Frequently
Asked Questions

What is a pivot door and how does it work?

A Pivot Door is a door on a pivot pin, allowing the door to go inside and outside. It has a pin on the top and bottom, generally located about ¼ of the way in from the edge, allowing it to open both inward and outward simultaneously—creating a dramatic effect.

This design allows the door to:

• Open with a smooth, effortless motion
• Support larger, heavier entryway doors (often much wider or taller than standard doors)
• Create a striking visual statement due to its unique minimalist or oversized appearance

The pivot door system also distributes the door’s weight more evenly, making it ideal for oversized, solid wood, or glass doors. It’s a favorite among architects and designers for its versatility.

What are the benefits of choosing a pivot door over a traditional hinged door?

Some benefits of a pivot door vs a hinged door are; modern architectural appeal, increase of property value and no size limitations.

• Each of our pivot doors is custom built to order right here in America using premium material. Our pivot doors allow for custom sizing, custom design elements like center-pivot placement and a variety of wood species—giving builders, designers and homeowners more freedom than confining hinge doors.
• Pivot doors create a clean, modern look with dramatic visual impact. Their larger size and smooth pivot operation make them a true architectural statement.
• A custom pivot door can instantly elevate a home’s curb appeal—and because it’s rare and design-forward, it often increases property value.

Would you be able to produce drawings for our architect to review once we have sent you the measurements?

We are happy to produce shop drawings once the deposit has been made for the order. After the 50% deposit is received, we will create you a “New Order Packet” with shop drawings, invoice, warranty info and some important information to sign off on before production begins. You’re able to change any and all parts of your order before you sign that packet.

Do you have a showroom?

Pivot Door Company does not maintain a physical showroom. This intentional choice allows us to offer our clients the best possible pricing by minimizing overhead costs. Instead, we provide an extensive online gallery and door builder tool showcasing live pricing, detailed images, sizing options, and premium wood selections to help you find the perfect custom pivot door for your project. If you’d like to meet us, we’re happy to talk to you about your order in person in our offices.

Where are your pivot doors made?

All of our pivot doors are proudly manufactured in the heart of the U.S.A.. Everything we make is crafted to order using premium materials sourced from American companies, then manufactured and shipped from our facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado. With our offices and manufacturing under one roof, we maintain full, efficient control and communication throughout every stage of your order.

Would you be able to send some detail photos of the edges of a sample pivot door, the lock set, and the handle, so we have an idea of the finish of the edges and hardware?

We are happy to send detail photos of wood, pivot door elements, and hardware for customers who are prepared to purchase a pivot door.

Will you send me pictures of the pivot door prior to shipping?

We are happy to send photos prior to shipping for each and every order.

Can I customize the size and design of my pivot door?

Yes – every Pivot Door Company pivot door is custom made to order. A favorite among designers, our pivot doors can be customized in size, wood species, glass, metal accents, hardware and design details to match your exact vision. We ship our doors unstained, so you or your builder/designer can finish them on-site to perfectly match your interior or exterior palette.

Whether you’re going with one of our standard designs or a bold custom rendering from your architect – we’ll help you bring your custom entry to life.

Wood pivot door vs a steel pivot door, which is better?

Builders prefer working with our wood pivot doors as opposed to steel pivot doors. Steel is difficult to work with and prone to denting or scratching – repairs are virtually impossible once damaged. Wood doors give you flexibility to stain or paint, are thermally broken, insulated well, and can be restored to look as pristine as the day it was installed.

