Buying Guide

BUYING A PIVOT DOOR

We want to make the experience of selecting your pivot-hung entryway as seamless as possible. To help we have created a step-by-step guide. The following instructions will help you work through the process of buying a pivot door. If at any moment in the process you feel like you need help, please don’t hesitate to contact our sales and design team.

• Pivot Door Design
  Pivot Door Design

   

   

  When deciding on a pivot door design you have 4 principle elements to determine:

   

  Style, wood species, size and glass

   

  Style

  Choosing a Pivot Door Style

  The first consideration when selecting a pivot door is determining what style of door you want. To do this, you have several options. You may choose from one of the styles from our online selection, find an image of a pivot door you like, or present a sketch of the pivot door you would like. We are happy to help you with whatever design you select.

  
   

  

  Park

  

  Glass

  

  Lassen

  

  Dina

   

  Wood Type

  Choosing a Wood Species

  We offer a range of wood species to go standard with our pivot doors. If you would like something other than what we have, in most cases we can source other wood types that are not listed below, though prices will vary.

  As you decide which wood you’ll choose please consider these important factors. How the wood species will react to your climate and site condition. Also, how it collaborates with the overall design of the pivot door and your project. If you have specific questions about what wood to choose that are not answered here, feel free to reach out to us.

   

  Our Standard Selection

  Images are for reference only. All orders are shipped out unfinished and stain ready. (No stain or clear coat.)

  

  Mahogany/Sapele

  

  Walnut

  

  White Oak

  

  Cedar

  

  Premium Alder

  

  Paint Grade

   

  Mahogany (Sapele)

  African Mahogany (Sapele) is a reddish-brown hardwood wood and is desired for its rarity, strength, and beauty. It is one of our most durable, and resists swelling and warping, making it ideal for harsher environments and coastal climates.

  White Oak

  White Oak hardwood has a medium brown grain with an olive cast, while the sapwood ranges from a light cream to tan. Its moisture movement is medium to high and it has a good density with a medium to coarse texture. White Oak is more resistant to weathering issues than Red Oak.

  Cedar

  Cedar is a light, reddish-brown softwood. This wood is softer than most hardwoods. Cedar’s fine, straight grain and uniform texture provides a smooth surface ideal for staining, although it requires more maintenance than Mahogany. Cedar remains stable and resists warping, making it a reliable and attractive lighter option.

  Walnut

  American Black Walnut hardwood is naturally darker in color, much like an espresso brown. It is strong, hard, and exceptionally durable, without being excessively heavy. When sealed there is a dark contrast from the heartwood and sapwood offering an exotic finish. Although Walnut is naturally dark it has the propensity to lighten over time.

  Premium Alder

  Premium Alder is a light brown with a yellow or reddish tinge. The wood is fairly straight grained with a uniform texture. Alder is a relatively soft hardwood of medium density that has low bending strength, shock resistance, and stiffness. Premium Alder captures the grain beauty without the rustic feel of open knots, will contain some closed knots.

  Paint Grade

  Our paint grade pivot doors are not grain or color matched as they’re expected to be painted to not see the wood. Mahogany – Sapele is used for its stability and how well it accepts paint. If you want to see the wood grain through the paint, it’s suggested to choose a stain grade wood type.

   

   

  Size

   

  Choosing a Pivot Door Size

  Because each pivot door we make is sized specifically for the project, you are not restricted to any standard sizes.

  Measurements To Know

  When sizing the pivot door you will need to consider two principle measurements, rough opening and frame size. See the image below for reference.

  

  • Download the Measuring Guide

  Inside

  

  Outside

  Rough Opening

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

  Net Frame Size: Width and Height

  This is the size of the actual pivot door jamb. When determining the net frame size you want to put in a number that is at least a half inch less than the rough opening size to allow room to square and level the pivot door. For example, for a rough opening 48 in., order a net frame size of 47 1/2 in.

