--- title: "Pivot Doors in Dallas: Steel and Aluminum Entry Doors" description: "How pivot doors work, how heavy and large they get, and how to keep them dry in Texas. Jada steel pivots and Bertrand aluminum pivots, with published numbers." url: https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/pivot-doors publisher: Honey Rock Window and Door phone: +1-214-484-9982 quote: https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/contact-us --- # Pivot doors for Dallas homes: steel and aluminum A 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. Updated November 5, 202610 min read ![A tall wood and glass pivot front door on a modern house](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/_astro/pivot-front-door-steel-wood-modern-01.DovXI8P3_ZltXyj.avif) ## Hydraulic floor pivot Jada's vertical steel pivot door rides on a hydraulic floor pivot that also works as a closer and a hold open. ## Covered entries first Jada says its pivot doors belong in covered areas with limited exposure unless special sill drainage is used. ## Three Bertrand systems MB-86N Pivot Door, MasterLine 8 Pivot Door and COR Pivot are aluminum systems for large entrances. ## Shop drawings decide Sill height, threshold, and floor details are worked out in the shop drawing process before anything is built. ## What is a pivot door and how does it work? A [pivot door](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/pivot-door) turns on a vertical axis instead of on side hinges. A pivot at the floor and a pin at the head carry the weight. This lets a door be very tall and wide, and still swing with one hand. Jada, the steel maker Honey Rock works with, says: “We offer a vertical pivot door system.” Its doors “will pivot on a hydraulic floor pivot.” Jada says the floor pivot is hidden in the finished floor, and that it controls the door’s movement, holds it open and works as a hydraulic closer. For a plain-language walk through the parts, read [how a pivot door works](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/blog/how-a-pivot-door-works). For a buyer’s checklist, use the [pivot door buying guide](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/guides/pivot-door-buying-guide). The part that carries the door is called a [pivot hinge](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/pivot-hinge) in the trade. ## Which pivot door systems does Honey Rock offer? Honey Rock works with two makers that publish pivot doors: Jada in steel and Bertrand in aluminum. Sun Windows lists no pivot door on the pages reviewed. Pick by material, size and where the door will stand. System Maker and material Published facts Pivot Door Jada, thermally broken steel Vertical pivot on a hydraulic floor pivot, single door or pair, welded attachment flange MB-86N Pivot Door Bertrand, aluminum Off-center axis, leaves up to 2 m wide and 3.4 m high, concealed hinges up to 500 kg MasterLine 8 Pivot Door Bertrand, aluminum Sash up to 13 ft 1.48 in high and 8 ft 2.425 in wide, up to 500 kg COR Pivot Bertrand, aluminum Central pivot mechanism, glazed or solid panel, smart access options, no numbers published Read more about the makers at [Jada](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/our-partners/jada) and [Bertrand](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/our-partners/bertrand). Bertrand publishes its sizes in metric and imperial units, and this page shows each number in the unit Bertrand uses. ## What is the difference between an offset pivot and a center pivot? An offset pivot puts the axis away from the middle of the leaf. A center pivot puts it on the middle line. Offset gives one wide swing on one side and a narrow swing on the other. Center gives equal swing on both sides. Bertrand’s MB-86N page describes “its off-center rotation axis.” Its COR Pivot page describes a “central pivot mechanism.” Jada’s page describes a double projection: “part of the door sweeps in and part sweeps out.” Jada does not say where its axis sits, so ask for the pivot point on the shop drawing. Why this matters for a house: - The side that swings in needs clear floor and no furniture, rug or radiator in the arc. - The side that swings out needs clear space on the porch or walkway. - A narrow swing side near a wall can create a pinch point. Check it on your plan. - Offset position changes how the door looks when open, so check the sightline from the street. ## How heavy and how big can a pivot door be? Size and weight depend on the system. Jada says pivot doors “allow for large scale panels,” but it publishes no maximum size. Bertrand does publish limits. Heavy doors need strong hinges, a strong header and a solid floor under the pivot. Bertrand system Published size and weight MB-86N Pivot Door Leaves up to 2 m wide and 3.4 m high; concealed bearing hinges with a load capacity of up to 500 kg MasterLine 8 Pivot Door Sash height up to 13 ft 1.48 in; sash width up to 8 ft 2.425 in; sash weight up to 500 kg COR Pivot Described as made for “large, eye-catching structures”; no numbers published Jada Pivot Door No maximum size or weight published Glass weight is the big variable. Thick insulated or [laminated glass](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/laminated-glass) adds a lot. Always ask for the full door weight with your glass, not the system maximum. Plan the structure early. A pivot door loads the floor and the head. Your builder and structural engineer should see