• Design Flexibility:
  • You can make wood look like steel, but you cannot make steel look like wood
  • Stain or paint to match your project
  • Paint-grade jamb can be painted to match your design or left as wood
  • Aluminum trim can be added if desired
• Easier Installation & Maintenance:
  • Wood doors are easier to install
  • We do not require additional structural support outside of your typical construction
  • Wood is much easier to work with as you prep for door hardware
  • Steel will dent and scratch easily and it can be impossible to fix
• Better Insulation:
  • Wood doors are thermally insulated, unlike steel doors that can get very hot/cold
  • Steel doors can sweat when there’s a significant temperature difference between inside and outside, often causing condensation to pool on the interior floor
• Strength & Beauty:
  • Steel grid core for strength, hardwood face for warmth and elegance
• Great Performance:
  • Weather seals for all climates, thermally insulated for energy efficiency

Wood pivot door vs a steel pivot door, which is better? The answer: wood pivot doors, always.

Do you offer metal jambs?

We do not offer metal jambs. As the world’s leading pivot door manufacturer, we’ve found that precision-crafted wood jambs offer superior performance. They’re easier to install, more forgiving to minor building variances, and can be adjusted over time as the home naturally settles—making them ideal for both design flexibility and long-term durability. For clients seeking the look of a metal jamb, we recommend a paint-grade jamb paired with a stain-grade wood pivot door. Our wood jambs can be painted and are compatible to be installed in aluminum wall frames, storefronts, aluminum window frames or curtain wall systems.

Can we do a door that’s not a pivot?

While we do not build doors that have other hardware systems, we are happy to build you a door leaf into which you can install your own hardware, hinge or otherwise. This is commonly requested for side doors or barn doors that match the front pivot door.

Can a pivot door only be used as a front entry door, or are there more applications?

Pivot doors from Pivot Door Company are engineered specifically for exterior applications, thanks to our proprietary steel core construction. That said, many clients fall in love with the scale and drama of the pivot function – and it’s not uncommon to see our doors used in commercial applications, interior spaces or as glass-heavy pivoting wall systems along the rear façade to frame views and bring in natural light. In commercial applications, pivot doors are often used as oversized interior entries, restaurant kitchen to dining room transitions, conference center walls, locker room entrances or convention center general room dividers.

Can I get a double door pivot door or wall span configuration?

Yes – pivot doors can absolutely be designed as double doors or full wall-system configurations. At Pivot Door Company, we specialize in custom-built pivot systems, including oversized and multi-panel setups. We create what others are afraid to attempt – large-scale, design-forward pivot doors that function with precision and make a bold architectural statement.

Can I get a rounded or arched top pivot door?

The top of our pivot doors are designed to be flat. We can customize a transom above to fit your opening.

Can we use our own facing? Can we apply a face to your pivot door once it arrives to the work site?

Yes! We have done this on several occasions and have a standard design for exactly this situation. Check out the Apply Your Own Face Door.

Can we ship you our own materials for the face and jamb?

If you have a specific lot of wood that you want to match, you may wish to send us materials from that lot. If this is a requirement for your project, we are happy to work with you.

What materials are used in your custom pivot doors?

At Pivot Door Company, every pivot door starts as a bunk of hardwood and a pile of steel—sourced exclusively from American suppliers. Our purchasers carefully curate the selection of premium materials to ensure quality, limited color variation and durability.

• Hardwoods like White Oak, Walnut, Mahogany-Sapele, Alder and Cedar
• Architectural metals including steel and powder-coated handles/accents
• Custom glass options: like rain glass, velvex, impact rated glass
• Custom weatherseal system to make a continuous seal on all four sides
• Premium locksets that are recommended by high end architects, designers and home builders

Each pivot door is handcrafted to order, with materials chosen to match your design vision, performance needs, specific local climate and extreme weather conditions.

How thick is the pivot door?

Our standard exterior pivot doors come at a standard thickness of 2 1/4″. Some standard designs like the Mehta or Apply Your Own Face Pivot Doors are/can be thicker. We build custom, we can build a thicker door if requested.

Can I replace a regular door with a pivot door in an existing opening?

