Shower doors are a focal point in any space, as they prevent the water from escaping and keep the other areas waterproof. This pertinent function should allow you to understand the different shower door types and choose the best prospect appropriate for your space.
This blog will provide an overview of pivot vs hinged shower doors, including their benefits and drawbacks. Whether you are building or upgrading, knowing this information will give you the upper hand.
Contents
- 1 What is a Pivot Shower Door?
- 2 Design and Functionality
- 3 Advantages of Usage
- 4 Disadvantages of Usage
- 5 What is a Hinged Shower Door?
- 6 Design and Functionality
- 7 Advantages of Usage
- 8 Disadvantages of Usage
- 9 What is the Difference Between Hinge and Pivot Shower Doors?
- 10 Areas to Consider When Selecting the Ideal Shower Door
- 11 FAQs
- 12 Takeaways
What is a Pivot Shower Door?
A pivot shower door is one of the most versatile doors in your bathroom. One of its features is that it’s easy to open and close through a rotating pivot at the top and bottom of the door frame. This feature permitted the door to rotate around its location seamlessly. Usually, the pivot shower door will rotate 180 degrees, depending on the style, brand, size, and customization.
Design and Functionality
A pivot shower door has a vast range of design options for buyers. Pivot doors are large and wide, which occupy the space. Although large, it doesn’t need a hinge support on the side. There are also a variety of pivot door types suitable for shower areas, such as glass pivot doors. Hence, you will not run out of options.
Advantages of Usage
Pivot doors offer advantages that might be beneficial for your space. Here are some of the things you can note:
Space Efficient
Pivot doors are one of the best options for areas with limited space. Even though their sizes are big, they are still space-saving. This is because the doors can open in multiple directions, both inward and outward. Pivot doors can also be opened to a minimum of 90 degrees. Thus, a pivot shower door is the best option to utilize your space or provide access for people with developmental needs.
Aesthetically Designs
Pivot doors provide an aesthetically pleasing design in any space. They are timeless and blend well with the architectural space. This is the reason why they stay at the top of the trends. Aside from the overall look, the pivot door stands out with its timeless frameless view and sleek and unnoticeable hardware. Pivot doors also come in various types and ranges of forms and finishes. Because their design is minimalistic, they are a classic choice for any bathroom or shower type.
Durability
In contrast to the misconception that pivot doors break easily, they do not. Pivot doors are sturdy because of the quality of the hinges and fittings used for installation. The hinges are also positioned at the top and bottom, which support the door’s weight. Aside from that, the pivot door is usually made of tempered glass, which is stronger and more shutter-resistant than normal glass.
Better Air Circulation
Pivot shower doors provide better air circulation than other types of shower doors. This is because the structure of the pivot doors separates and enables the door to have cross ventilation while it is open. When the door is opened, the door opens and stops in the middle, which lets the fresh air in and forces the stale air out. For this reason, the pivot shower door is the best option for shower doors with limited ventilation and is a closed-in space.
Disadvantages of Usage
Some of the disadvantages a pivot shower door brings are:
Space Needs
Although we have mentioned that pivot doors are suitable for limited space, they might still be a disadvantage in some cases. One of which is that you might be forced to consider the design and placement of products in the shower. Since the pivot doors swing open, you might need to consider the limited space to not impede the door’s movement.
Potential Water Leakage
Depending on how good the installation is, pivot doors might be vulnerable to cracks and water leakage. To guarantee that this does not happen, you must ensure that the seal is aligned and the door does not snugly fit against the frame when it is closed.
Installation and Maintenance Requirements
We have mentioned that improper installation and sealing might cause damage to your shower or bathroom in the long run. This reason calls for a professional installer or a comprehensive guide to ensure that the hinge alignment and door leveling are exact.
What is a Hinged Shower Door?
A hinged shower door is similar to traditional shower doors in ways that the hinges are attached to the door frame interior or the shower enclosure. Unlike pivot shower doors, hinged shower doors open and close vertically due to the hinges attached to the sides. This design eliminates the need for doorknobs or locks for the doors to be closed and secured.
Design and Functionality
The design of the hinged shower door is similar to pivot shower doors, only that it requires a handle at the edge of the door to be opened. The hinges are also installed at the side with stationary hinges or panels on the wall to mount the hinges. Due to this design, one can do an inward and outward movement completely.
Advantages of Usage
Hinged shower doors are also an excellent option for your bathroom or shower door. Below are some of the things you can take advantage of:
Large Opening
Hinged showers are perfect for large bathroom or shower spaces since they can open to 90 degrees. Thanks to the wide entryway, a person can easily enter and leave. The shower door opening also makes it easier to move around comfortably. So if you’re building a shower area for people with mobility impairments, hinged shower doors are the best option.
Seamless Design Options
Another benefit the hinged shower door provides is the seamless design. This is because the hinges attached to the doors are few and unnoticeable, contributing to the appearance of the whole space. There are also many options for the door, such as framed, semi-frameless, and frameless. You are guaranteed to find the best one suitable to the aesthetic of your space.
Maintenance Level
Maintaining the cleanliness of the hinged shower door will not be a problem. Hinged shower doors, especially with semi-frameless and frameless designs, have few obstacles, making them easy to clean. With this door type and large hinges, it is easier to reach all the areas, including the sides.
Disadvantages of Usage
Even if hinged shower doors are already great as they are, they still have a disadvantage. Some of these are:
Space Inefficient
Most hinged shower doors need a lot of space to function effectively. Since they open wide, they need to have a location where the door opening will not be disrupted. If not, you can find another alternative for small bathrooms, like pivot shower doors.