the final drawing before the opening is framed. See [rough opening](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/rough-opening) for what the installer needs. ## Do pivot doors leak in Texas rain and wind? A pivot door is less water tight than a swing door, so it needs a covered entry or special drainage. Jada states this plainly. It says pivot doors “should only be used in covered areas with limited exposure” unless special sill drainage is included. Jada explains why: “because part of the door sweeps in and part sweeps out, the weatherstrip will be on different planes and not offer a single plane of compression seal.” A hinged outswing door works the other way. Jada says “the higher the wind blows, the tighter they seal against their weatherstrip.” Bertrand answers the same problem with drainage and thresholds. Its MB-86N page lists a “drop seal” at the bottom, a low 20 mm threshold that “can be fully built in,” and linear drainage. Its MasterLine 8 page lists concealed drainage, a gutter, a low threshold and a zero threshold as options. Item Jada steel pivot Bertrand MasterLine 8 Pivot Rain exposure Covered areas with limited exposure, unless special sill drainage is used Gutter, concealed drainage and threshold options Threshold Raised threshold for the weatherstrip to sweep against, often stone or hard flooring Standard, low or zero threshold options Published air rating None found Air tightness class 4 (600Pa) Published water rating None found Water tightness class 4A (150Pa) Published wind rating None found Wind load resistance class C3 (1200Pa) North Texas storms bring heavy rain with strong wind. Ask the supplier to tie the threshold, drainage and overhang depth together. A deep porch roof matters as much as the door. Learn the term [air leakage rating](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/air-leakage-rating) if you want to read these classes with confidence. ![A wood pivot door beside a tall glass panel](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/_astro/pivot-door-wood-glass-portrait-01.BWdOWZUB_ZFsF1b.avif) ## Are pivot doors secure? They can be secure, but each maker states security differently. Jada says its pivot doors include “our concealed multi-point locking system, which ensures good weatherstrip contact over the full height of the door.” That means lock points along the edge, not a single latch. Bertrand’s MB-86N page lists “one-latch or two-latch” locking options. Its MasterLine 8 and COR Pivot pages list burglary protection as available. Both pages also describe smart access: opening and closing “via code or fingerprint scan.” Neither Jada nor Bertrand publishes a break-in test class for these pivot doors on the pages Honey Rock draws from. So ask for any test report. Also check the lock on pairs, the hinge load, the glass type and the key control. A tall glazed pivot door is only as secure as its glass and its lock. ## Can a pivot door be a front door? Yes. Jada says pivot doors are “ideal for locations where you’re trying to add drama to a space or where a pocket sliding door is impractical.” Bertrand calls its MB-86N a way to create “a striking entrance” and calls MasterLine 8 an “entrance door.” A pivot front door needs these checks before you order: 1. **Cover.** Put it under a deep roof or canopy, or plan sill drainage. 2. **Threshold.** Choose raised, low or zero threshold with the floor finish in mind. Jada says the threshold is usually stone or hard flooring. 3. **Rug.** Jada notes that if you use a throw rug inside, the sill must be high enough for the rug. 4. **Screens.** Jada says screens are “not practical” on pivot doors because of the dual projection. 5. **Attachment.** Jada’s pivot doors have a welded attachment flange. Jada says there are fewer attachment solutions than for its other products. 6. **Hardware.** Ask for the handle, lock, and pull at the size and height you want. For other front door types, read [custom entry doors](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/custom-entry-doors) and [French doors](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/doors/french-doors). ![A white modern farmhouse entry with large glass doors](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/_astro/farmhouse-glass-garage-entry-01.BmlJLlfk_25v4pV.avif) ## What glass can a pivot door carry? A pivot door usually holds a large pane or a panel, so glass size and weight matter. Jada says oversize glass “can dramatically affect the overall cost and the warranty of the fenestration on a project.” Ask about glass early. On jobs where Jada supplies the glass, it says the maximum glass size it can warrant is 60 sq. ft. Many vendors limit the warranty to 50 sq. ft., Jada notes. Bertrand’s MB-86N takes insulating glass units up to 60 mm thick, and its leaves can be glazed or panel-filled. Thick insulated glass, [laminated glass](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/laminated-glass) and [tempered glass](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/tempered-glass) all add weight. A pivot door’s hinge rating is a weight limit, so send the glass spec with your quote request. Read [glass options for windows and doors](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/guides/glass-options-for-windows-and-doors) for the choices, and [IGU](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/igu) for the term. For hardware, Jada lists levers and knobs from Rocky Mountain