Yes, you can replace a regular hinged door with a pivot door in an existing opening. We build custom to any size, small or large. We commonly receive the request for 81 inch tall frames for older homes and are happy to adjust our construction to meet these requirements. We recommend a minimum 40 inch frame width to accommodate the pivot offset while maintaining a comfortable walkthrough clearance for a main entrance door.

There is a price jump on any pivot door over 12′ tall or over 7′ wide because it requires special engineering and special shipping. Otherwise, generally speaking, your project requirements will place greater restraint on your size than the pivot door’s engineering.

Is a pivot door heavy? What is the weight of a pivot door (slab)?

Yes, pivot doors are substantially heavier than traditional doors — and that’s part of their appeal. The weight varies based on size and construction, but most of our standard doors average between 250–350 lbs. Due to the scale and structure, handling typically requires multiple people or a forklift at delivery. Despite the weight, the pivot hardware makes operation effortless. However, due to their mass, the door can build momentum if swung forcefully. Each Pivot Door Company pivot door features a proprietary steel core wrapped in premium hardwood, giving it the weight, feel, and presence of true architectural quality.

What are the threshold dimensions?

Type 1 thresholds are 1/2″ tall, and Type 2 thresholds are 1 1/4″ tall.

Where should we put the pivot?

Generally speaking, we suggest placing the pivot over one quarter of the distance of the pivot door width. We find that this presents a solid aesthetic for most pivot door dimensions.

Can we do a different kind of wood from what you have?

In most cases, we can source other wood types that are not listed on our web site. The price of wood types not listed on our web site can vary due to availability.

What kind of wood should I use?

Each type of wood has unique properties that can help in determining which you should choose for your project. Density, color, porosity, grain, and grade all factor into your wood choice. For example, White Oak is a more dense wood, which makes it heavier, but it also makes is prone to cracking due to changes in moisture. On the other hand, Maple is not usually used as an exterior wood because of how much it swells up when exposed to moisture.

Hardness: White Oak and Red Oak are our hardest wood types, followed by Mahogany, then Walnut. Cedar and Fir are soft woods that dent and damage easily, especially when part of a door as heavy as a pivot door.

Color and Grain: Every tree is different, and so, no matter what sample of wood you look at, whether we send it to you or whether you look at a sample from your local lumber store, the wood for the door will come from a different lot and have variations. Some woods vary more than others. For example, Walnut and Mahogany vary greatly in color (from dark to light) and grain pattern, with flames of all different sizes. White and Red Oak vary much less with color, but still have a lot of variation in grain patterns. When we select wood for each project, we take time to match colors and grains to make a unified composition.

Will you send us samples of the different wood species?

We will send wood samples, although, it is notable to remember that every tree is different, and so, no matter what sample of wood you look at, whether we send it to you or whether you look at a sample from your local lumber store, the wood for the pivot door will come from a different lot and have variations.

Is the jamb the same type of wood?

As a rule, the jamb is constructed from the same type of wood as the pivot door facing, unless otherwise requested.

What is the closer upgrade?

Generally used in commercial applications, the closer pulls the pivot door shut. Most residential buyers prefer to go with a free-swing, rather than having to wait for the closer to close the door behind them to lock it. With a closer you have to hold the pivot door, if you want it to remain open.

Can we use our own handle or lockset hardware?

Yes, you can use your own handle or lockset. If you wish for us to prep for your handle or lockset, you will need to give us the specifications as soon as possible. In some cases, for nonstandard items, it will be best to send the hardware to our shop for prepping.

Is the pivot hardware included?

Yes, the pivot hardware is included in the purchase price, already installed in both the pivot door slab, threshold and header.

Do the handles work on other doors?

Yes, our handles work with other doors.

How much clearance does a pivot door need to open properly?