Possible Wear and Tear
As time goes by, the hinges might get worn out and need to be replaced. When the hinges have already worn, it might cause a misalignment and later impair the door’s sealing and functioning. The glass used on the door of the hinges should also be high-quality, specifically made of tempered glass. If not, they can be prone to chipping and breaking.
Cost Inefficient
Although hinged shower doors are slightly cheaper than pivot shower doors, they would still be expensive. The reason for this is the materials needed to install the door, such as the hinge, frame, and other components. Additionally, hinged shower doors with frameless designs are more expensive. Thus, you have to consider your options wisely, considering their prices overall.
What is the Difference Between Hinge and Pivot Shower Doors?
Both hinged and pivot shower doors are two popular choices for shower doors, but they have distinct characteristics and different functionality.
Operation
Hinged doors are opened by swinging them out, as they are mounted at the side of the opening. This opening is similar to a regular door, making it suitable for large spaces. Pivot shower doors are opened by rotation on a central axis, which enables them to be open in both directions and at 180 degrees. This makes them suitable for small bathrooms.
Installation
Installing hinged and pivot doors is easy with the proper equipment and knowledge. When it comes to pivot doors, you must keep in mind to attach the hinges properly, or else the door will not support the weight. When it comes to hinged doors, you must keep in mind to install the door in a straight or angled wall.
Space
Comparing the two, pivot doors are more space-saving as they can rotate in multiple directions. This makes them suitable for smaller bathrooms where there is little to no room for the door to open out. In contrast, the hinged door can rotate to 90 degrees and open wide. This makes them suitable for spacious bathrooms or bathrooms with large openings.
Aesthetics
Bathroom design is among the most important considerations you will make. Both pivot and hinged doors look aesthetic depending on the overall architectural structure of the space. A pivot door can offer the bathroom space a stunning frameless view that will elevate the bathroom design. However, a hinged door can make the space cohesive because of its tracks and brackets.
Cost
Due to higher hardware needs and a lengthy installation process, a pivot door is a more expensive option than a hinged door. However, this price will vary depending on the type and hardware you choose. For instance, a framed modern pivot door with aluminum hardware will be less expensive than a frameless high door with glass hardware.
Lifespan
When it comes to lifespan, pivot, and hinged doors last about the same. Pivot shower doors will also be less likely to experience hardware corrosion than hinged doors. However, both of these doors can last with proper cleaning and maintenance.
Areas to Consider When Selecting the Ideal Shower Door
The battle is: which is the better shower door option, pivot vs hinged shower door? Both pivot shower doors and hinged showers have their advantages and drawbacks. This is why making the best decision is as tough as it is. When deciding between a pivot or hinge, the following areas of consideration can guide you:
Function and Installation
The function and installation of pivot and hinged shower doors are different. The pivot shower doors have a pivot mechanism that allows the door to pivot at a point. In contrast, the hinged shower door has attached hinges at the side that open and close by swinging. The installation of pivot doors is also focused on the pivot system attachment, while the installation of hinges focuses on the panel frame and hinges.
Cost
In terms of their prices, pivot shower doors cost more than hinged shower doors due to the hardware requirements and installation time. However, as mentioned, some of their prices overlap, especially with the type of glassware used. For instance, a frameless pivot shower door with aluminum hardware will be more expensive than a frameless hinged shower door with steel hardware.
Design Preferences
There are a variety of design options you can choose from based on your preferences. However, pivot doors have more variations in terms of types, such as glass pivot doors or modern pivot doors that will suit your shower space. Hinged shower doors also have a frame option, such as framed, semi-frameless, or frameless.
Durability
When comparing the two options, pivot shower doors have a slight advantage when it comes to durability. Pivot doors have an equal distribution of weight and stress, which prevents extreme wearing. Hinged doors, on the other hand, are also durable but need regular maintenance and adjustments since they are more vulnerable to hinges.
Space Practicality
A pivot shower door is generally more efficient than a hinged shower door since it swings around at a pivot point. Compared to a hinged shower door, it needs an additional area in front of the door for the door to swing open.
FAQs
Which is better, a hinge or a pivot shower door?
The design of your shower door will depend on your style preference and space structure. However, a pivot door is easier to maintain and clean because it does not have hinges where dirt, oils, and grime may accumulate. This door will also be less likely to leak, leading to it being more stable.
What are the disadvantages of pivot shower doors?
Even though pivot doors are exceptional, they also come with disadvantages. To name a few, pivot doors have a small opening due to how they only open on one side. This is more disadvantageous to people with mobility impairments.
What is the difference between a pivot and a hinged door?
When comparing pivot and hinged doors, pivot doors are more unique in design and functionality. This door can rotate at an axis, whether above, below, or in the middle of an axis. This is in contrast to how a hinged door functions like a traditional door that opens and closes on a fixed axis.
What is the benefit of a pivot shower door?
Pivot shower doors offer various benefits, but the top three are safety-efficiency, durability, and maintenance. First, pivot doors are excellent for bathrooms with limited space because they swing open on a fixed pivot, not needing extra space. Second, pivot doors are installed with strong hinges, which are durable and can hold the door’s weight. Lastly, pivot doors have few tracks and hardware, which makes them simpler to clean.
Takeaways
When choosing between “pivot vs hinged shower door”, it is crucial to understand beyond aesthetic preferences. You should also consider the space, maintenance ease, and financial limitations. By weighing these things, you are sure to arrive at the best door decision for your bathroom or shower area.
If this article is a win for you, Mannlee can extend our help to provide you with the best decision you can make for pivot doors. No matter which type of door you need, we can provide it for you. So don’t hesitate to contact us and get started with your shower door journey!