   

   

  Glass

  Window and Glass Options

  If you choose a design that incorporates a window into the structure of the pivot door slab itself, you will need to consider window placement and size as well as glass color, thickness, and pattern. Because we work directly with an architectural glass manufacturer, we can provide you with many specifications available in the window industry. While the style of the pivot door generally dictates the number, size, and proportion of windows, you may request to adjust these specifications as well.

  Standard Glass Options

  All glass we install is 1″ thick tempered double-paned, insulated glass. Clear and frosted glass patterns are standard pricing options.

  

  Frosted White Glass

  

  Clear Glass

   

  Custom Glass Options

  If you are looking for different finish or insulating options, contact us directly and we can provide pricing.You can vary the glass pattern (rain, reflective, glue chip, reeded etc.), glass construction (low e, laminated) or tint (grey, brown tints).

   

  Rain

  

  Pattern 62

  

  Reed

  

  Glue Chip

  

  Velve X

  

   

  Custom Glass Tint

  Greylite II

  

  Bronze

  

   

   

   

  Window Placement

  If you choose a pivot door style with a window, you have the option to place the window on the handle side or on the pivot side.

  

  WINDOW ON HANDLE SIDE

  

  WINDOW ON PIVOT SIDE

   

   

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• Pivot Door Fit
  Pivot Door Fit

   

   

  The jamb serves as the frame that the pivot door sits in. Our pivot doors come with a jamb that has been pre- assembled in the shop to make sure that all of the measurements line up. We double and triple check the final measurements our clients give us to make sure that the size of jamb you are expecting is the size that shows up at your worksite.

  The following points are key to making sure that the pivot door slab and jamb fit into your project design seamlessly:

   

  JAMB DEPTH

   

  Jamb depth depends on the thickness of the walls into which the pivot door unit will be placed. Most walls are studded out with 2×4’s or 2×6’s, and so, our most common jamb depths are 4 5/8 in. and 6 5/8 in., respectively. Usually the jamb is flush with the interior and exterior wall covering, with the seam covered by casing.

  We have standard jamb depths of:

  4 5/8 in.

  5 1/4 in.

  5 1/2 in.

  6 5/8 in.

  7 1/2in.

  If you wish for us to provide a jamb depth different from one of our standard options, please contact us.

  Inside

  

  Outside

  Pivot Placement

   

  The pivot placement is the distance the pivot pin will be placed away from the vertical edge of the rough opening. 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. If your rough opening is 48” and you choose a 9” pivot placement, the pivot door will roughly have a 37” pass through opening. You want to ensure you leave at least a 36” opening. (Rough opening width – pivot placement measurement – 4 in. for jamb = a number greater than 36). See picture for details or contact us for clarification.

  Pivot Placement

  

  

   

  Suggested Pivot Placement

   

  	Pivot Door Slab Width	Pivot Placement
  	42″ – 44″	4″
  	45″ – 47″	6″
  	48″ – 53″	9″
  	54″ – 60″	12″
  	61″ – 66″	15″
  	67″ – 70″	18″
  	71″ – 74″	21″
  	75″ – 80″	24″
  	81″ – 84″	30″

   

  Swing Configuration

   

  When you order your pivot-hung entryway, you have options when it comes to how the pivot door will swing. Though 99% of the time, you will want a pivot door that swings into the interior (in-swing), we are set up to build jambs where the pivot door swings out to the exterior (pushing your visitors out of the pathway of your tremendous door). However, when it comes to right-hand or left-hand swing, the layout of your installation site will determine the swing configuration. To determine if the pivot door is left-hand or right-hand in-swing, imagine you are looking at the pivot door from the street. If the pivot point is on the left side, it is a left-hand in-swing. If the pivot point is on the right-hand side, the pivot door is a right-hand in-swing. Swing configuration defines the direction of the pivot door motion and from which side the pivot is placed.

  

  Left Hand In Swing

  Opens to Interior

  
   

  

  Left Hand Out Swing

  Opens to Exterior

  

  Right Hand In Swing

  Opens to Interior

  
   

  

  Right Hand Out Swing

  Opens to Exterior

   

   

  Threshold
  Color & Type

   

  Threshold Color

  You may choose between two different finishes for the aluminum threshold cover plate; Black or Grey.