Pivot doors typically require less clearance than traditional hinged doors. Because the pivot hardware axis is offset from the frame, part of the door swings inward while the other swings outward – reducing the swing radius and maximizing usable space. With a standard pivot placement, roughly two-thirds of the door swings inward (for inswing configurations), while one-third swings outward. We can adjust the pivot placement to accommodate your space. Clearance requirements vary based on your entryway, entry staircase, custom pivot door dimensions and swing direction. Generally, it’s best for the door to swing open toward the living area, resting fully against the entry wall to create the most inviting flow into the space.

Do pivot doors swing in just one direction or both?

Our pivoting hardware allows for a full rotation, but to properly weather seal your exterior entrance, our doors close into door stops built into the jamb equipped with kerf seals to give our units the best seal. Most exterior pivot doors are designed to swing in one direction – so while 360deg rotating pivot doors are possible it’s typically reserved for custom interior commercial applications.

Are pivot doors easy to use?

Yes – despite their size, even our largest pivot doors are remarkably easy to operate. Thanks to our precision-balanced pivot hardware, the door’s weight is well distributed into the pivot pin, making it feel almost weightless. Pivot Door Company’s pivot doors have a very smooth operation and even small children are able to open our doors with ease. Unlike traditional hinged doors, pivot doors rotate on an offset axis. The result is a gliding motion that creates an effortless entry experience – no matter the size or weight of the door.

Do I need a multipoint lock?

Pivot Door Company’s pivot doors do not need a multipoint! This is a common misconception. In the past multipoint locking hardware was necessary for solid wood pivot doors to not warp over time, instead Pivot Door Company’s pivot doors have a steel grid core that is clad in ¼” thick hardwood, allowing you freedom to use any hardware. We’re so confident that multi point hardware is not necessary to stop warping on our pivot doors that we even warranty against it. Some customers still request multipoint hardware for security reasons – and we’re happy to accommodate this request.

Are pivot doors safe and secure for residential homes?

Yes – Pivot doors are absolutely safe and secure for residential homes. We offer a variety of solutions for the ultra-security conscious: custom impact-rated glass and mortise locks, our standard steel core, and standard thicker jamb stops than ‘normal doors’. Our doors are as safe, if not safer than normal doors. Here is how:

• Our high quality pivot doors are built with a steel grid core, insulated, then clad in wood—making standard designs 2 ¼” thick or thicker. They are hefty, solid, and impossible to kick through. The steel core also prevents warping over time and eliminates the need for multi-point locking systems. You can rest assured that a standard deadbolt is sufficient.
• Our pivot doors are custom built, and the pivot placement is customizable. Often, many people are concerned about the security of the pivot side opening – the pivot opening is smaller than you think. On a typical 4ft wide door unit with our suggested pivot placement of 9”, the pivot opening when the door is opened fully at a 90 degrees is only ~5 ½ inches. Though rarely is the door opened at a full 90 degrees—normally a front door is opened at 45 degrees—just enough space for the homeowner to walk through. At this point, the pivot opening is ~2 ½ inches.
• Our pivot doors are compatible with smart lock systems, mortise locks, mag locks, and multi-point locks—giving homeowners even more control and peace of mind.

How does a pivot door stay closed in the wind with just a pull handle and no lever?

Pivot Door Company’s pivot doors are often purchased with a Handle and Lockset Package. This will have all the hardware needed for your unit. Instead of a traditional lever with a physical latch, we install magnetic catches which use magnetic force to keep your door shut when it’s not locked. This provides a secure, consistent closure while preserving a clean, minimalist pull-handle look.

What hardware do you use for the pivot?

We use Dorma technology systems for our pivot hardware.

How do pivot doors handle insulation and energy efficiency?

At Pivot Door Company, energy efficiency is built into every door we make. Our doors are designed to perform across a wide range of climates. Each door comes standard with a steel grid core for strength and thermal stability, 1″ insulated glass to reduce heat transfer, and a 5R insulating foam interior for added energy performance. For projects with higher efficiency demands, we also offer additional upgrade options.

Weatherproofing is a top priority in our engineering, ensuring our pivot doors are as durable and climate-conscious as they are beautiful.

