--- title: "How a Pivot Door Works: Floor Pivot, Hinges and Sills" description: "A pivot door turns on a vertical axis, not on side hinges. See how Jada's hydraulic floor pivot and Bertrand's MB-86N work, and what to ask before you order." url: https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/blog/how-a-pivot-door-works publisher: Honey Rock Window and Door phone: +1-214-484-9982 quote: https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/contact-us --- # How a Pivot Door Works: Floor Pivot, Hinges and Sills A pivot door turns on a vertical axis set away from the door's edge, so part of the door swings in and part swings out. Jada uses a hydraulic floor pivot hidden in the floor that also holds the door open and closes it. Bertrand's MB-86N uses concealed bearing hinges rated to 500 kg. Published October 8, 20264 min read ![A sliding glass wall opening a living room to a pool](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/_astro/multislide-pool-glass-wall-01.CPf0hsqO_Upxyn.avif) ## How does a pivot door work? A pivot door turns on a vertical axis that sits away from the door’s edge, not on hinges along one side. That makes part of the door swing in and part swing out as it opens. Two makers Honey Rock works with, Jada and Bertrand, build pivot doors in different ways. Jada says its doors “pivot on a hydraulic floor pivot.” Bertrand’s MB-86N has an “off-center rotation axis” and concealed bearing hinges. Both approaches hide the hardware. The door reads as a single plane of steel, aluminum or glass. ## What is a hydraulic floor pivot? A floor pivot is a hidden mechanism in the floor that carries the door’s turning point and controls its movement. Jada says the floor pivot is concealed within the finished floor. It also says the floor pivot helps control the movement of the door and acts as a hold open and hydraulic closer. In plain terms, the pivot sets how the door turns, how it stops and how it closes. You get no separate closer on the door itself. Jada also says its pivot doors use a concealed multi-point locking system, which keeps the weatherstrip in contact over the full height of the door. Read our glossary entries for [pivot door](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/pivot-door) and [pivot hinge](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/pivot-hinge) for short definitions. ## How does Bertrand’s MB-86N pivot door work? Bertrand’s MB-86N uses an off-center rotation axis with concealed bearing hinges. Bertrand publishes numbers for this system. We give them in the units it uses. Item What Bertrand publishes for the MB-86N Maximum leaf size 2,0 x 3,4 m, up to 2 m wide and 3.4 m high Hinge load Concealed bearing hinges, load capacity up to 500 kg Threshold Low, 20 mm, can be built in for a zero threshold effect with drainage to the outside Locking Locked by alternating strips on the leaf and frame; one-latch or two-latch options Thermal variants Three: ST, SI and SI+ Insulation UD from 0.73 W/m2K for paneled leaves measuring 2000 x 2180 mm The UD figure applies to a paneled leaf of the size Bertrand names. It does not describe a glazed door or a different size. Bertrand lists other pivot systems too, so ask which one suits your opening. ## Why is a pivot door less weathertight than a swing door? Because part of the door sweeps in and part sweeps out. Jada explains it this way: the weatherstrip sits on different planes and does not offer a single plane of compression seal. That is why Jada says pivot doors should only be used in covered areas with limited exposure, unless special sill drainage is added. This is an honest limit, and it matters in Texas, where rain can drive sideways. Put a pivot entry under a deep porch or a covered entry. If the door must face open weather, ask the maker about sill drainage before you commit. Jada adds that a pivot door, like an inswing door, needs a raised threshold for the weatherstrip to sweep against. The threshold is often stone or part of the hard flooring. If you plan a rug inside, tell the maker, since the sill height must clear it. The details are worked out in the shop drawing process. ![A wood pivot door beside a tall glass panel](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/_astro/pivot-door-wood-glass-portrait-01.BWdOWZUB_ZFsF1b.avif) ## What else should you know about size and screens? Pivot doors come as single doors or as pairs. Jada says pairs lock like outswing or inswing pairs. It also says screens are not practical because of the dual projection, and that pivot doors come with a welded attachment flange to join the door frame to the framing. Jada notes there are not as many attachment solutions for pivot doors as for its typical products, though it may customize the method. Jada publishes no maximum door size. Ask for shop drawings, and do not assume a size is possible because a photo shows one. For the framed hole the door sits in, see our post on [rough opening vs frame size](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/blog/rough-opening-vs-frame-size) and the glossary entries for [sill](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/sill) and [rough opening](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/rough-opening). ![A white modern farmhouse entry with large glass doors](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/_astro/farmhouse-glass-garage-entry-01.BmlJLlfk_25v4pV.avif) ## What should you ask before you order a pivot door? Ask about the floor, the sill and the weather. Our checklist: 1. Is the entry covered? How deep is the overhang? 2. What is the sill detail, and is drainage included? 3. How much does the leaf weigh, and what does the hardware carry? 4. Who sets the floor pivot, and when in the build? 5. What happens to the floor finish around the pivot? 