secured with an additional screw from the kit if necessary.

Install the Bottom Attachment Element:

• Bring in the bottom attachment element and fix it with an assembling self-tapping screw. Again, secure it further with the additional screw provided.

Install the Top and Bottom Bases:

• Place the top and bottom bases in their designated positions. If installing in a cupboard, use the euro screws from the kit for secure placement.

Door Installation

Prepare the Axes:

• Unscrew the axis from the top base. Insert the door into the bottom axis and then screw the top axis into the base through the door’s attachment element.

Adjust the Door:

• Fine-tune the door’s positioning by adjusting the eccentric workpieces inside the top and bottom attachment elements. This allows you to align the door precisely.

Secure the Door:

• Once aligned, screw the lock nuts into the attachment elements to secure the door in place.

Final Touches

Install Decorative Hole Covers:

• Cover any exposed screws with the decorative hole covers included in the kit for a polished finish.

Add a Magnetic Latch:

• For optimal functionality, install a magnetic latch at either the top or bottom of the door to ensure it stays securely closed.

Specifications

Maximum Door Height: 3200 millimeters

Maximum Width: 900 millimeters

Maximum Weight: 40 kilograms

If you’d like professional help with the installation of your pivot doors, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at Alumcomplete.