Can I add a window to the door?

Yes, you can add a window to our pivot doors. Many of our signature designs — like the Katti, Line, and Lake – feature integrated glass elements. All of our pivot doors are fully customizable and built to order – you may request a window addition to any design. For those preferring a solid panel, sidelights and transoms offer another way to bring in natural light. We offer a range of glass options, including clear, frosted, Low-E and textured, to align with your project’s aesthetic and performance needs.

What options do you have for glass?

We offer a range of glass options, including clear, frosted, impact rated, Low-E and textured – because we work directly with an architectural glass manufacturer, we can provide you with any specifications available in the window industry.

What’s the lead time?

Pivot doors are shipped standard within 6 weeks after order is confirmed. Large orders and very custom designs can sometimes add days to the construction period. We occasionally are over booked with many orders but we take pride in our ability to quickly ship orders.

Where are your doors made?

All of our pivot doors are proudly manufactured in the heart of the U.S.A.. Everything we make is crafted to order using premium materials sourced from American companies, then manufactured and shipped from our facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado. With our offices and manufacturing under one roof, we maintain full, efficient control and communication throughout every stage of your order.

How are pivot doors shipped pre-hung?

Our standard pivot doors have all the pivot hardware fully installed in the door, threshold and header. Typically there’s no additional prepwork needed to the rough opening – unless upgraded pivot hardware or specific customizations are requested. The jamb is fully assembled in our shop then broken down for shipping. The jamb, including the threshold, door leaf, any sidelights and hardware are then securely packed in a double crate for shipping to protect each component in transit. Installation is straightforward, typically a team of 4-6 laborers can receive the curbside delivery and set it in place efficiently, without the need for a specialty or certified installer. Pivot Door Company’s pivot doors offer all the benefits of pre-hung pivot door units – without the drawbacks.

How is the pivot door shipped?

Pivot Door Company ships each pivot door via a third party freight company for curbside delivery. The door slab is packed in foam in its own individual crate, which is then placed inside a larger shipping crate. The jamb is disassembled, bubble-wrapped, and included alongside the sidelight glass and hardware – typically positioned on top of the slab crate. The entire assembly is secured with a lid and mounted on pallets for transport. Due to the weight and size of the crate, we recommend having 4-6 laborers or equipment available at the curbside delivery to move it safely to the installation site or onsite storage.

Larger units or specific site conditions may require additional labor or specialized equipment – use your best judgment based on your site’s needs.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. We ship pivot doors worldwide via curbside freight delivery, with insured shipments to ensure they arrive in perfect condition. For international orders, we are happy to ship to your reputable freight forwarder. Shipping within the lower 48 states is a flat rate, with transit taking 3–5 business days after production. Shipping to Hawaii, Alaska and Canada are also available.

What equipment is included with the delivery truck?

Pivot Door Company orders a lift gate on each delivery truck. Most of the time a pallet jack is included with standard deliveries, but can’t be guaranteed. Equipment availability will vary based on specific dock availability and limitations. It is the responsibility of the customer to unload the curbside delivery. The driver is not required to help past operating the lift gate.

Will they deliver into the house / garage / to my door step?

Pivot Door Company provides curbside delivery. This includes a lift gate to assist with unloading, but it’s the customer’s responsibility to move the crate from the truck to a protected location. For clients looking for more support, we offer a white glove delivery upgrade. This premium service is handled by a third-party moving company experienced with oversized and heavy freight. With white glove service, your pivot door crate will be carefully delivered to your garage, doorstep, or another accessible on-site location—so you can focus on the install, not the heavy lifting.

What are the weight and dimensions of the shipped crate?