   

  

  Black Threshold
  Dark Bronze Anodized

  

  Grey Threshold
  Mill Finished Aluminum

   

   

  Threshold Type

  You may choose between two different finishes for the aluminum threshold cover plate; Black or Grey.

  If there is any type of wood covering on the interior of the house, you will need a type 2. The type 2 threshold has a 90 degree angle on the interior facing side for the wood covering to butt up against. If the exterior floor is the same level as the interior floor, you will need a type 1 threshold. More commonly, though, the exterior floor is lower than the interior floor and you will need a type 2 threshold.

  Threshold Options

  

  Threshold Type 1

  

  Threshold Type 2

  

  Threshold Type 2

   

   

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• Sidelight Options
  Sidelight Options

   

   

  In many cases, customers wish to purchase sidelights for their pivot door units. We build sidelights and transoms directly into the pivot door unit, so the jamb and sidelights connect seamlessly. All you need to do is tell us what kind of sidelights or transom you want, what size they should be and what kind of glass you want.

  If you want a customized sidelight style, let us know what you are looking for, and we will let you know if we are set up to build it. We have constructed sidelights with numerous types of frames, panes, and formal elements.

   

  Sidelight Styles

   

  You can choose between the following sidelight configurations:

  • Right Sidelight
  • Left Sidelight
  • Transom light
  • Double Sidelight
  • Left Sidelight with Transom
  • Right Sidelight with Transom
  • Double Sidelight with Transom

  Sidelight placement is specified with reference to the exterior view. If you want a 12″ sidelight that is on the right side when viewed from the exterior, click on the dropdown options under “Right Sidelight” and select the option: 12″ right sidelight. If you want a double sidelight, simply a size under both the the Right Sidelight and Left Sidelight options. Double sidelights can be of different sizes.

   

  

  Left Side As Seen
  From the Exterior

  

  Right Side As Seen
  From the Exterior

   

   

  Sidelight Size

  What to Measure

  The sidelights and transoms match the pivot door jamb, either in height or width, so it is easy to determine one dimension. When determining the second dimension, you are most often limited by your overall project’s dimensions. You must consider how you much space you have and how you want the sidelight glass to work with the pivot door in terms of proportion and in terms of how much light they let through.

  Sidelight Net Frame Size

  When ordering your sidelight, you will need to input Sidelight Net Frame Width and Height. This measurement includes only the size of the sidelight jamb. See the diagram below for examples of sidelight net frame measurements for a double sidelight. If you need greater clarification regarding sidelight measurements, please contact us directly.

  Sidelight Measurements When Placing Order

  

   

  Sidelight Building Consideration

  Rough Opening with Sidelight

  When inputting the net frame size, you want to put in a number that is at least 1/2 inch less than the rough opening size to allow room to square and level the unit.

  Example: 48 in. X 98 in. pivot door with a 18 in. X 98 in. sidelight will get you a pivot door and sidelight combo that measures 66 in. X 98 in. (The rough opening size should be at least 66 1/2 in. X 98 1/2 in.)

   

   

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• Handle & Lockset Options
  Handle &
  Lockset Options

   

   

  One last thing to consider when placing your order is handle and closure options. Though the pivot door comes with the pivot hardware installed, other hardware considerations are sold separately.

   

  Handle & Locksets

   

  Our Handle Selection

  First off, you’ll want to decide what kind of handle and lock you want for the pivot door. Though we sell a selection of handles and are able to prep the pivot doors, no handle comes standard with a pivot door. We are able to prep the pivot door for any hardware—either from our selection or from another vendor. In either case, handle prep incurs an additional cost proportional to the task.

  Handle From Another Vendor

  If you choose to purchase a handle or lockset from another vendor, you will need to provide us with the specifications for the handle or lockset so we can properly prep. You may then be required to mail us the hardware to properly prep for it.