Hardware or Sun Valley Bronze as standard, with a Euro cylinder on its doors. Bertrand lists concealed hinges, minimalist handles and automatic opening on COR Pivot. ## Steel or aluminum for a pivot door? Steel gives a narrow profile and a patina finish. Aluminum from Bertrand offers several pivot systems with published ratings and smart access options. Choose based on look, exposure, size and lead time. Question Jada steel pivot Bertrand aluminum pivot Frame look Narrow sightline Secco OS2 thermally broken steel Aluminum; ask for visible frame width on the drawing Finish Zinc coat, then patina or paint, per Jada Ask Bertrand through Honey Rock for current finish options Smart access Not published Code or fingerprint access listed for MasterLine 8 and COR Pivot Maker based in California Poland Lead time Not published Bertrand’s FAQ: “Aluminum constructions are made in 7-8 weeks.” Bertrand ships from Poland. Its FAQ also says it offers installation services only in its own region, so ask Honey Rock who handles installation for your project. Honey Rock’s own words for its service are “From the initial design process to the final installation.” For more on steel finishes and rust protection, read the [steel windows and doors guide](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/steel-windows-and-doors) and [steel vs aluminum windows](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/guides/steel-vs-aluminum-windows). ## How much does a pivot door cost? Honey Rock does not publish prices, and neither Jada nor Bertrand publishes a price on its pivot door pages. A pivot door is a custom unit, so cost follows the job. Expect it to vary with the factors below. - Door size and number of leaves (single door or pair) - Material and finish - Glass: insulated, laminated, tinted or Low-E (see [glass options](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/guides/glass-options-for-windows-and-doors)) - Threshold type and drainage - Locks, handles and any automation - Structure: header, floor pivot support and rough opening work To price your door, send the width and height, the entry type (covered or open), the floor finish and the look you want. Use the [contact page](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/contact-us) or call (214) 484-9982. ![A modern wood front door with glass sidelights](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/_astro/front-door-modern-wood-entry-01.DqJ12vie_1Kg0lB.avif) ## What does a pivot door need from the building? A pivot door needs a strong header, a solid floor under the pivot, and a clear arc for the swing. Jada’s pivot doors come with a welded attachment flange. Jada says there are “not as many attachment solutions for pivot doors” as for its other products, though it may customize them. Tell your architect and builder about the pivot early. The floor pivot sits in the finished floor, so the slab or subfloor must allow for it. The threshold, often stone, must be ready when the door goes in. Jada says the specific needs of the sill are worked out in the shop drawing process, so approve that drawing before you set the floor finish. Bertrand’s MB-86N is “based on MB-86N system profiles,” so it can match other MB-86N doors and windows in the same building. If your project is a new build, bring the pivot into the plan set before permits. See [builders and architects](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/builders-and-architects) for the working method. ## What should you ask before you order a pivot door? Ask about the pivot point, the weight, the water path and the lock. These four questions catch most pivot door problems. Put the answers in writing before you approve the shop drawing. 1. Where is the pivot axis, and how far does each side swing? 2. What is the total door weight with my glass, and what hinge or pivot rating is used? 3. How does water drain at the sill, and what overhang do you need? 4. What is the lock, and is there a test report? 5. What is the threshold height, and how does it work with my floor and any rug? 6. What is the lead time from approved drawings? 7. Who installs the door, flashes it and checks the floor pivot? For a wider plan, see [planning a window and door project](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/guides/planning-a-window-and-door-project) and the [builders and architects](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/builders-and-architects) page. ## Next step Start with your entry plan, then [contact us](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/contact-us) with the door size and the roof or canopy above it. Compare the makers on the [Jada](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/our-partners/jada) and [Bertrand](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/our-partners/bertrand) pages. ## Questions people ask ### How do pivot doors work? A pivot door turns on a pivot at the head and a pivot at the floor, not on hinges on the side. Jada's pivot door turns on a hydraulic floor pivot hidden in the finished floor. The pivot carries the weight, controls movement, holds the door open and closes it. ### Are pivot doors secure? They can be. Jada's pivot doors use a concealed multi-point locking system that keeps weatherstrip contact over the full height. Bertrand says its MasterLine 8 and COR Pivot systems offer enhanced security options. Neither maker publishes a break-in test class for pivot doors, so