On average, the crate weighs approximately 1,000 lbs and measures around 10 ft (L) x 8 ft (W) x 2 ft (H), though exact dimensions will be based on your custom order. The majority of that weight is the shipping crate itself. If circumstances require you to unload this by hand (common method). This is straightforward with 4-6 laborers and a cordless drill. The front panel of the crate is removed first, allowing the jamb, hardware, and sidelight glass to be slid out and unloaded by hand. Finally, the door slab, typically weighing ~300 lbs, is unloaded with the help of the full crew. We’ll confirm final crate specs before shipment so you can prepare for a safe and efficient delivery.

Can I pick up from your factory and save shipping?

Yes, we allow for customers to pick up from the factory or make your own arrangements for shipping. Please contact us if you wish to make such arrangements. There is a crate fee instead of shipping. You will be required to pay our local tax if you pick up. The rate is 5.13%.

I have a long driveway…how do I get heavy shipments from the curb to the final site?

Pivot Door Company’s standard delivery is curbside and includes a lift gate to assist with unloading. However, moving the crate from the curb to the final installation site is the customer’s responsibility. For homes with long driveways or limited access, we recommend meeting the delivery truck with a trailer or appropriate vehicle. A pallet jack or furniture dolly can help transport the crate safely to a secure, weather-protected location.

In these situations, many builders find it easier to pick up the pivot door shipment directly from the local freight terminal, avoiding the hassle of scheduling a curbside delivery window.

Can I pick the door up from the freight terminal? What does that process look like?

Yes – and in many cases, it’s the most efficient option. The freight terminal will load your crate directly onto your trailer or truck, helping reduce labor costs by eliminating the need to pay a dedicated crew to wait around during a delivery window. Many builders prefer this approach over scheduling curbside delivery. You’ll still need a team to unload the crate into a safe, weather-protected area—but you can do so on your own schedule, which makes the process more convenient. Once your order is shipped, Pivot Door Company can provide all the details needed for a smooth terminal pickup.

What is the rough opening size? How big does it need to be? Will 1/2″ shim be sufficient? 

The rough opening is the size from stud to stud for framing purposes. We advise that you build a rough opening that is 1/2″ wider and 1/2″ taller than the total pivot door unit. We find that this allows for sufficient shimming and adjustments during installation.

How do you prevent warping of a Pivot Door?

At Pivot Door Company, every pivot door is built with our signature steel grid core, reinforcing the structure from the inside out – preventing warping or bowing over time. This internal grid gives the door the strength it needs to perform, especially at large sizes. What causes solid wood doors to warp is that they are affected by the elements on the exterior. Our wood faces are independent from each other, separated by the steel grid core, ensuring long-term durability and stability. We build custom and source our hardwoods from the very best American suppliers. For extreme climates and environments, we also offer an engineered hardwood face that offers even more stability. To further protect your investment, routine maintenance of the wood finish is recommended to guard against environmental factors that can cause cracking or surface-level imperfections.

What kind of maintenance does a pivot door require?

Pivot doors from Pivot Door Company require similar maintenance to traditional exterior doors. The key is protecting the wood finish—regularly cleaning and reapplying stain or sealant will keep the door looking and performing its best. Over time, you may also need to replace damaged weather seals due to extensive wear such as; heavy use, extension cables being run under the door during the home build, or extension cables for holiday lights. With the right care, your pivot door will age beautifully and function effortlessly for years to come, even in extreme climates.

Who installs the pivot door, can you recommend an installer?

Pivot doors from Pivot Door Company are designed for straightforward installation and do not require any certification or specialized installer. We don’t maintain a list of preferred installers, we recommend working with a skilled contractor or carpenter to ensure a flawless fit and finish. We suggest hiring installers by the hour as it’s universally easier to install than anticipated. Standard pivot doors can be installed within a few hours. We make our pivot doors for builders, making it easier to install our pivot doors than traditional hinged doors.

Generally, installation involves reassembling the jamb on the floor on-site, standing the jamb in the opening, securing it with screws, standing the door leaf on the pivot, adjusting as needed, and finishing with casement or trim as desired.