  Alternatively, you may decide that you want to wait and have a local carpenter prep the for the pivot door handle.

   

  Related Closure Hardware

   

  We provide a number of related hardware products beyond the handle and lockset.

  Magnetic Catches

  Usually our customers who purchase a pull bar handle also purchase magnetic catches. Magnetic catches will hold the pivot door shut when the deadbolt is not thrown.

  Closure

  In commercial applications and in rare residential applications, we install a bottom closer. The bottom closer creates constant tension on the pivot door’s swing to pull the pivot door into the closed position. This means one must hold the pivot door in order to keep it open. With a closer the pivot door will not rest in an open position unless the hold-open feature is activated, which holds the pivot door open at a 100° angle.

  Heavy Duty Pivot

  The weight restriction for our standard pivot is 440 pounds and the average weight of our 5ft. X 8 ft. pivot door is 300 pounds. If you choose a pivot door design that is especially heavy due to size or materials, we may need to upgrade to a heavy duty pivot. The upgrade may come at an additional cost.

   

  Requesting Handle Prep

   

  Standard Handle and Deadbolt Preparation

  We will pre-drill the pivot door for a handle with 2 3/8 in. or 2 3/4 in. backset. Standard bore diameter is 2 1/8 in. The term “backset”refers to the distance from the edge of the pivot door to the center of the bore hole.

  Single Bore

  Single Bore is for the iconic pull bar and deadbolt set up. We will pre-drill the pivot door for a handle with 2 3/8 in. or 2 3/4 in. backset. Standard bore diameter is 2 1/8 in. The term “backset” refers to the distance from the edge of the pivot door to the center of the bore hole and is a personal preference. We suggest the smaller of the two options, 2 3/8″ especially if the dorr has glass. See the diagram below for more details.

  Double Bore

  Double Bore is for a traditional entry-set. We will pre-drill the pivot door for a handle with 2 3/8 in. or 2 3/4 in. backset. Standard bore diameter is 2 1/8 in. The term “backset” refers to the distance from the edge of the pivot door to the center of the bore hole and is a personal preference. We suggest the smaller of the two options, 2 3/8″ especially if the dorr has glass. See the diagram below for more details.

  Mortise

  We can mortise the pivot door for many entry lock sets. Please contact us directly to configure your specific requirements. See the diagram below for more details.

  Other

  If you wish for us to prep for a handle you purchase from another vendor, you will need to provide us with the specifications for the handle or lockset so we can properly prep. You may be required to send it to us for us to adequately prep your pivot door.

  Alternatively, you may decide that you want to wait and have a local carpenter prep the for the pivot door handle.

  Standard Handle Prep

  

  Single Bore

  

  Double Bore

   

   

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• Placing An Order
  Placing an Order

   

   

   

  Standard Orders

   

  Once you have decided on what you want to order, the next major step is to place the order. You can do this by going online and picking out a pivot door from our site’s shopping portal. Choose the pivot door you want, and then fill out the online order form, providing all of the specification details that match your project. You can immediately see the price and purchase the pivot door.

   

  

   

  What’s Included In Your Order

  The order includes the pivot door slab, threshold and jamb with preinstalled pivot hardware.  You will need to re-assemble the jamb on site. Once the jamb is together you simply place and secure into the rough opening as with any standard pivot door unit. The pivot hardware is included, already installed in both the pivot door slab and jamb.

   

  Pivot Door Slab

  The actual pivot door itself, called the pivot door slab, is shipped stain-ready.

   

  Pivot Door Jamb

  Each pivot door shipped comes with a jamb that has been assembled in the shop to ensure that the pivot installation is engineered correctly. The jamb is disassembled for shipping.

   

  Pivot Hardware

  Each unit comes with pivot hardware already installed into the pivot door slab and pivot door jamb at precise measurements.

   

  *NOTE: Pivot doors ship stain ready, which means the unit needs stain and clear-coat.

  Handle sold separately.