ask. ### How much does a pivot door cost? Honey Rock publishes no prices. Cost follows door size, material, glass, hardware, threshold type and any automation. A steel pivot with a stone threshold is a different job from an aluminum pivot with a motor. Send your drawings through the contact page or call (214) 484-9982 for a quote. ### Can a pivot door be used outside in Texas? Yes, with planning. Jada says pivot doors should be used only in covered areas with limited exposure unless special sill drainage is included. Bertrand lists drainage and zero-threshold options. Rain, wind and the depth of your overhang decide the right choice. ### How big can a pivot door be? It depends on the system. Bertrand lists MB-86N leaves up to 2 m wide and 3.4 m high, and a MasterLine 8 sash up to 13 ft 1.48 in high. Jada publishes no maximum size for its pivot door. Your shop drawings will show what is possible. ### What is the difference between an offset and a center pivot door? An offset pivot sets the axis away from the middle of the door, so one side swings further than the other. A center pivot turns on the middle line. Bertrand describes the MB-86N with an off-center axis and the COR Pivot with a central pivot mechanism. ## Terms on this page - [IGU (Insulated Glass Unit)](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/igu) - [Thermally broken steel](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/thermally-broken-steel) - [Air leakage rating](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/air-leakage-rating) - [Laminated glass](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/laminated-glass) - [Tempered glass](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/tempered-glass) - [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) - [Sightline](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/sightline) - [Sash](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/sash) ## Sources 1. [Jada: Pivot Doors](https://jada.com/products/pivot/pivot-door) 2. [Jada: Pivot Doors (hydraulic)](https://jada.com/products/pivot/pivot-door) 3. [Jada: Pivot Doors (exposure)](https://jada.com/products/pivot/pivot-door) 4. [Jada: Pivot Doors (locking)](https://jada.com/products/pivot/pivot-door) 5. [Jada: Pivot Doors (threshold)](https://jada.com/products/pivot/pivot-door) 6. [Jada: Products](https://jada.com/products) 7. [Jada: Swing](https://jada.com/products/swing) 8. [Jada: Outswing Doors](https://jada.com/products/swing/outswing-door) 9. [Bertrand: MB-86N Pivot Door](https://windowsbertrand.com/offer/mb-86n-pivot-door) 10. [Jada: Glazing (oversize glass)](https://jada.com/features/glazing) 11. [Jada: Glazing (warranted size)](https://jada.com/features/glazing) 12. [Jada: Hardware](https://jada.com/features/hardware) 13. [Bertrand: MB-86N Pivot Door (system features)](https://windowsbertrand.com/offer/mb-86n-pivot-door) 14. [Bertrand: MB-86N Pivot Door (hinges)](https://windowsbertrand.com/offer/mb-86n-pivot-door) 15. [Bertrand: MasterLine 8 Pivot Door](https://windowsbertrand.com/offer/masterline-8-2) 16. [Bertrand: MasterLine 8 Pivot Door (weight)](https://windowsbertrand.com/offer/masterline-8-2) 17. [Bertrand: MasterLine 8 Pivot Door (automation)](https://windowsbertrand.com/offer/masterline-8-2) 18. [Bertrand: COR Pivot](https://windowsbertrand.com/offer/cor-pivot) 19. [Bertrand: COR Pivot (mechanism)](https://windowsbertrand.com/offer/cor-pivot) 20. [Bertrand: FAQ](https://windowsbertrand.com/faq) 21. [Bertrand: FAQ (installation)](https://windowsbertrand.com/faq) Written by Honey Rock Window and Door and checked against the sources above on November 5, 2026. Product specifications and city rules change, so check the linked page before you act. ## Keep reading - [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) - [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) - [Steel windows and doors for Dallas homesSteel windows and doors use a thin steel frame to hold large panes of glass. Jada builds them from narrow Secco OS2 thermally broken steel profiles in four families: swing, slide, fold and pivot. A built-in thermal break keeps heat from crossing the frame. Honey Rock Window and Door works with Jada for Dallas projects.](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/steel-windows-and-doors) - [Steel vs aluminum windows: how to choose for a Dallas homeChoose steel when you want the slimmest metal look and a patina or painted finish, and choose aluminum when you want a wide range of systems and powder-coated or anodized color. Both need a thermal break to perform well in Texas heat. Compare NFRC labels, sightline numbers, sash weight limits and written quotes before you decide.](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/guides/steel-vs-aluminum-windows) - [How a Pivot Door Works: Floor Pivot, Hinges and SillsA 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.](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/blog/how-a-pivot-door-works) - [Folding and bi-fold doors for Dallas homesA folding door is a row of hinged glass panels that fold flat and stack to one side, opening nearly a whole wall. Jada makes outswing steel folding doors and windows. Bertrand makes aluminum folding systems. Sun makes clad-wood bi-fold doors and windows with Centor hardware. Honey Rock works with all three makers.](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/folding-doors) ![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)