How is a pivot door installed and does it require special framing?

Pivot Door Company’s pivot doors do not require any additional structural support outside of your typical construction. Unlike other systems that demand custom framing or specialized installers, our doors are designed for straightforward installation. The jamb is fully assembled in our shop, all pivot hardware installed and calibrated then the jamb is broken down for shipping.

Typical installation steps:

• Reassemble the jamb on the floor on-site
• Stand the jamb in the opening
• Secure it with screws
• Stand the door leaf on the pivot
• Make adjustments as needed
• Finish with casement or trim as desired

Do we have to cut into the floor? How does the pivot attach to the floor?

Generally speaking, you will not need to cut into the floor. On all standard Type 1 thresholds, the pivot attaches directly to the floor. On all standard Type 2 thresholds, the pivot is already installed. You will only need to cut into the floor if you order a pivot door with a closer, or if you order a pivot door that requires a heavy duty pivot.

How is the glass sidelight installed? Is this something a general contractor can do, or does it take a window installer?

The glass sidelight is part of the entire pivot door unit. When you assemble the jamb, you will assemble the sidelight as well, placing the glass in only after the pivot door unit is in place. A general contractor can accomplish this task according to the instructions on our website.

Do pivot doors come finished or stained?

Our pivot doors are shipped natural and stain-ready by design. This gives builders, designers, and homeowners full creative control to match the stain or finish to surrounding materials—whether interior or exterior—which often aren’t finalized until after the door is already installed. Because every climate and site condition varies, we recommend consulting local professionals for the best sealants and protectants. We also include samples of the same wood used to build your door so you can test finishes before committing.

Can I refinish the pivot door myself or do I need to hire a contractor?

While it’s possible to refinish your pivot door on your own, we highly recommend hiring a professional. A custom pivot door is a significant architectural investment – one that enhances both curb appeal and property value. A qualified local professional will be familiar with the best stains, sealants, and application techniques suited to your specific climate, ensuring long-term protection. Most contractors can handle the job, but for the best results, we recommend a professional exterior painter or professional wood finisher – someone with experience in fine furniture or cabinetry. See “Care and Finishing Guide” on our information page.

What if I need to store the pivot door for a while before I install it?

To protect your custom pivot door prior to installation, we require storing it in a climate-controlled environment until it’s properly finished and sealed. If you plan to store the door for an extended period of time, it’s strongly recommended to stain and seal the door first. The door should always be stored in its door leaf crate flat or on its side – standing it upright can compromise the integrity of the weather seals or the wood face. Pivot Door Company also offers optional holding storage prior to shipping for a fee.

What is the deflection requirement?

Though we do not have a deflection requirement, it is suggested that the header deflection be 1/8″.

How do pivot doors handle insulation and energy efficiency?

At Pivot Door Company, each door comes standard with a double steel-reinforced core. The core is packed with 1″ foam insulation for a total R-value of 7, depending on design. All glass we purchase is standard double paned insulated glass units, typically 1” thick. We can easily source triple-paned IG units. All our pivot doors come with weather seals on all four sides, creating a continuous seal. For projects with higher efficiency demands, we also offer additional upgrade options. Unlike many of our competitors, our wood pivot doors are thermally broken. Each door is custom built-to-order – we can build our pivot doors at a higher R-value according to your requirements or specifications.

How do your pivot doors seal?

Our pivot doors feature a proprietary steel core and are engineered with a double rubber sweep and compression seals in the jamb creating a continuous tight seal on all four sides. This system provides a secure, weather-resistant barrier – keeping out wind, water, and debris while maintaining clean lines.

Are your pivot doors impact-rated or hurricane-approved?

Pivot Door Company pivot doors can and have been built to meet impact-rated or hurricane-specific requirements, but final certification depends on your local building department. In these areas there’s a “One Time Product Approval” process that is meant for custom products used in high-end residential construction. Every door we build is custom made-to-order. We work directly with the specifications your contractor or engineer provides, making it easy to meet compliance in your area. Commonly impact rated glass or multiple locks are requested, which are easily accommodated. You supply the requirements – we build to match.