6. How does the door lock, and where is the handle? Honey Rock describes its work as running “From the initial design process to the final installation.” Pivot doors need early decisions about floors and framing, so bring us in during design. We do not publish prices or lead times. Ask the maker through us. For a full buying guide, read [pivot door buying guide](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/guides/pivot-door-buying-guide) and our pillar on [pivot doors](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/pivot-doors). To compare the makers, see [Jada](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/our-partners/jada) and [Bertrand](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/our-partners/bertrand). ## Who is a pivot door a good fit for? It suits a wide, tall entry under cover, where the design is the point. Jada says these doors are ideal where you want to add drama to a space or where a pocket sliding door is impractical. Bertrand says architects favor its MB-86N for striking entrances and large-scale dimensions. It is a weaker fit for an exposed entry facing open weather, a very tight vestibule, or a door that needs a screen. If that is your case, compare it with [French doors](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/doors/french-doors) or a [custom entry door](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/custom-entry-doors). We would rather tell you now than after the order. ## Next step Tell us about your entry, wall and floor at [/contact-us](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/contact-us) or call (214) 484-9982. Start with the [pivot doors pillar](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/pivot-doors) for options and trade-offs. ## Questions people ask ### How does a pivot door open? It turns on a vertical axis instead of on side hinges. Bertrand describes an off-center rotation axis for its MB-86N pivot door. Jada says its doors pivot on a hydraulic floor pivot hidden in the finished floor. ### Can a pivot door be used outside? Jada says pivot doors should only be used in covered areas with limited exposure unless special sill drainage is included. It explains that the double projection of a pivot door makes it less water tight than a standard swing door. ### How heavy a pivot door can the hardware carry? Bertrand says the MB-86N has concealed bearing hinges with a load capacity of up to 500 kg and leaves up to 2 m wide and 3.4 m high. Jada publishes no maximum size for its pivot door, so ask for shop drawings. ### Does a pivot door have a threshold? Yes, usually a raised one. Jada says a pivot door needs a raised threshold for the weatherstrip to sweep against, often stone or the flooring material. Bertrand describes a low 20 mm threshold for the MB-86N that can be built in for a zero threshold effect. ## Terms on this page - [Rough opening](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/rough-opening) - [Pivot hinge](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/pivot-hinge) - [Pivot door](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/pivot-door) - [Sill](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/sill) ## Sources 1. [Jada: Pivot Doors](https://jada.com/products/pivot/pivot-door) 2. [Jada: Pivot Doors (floor pivot role)](https://jada.com/products/pivot/pivot-door) 3. [Jada: Pivot Doors (exposure)](https://jada.com/products/pivot/pivot-door) 4. [Jada: Pivot Doors (double projection)](https://jada.com/products/pivot/pivot-door) 5. [Jada: Pivot Doors (locking)](https://jada.com/products/pivot/pivot-door) 6. [Jada: Pivot Doors (single or pair)](https://jada.com/products/pivot/pivot-door) 7. [Jada: Pivot Doors (screens)](https://jada.com/products/pivot/pivot-door) 8. [Jada: Pivot Doors (attachment flange)](https://jada.com/products/pivot/pivot-door) 9. [Jada: Pivot Doors (threshold)](https://jada.com/products/pivot/pivot-door) 10. [Bertrand: MB-86N Pivot Door](https://windowsbertrand.com/offer/mb-86n-pivot-door) 11. [Bertrand: MB-86N Pivot Door (size)](https://windowsbertrand.com/offer/mb-86n-pivot-door) 12. [Bertrand: MB-86N Pivot Door (threshold)](https://windowsbertrand.com/offer/mb-86n-pivot-door) 13. [Bertrand: MB-86N Pivot Door (insulation)](https://windowsbertrand.com/offer/mb-86n-pivot-door) 14. [Bertrand: MB-86N Pivot Door (locking)](https://windowsbertrand.com/offer/mb-86n-pivot-door) 15. [Bertrand: MB-86N Pivot Door (axis)](https://windowsbertrand.com/offer/mb-86n-pivot-door) Written by Honey Rock Window and Door and checked against the sources above on October 8, 2026. Product specifications and city rules change, so check the linked page before you act. ## Keep reading - [Pivot doors for Dallas homes: steel and aluminumA pivot door turns on a vertical axis set into the floor and head instead of on side hinges. That lets a door be very large and still swing with one hand. Jada makes a vertical steel pivot door on a hydraulic floor pivot. Bertrand makes three aluminum pivot systems. Honey Rock works with both makers.](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/pivot-doors) - [Custom entry doors: swing, pivot, steel and wood-cladA custom entry door starts with how it opens: inswing, outswing or pivot. Then you choose the frame material, the glass and privacy level, the locks and the sill. In Texas, add the sun. A west-facing door needs low-solar-gain glass and a sill detail that suits its exposure.](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/custom-entry-doors) - [Pivot door buying guide: what to check before you orderA pivot door turns on a hinge point set in the floor and head, so part of the door swings in and part swings out. Jada makes a vertical pivot door with a concealed hydraulic floor pivot and multi-point locking. Plan the swing, the raised sill, the cover and the floor load before you order.](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/guides/pivot-door-buying-guide) - [Rough Opening vs Frame Size: How Windows Fit a WallThe rough opening is the hole framed in the wall. The frame size is the outside size of the window or door unit. The opening is larger so the unit can be set level, plumb and square. One manufacturer's casement chart typically adds 1/2 inch to the frame size. Always use your maker's drawing.](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/blog/rough-opening-vs-frame-size) - [Sliding, multi-slide and lift-and-slide doorsA sliding door moves a glass panel along a track. A lift-and-slide door first lifts the panel off its seals, so very heavy glass glides with one hand, then lowers to lock tight. Multi-slide doors stack or pocket several panels. Honey Rock works with Jada, Bertrand and Sun Windows, which each make sliding systems.](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/sliding-and-lift-slide-doors) - [Energy-efficient windows for Texas homesIn Texas, the number that matters most is solar heat gain (SHGC), because summer sun drives cooling costs. Then check U-factor, visible transmittance and the NFRC label. Dallas and Tarrant counties sit in ENERGY STAR's Southern zone. Local energy codes differ by city, so confirm yours.](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/energy-efficient-windows-texas) ![A modern home with wide glass doors lit warm at dusk beside a pool](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/_astro/dusk-modern-home-pool-01.CeePxgPr_Z2giQin.webp) ## Let’s frame your view. Send your plans or a few photos of the openings. We will help you choose the system, the brand and the glass. [Start your project](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/contact-us)[or call (214) 484-9982](tel:+1-214-484-9982)