   

  Customized Orders

   

  Alternatively, if you wish to speak to someone over the phone about your order, particularly if you wish to customize the pivot door with options that are not available in the online form, you can call or email our sales and design team to discuss what you are looking for.

  Once we understand what you are looking for, we’ll send you a bid, usually within 24 hours. You look over the bid, and when you are sure that everything is right, you will place a minimum of 50% deposit to begin the order process. Then we will send you a New Order Packet with an Invoice,  Shop Drawings, Warranty Information and some important Do’s and Don’ts  to review, finalize and sign to begin production.

  We build pivot doors to fit your building project. That means we are flexible when it comes to meeting your project specifications. Whether you pick from our existing line of pivot door styles, or you show us a picture of what you’d like to see made, we make sure the final product stands up to exacting standards—yours and ours.

   

   

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• Production & Lead Times
  Production &
  Lead Times

   

   

   

   

  Production Period

   

  After the New Order Packet is finalized and signed off on, we take over, ordering the materials, building the pivot door and jamb and getting the pivot door ready for shipping. Feel free to contact us during the production period to get an update on your pivot door.
  Once you place the order, the specs you sign off on are the final agreement. Any changes you make after sign off will increase lead time and potentially incur additional costs.

   

  Lead Times

   

  Generally speaking, with our volume and with the time it takes us to receive the materials for the job, the pivot door will be ready to ship to you six weeks after you sign off on your order. We can offer expedited lead times at an additional cost.
  We are a custom shop & we take pride in our ability to fill orders on time.

   

   

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• Packaging & Shipping
  Packaging & Shipping

   

   

  Delivery

  Engineered Packaging

  Upon completion, each pivot door is wrapped in protective material and then placed in a crate that is custom built for the pivot door dimensions and shipping parameters. We want the pivot door to get there in as beautiful a condition as when it leaves the shop.

  Shop To Site Shipping

  Every day we ship to cities all over the United States, and the world. Pivot Door Company maintains a good relationship with our freight carriers, ensuring efficient delivery of our pivot doors from the shop to your installation site.

  Curbside Delivery

  Our standard shipment goes out by Freight Curbside Delivery. This means a driver will arrive at the delivery site, and will not assist in getting the pivot door off of the truck or moving it up the driveway, it is necessary for you to have equipment or 4-5 able-bodied individuals waiting to unload the crate off of the truck, to help balance the crate as the driver lowers the crate with the lift-gate.

  

   

   

  Standard Option: 6 Weeks to Ship

  Your pivot door leaves the shop six weeks from order confirmation. Allow additional time* for freight delivery.

  *Pivot Door Company guarantees ship dates; we do not guarantee delivery times. Ship times depend on the carrier.

   

  Rush Option: 2 Weeks Less To Ship

  If six weeks is not soon enough, we can manufacture a custom pivot door sooner if you choose the Rush Option. The additional charge covers reducing production time by 2 weeks including but not limited to; paying the extra hours worked by the production team, paying rush charges for any specialty hardware/materials not in stock. While most pivot door designs are able to be completed in this time frame, some designs may require additional time in production. This rush time frame will be shown on your order before you sign for final order confirmation to begin production. Allow additional time* for freight delivery. 

   

   

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• Finish & Installation
  Finish & Installation

   

   

   

   

  Finishing The Pivot Door Unit

   

  All pivot doors leave the shop unfinished. This allows the customer to match finishes more easily. Once you have received your shipped pivot door unit, you will need to give the pivot door immediate attention to make sure that the pivot door stays in good condition. To protect your pivot door, you must stain and clear-coat the pivot door as soon as possible but before installation. It’s recommended to finish the pivot door unit within 72 hours of receipt. Follow the guidelines in our Care and Finishing Guide to take the best care of the wood facing.

   

  Installation

   

  Though the instructions included in the product documentation are clear and concise, Pivot Door Company encourages the employment of skilled trades persons to carry out the finishing and installation of each pivot door. These instructions must be completed according to the documentation requirements in order to make valid the manufacturer’s warranty.

   

   

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