Do your doors meet Florida Hurricane rating or have a NOA? (Notice of Acceptance)

Our pivot doors are custom-built to order, which allows us to meet a wide range of performance requirements — including those for high-wind and hurricane-prone areas like Florida.

While we don’t provide pre-certified NOAs, we work closely with your engineer to supply the architectural drawings and specs needed for local code compliance. These can then be submitted to your building department for a “One Time Product Approval”. This process is meant for custom products builders add to high end homes. We have many doors installed in Miami-Dade County.

Are your doors fire-rated?

Our pivot doors are custom-built to your exact specifications, making each one unique. Because of this bespoke nature, obtaining standardized fire ratings for every door is challenging. However, we can absolutely collaborate with your team to design a door that meets your engineer’s requirements. You supply the requirements – we build to match.

Do pivot doors work well in extreme climates or weather conditions?

Yes – when built right, the way we do. Pivot Door Company’s pivot doors perform exceptionally well in extreme climates and weather conditions. In order to combat warping and swelling – even in harsh climates – we build each and every door with a steel grid core.

Depending on the specific site conditions, there’s even more that can be offered:

• an engineered hardwood face
• additional planking
• additional reveals to allow movement
• additional weather seals

Combined with proper installation and thoughtful placement to protect from the elements, our pivot doors handle hot, cold, humid, dry, and wind-prone conditions. We currently have doors installed all over the world – notably in Alaska, Miami-Dade County, New Orleans, Cayman Islands, Washington state, Denmark, Long Island, Alberta, Bermuda, North Dakota, and San Francisco.

How do you buy a pivot door? How does the process work?

Most of our pivot doors can be purchased through our website builder tool. If your order is quite custom, our sales team will create a quote for you that will be able to be viewed and purchased from your online account.

We require 50% deposit to begin the order process. Then we will send your order and shop drawings for you to finalize and sign off on in order to put your pivot door(s) into production. We then required the remaining balance before it ships out.

More information can be found on our online buying guide.

Do pivot doors increase home value?

Pivot doors from Pivot Door Company are engineered specifically for exterior applications, thanks to our proprietary steel core construction. That said, many clients fall in love with the scale and drama of the pivot function – and it’s not uncommon to see our doors used in commercial applications, interior spaces or as glass-heavy pivoting wall systems along the rear façade to frame views and bring in natural light. In commercial applications, pivot doors are often used as oversized interior entries, restaurant kitchen to dining room transitions, conference center walls, locker room entrances or convention center general room dividers.

Our pivot doors have often helped builders win local design awards from Parade of Homes and Street of Dreams consistently year over year. They speak to intentional, high-end living, instantly setting a property apart in any competitive market. For many, a pivot door is more than just a beautiful detail—it’s a statement of quality and investment that significantly boosts resale value.

What’s the typical lifespan of a high-quality pivot door?

Our pivot doors are crafted to last the life of the home – 60+ years when properly maintained.

Thanks to our engineered construction and steel grid core, our pivot doors resist warping, sagging, and wear over decades even in extreme weather conditions. With high-performance materials and smart design, you’re investing in a door that stands the test of time – both structurally and stylistically.

Do you have contractor/dealer pricing?

If you are a contractor or other industry professional, please contact our sales team about special pricing on customizable pivot doors. Our Contractor Series cannot be discounted.

Can I get credit?

We do not offer credit to any buyers.

Is the jamb included?

Unless the customer requests otherwise, every pivot door unit ships with a matching jamb.

Can I return the pivot door if I don’t like it?

The pivot doors are made custom to order so you cannot return the pivot door for any reason other than a warranty replacement. All warranty replacements must be pre-authorized before any shipments are made.