Custom Wood Clad Window with Glass | Features & Price

Key Takeaways

• Pivot doors work well in large, open spaces and are great for making a bold statement.
• Multi-slide doors are ideal for seamless indoor-outdoor living and can accommodate wide openings.
• At Panda Windows & Doors, we offer a variety of both pivot and multi-slide doors to accommodate any functional needs or architectural style.

What are Pivot Doors?

A pivot door is a swinging door that rotates on a spindle instead of traditional side hinges. Think of it like a spinning top that turns around a fixed point. 

This design is ideal for homeowners who want to create a striking, unobstructed entryway with very wide and tall doors.

The pivot point for this kind of door is positioned away from its edge, creating a smooth, almost gliding motion that feels luxurious and futuristic.

Advantages of Pivot Doors

There are many advantages of having a pivot door – for starters, they can support much heavier weights than standard doors, making them more durable and secure while looking bold and extravagant. 

They also need less framing support, giving your home an elegant feel with more glass and less visible hardware. 

Most importantly, pivot doors provide a wide variety of customization options, from glass types to finishes, allowing you to create a one-of-a-kind aesthetic for your home.

Disadvantages of Pivot Doors

Pivot doors aren’t without their drawbacks. Because of their size and the specialized hardware needed to manufacture them, they can be more expensive than traditional doors. 

They also need precise engineering to ensure a perfect fit and function, which adds to the cost.

Pivot doors might not be the best choice for homes located in areas with extreme weather because their seals are not as tight as those on traditional doors, potentially letting in drafts.

An All Aluminum Slim Profile (40mm) – S.21 Pivot Door from our pivot door collection.

What are Multi-Slide Doors?

Multi-slide doors are large sliding glass panels along a track system that stack or tuck away into a pocket, creating a completely open or closed look. They are perfect for homeowners who want to maximize their view of the outdoors.

One of our residential multi-slide door systems. 

Advantages of Multi-Slide Doors

Multi-slide doors bring a sense of openness and luxury to a home. Because they run on tracks, they don’t need the same swing space as pivot doors – making them a great option for property where space is at a premium. 

With multiple glass panels providing thermal insulation, they can also be very energy-efficient, saving homeowners money on energy bills.

Multi-slide doors come with multi-locking mechanisms that enhance the security and safety of a home.

Disadvantages of Multi-Slide Doors

One of the main disadvantages of multi-slide doors is the cost. As a result of their complex track system and the expansive glass panels, they are a more expensive option. Additionally, they need a significant amount of wall space to accommodate the sliding panels, which may not be feasible in every home. 

Weather sealing is also a concern. It is more challenging to ensure the seal across multiple sliding points is tight enough. If a multi-slide door is not sealed correctly, it can lead to unnecessary energy-efficiency issues.

Pivot Doors Vs Multi-Slide Doors

Aesthetics

Pivot doors are a reflection of bold design styles with grand aesthetics. They can be made from a variety of materials like aluminum, steel, or wood. Typically, they are also constructed with a pane of glass large enough to give homeowners a clear glimpse of the outdoors.

An oversized pivot door with sidelites from our Voyage Select pivot door line. This particular door is called Rio.

Multi-slide doors, on the other hand, are designed to be expansive yet subtle and minimalistic. They transform homes into a seamless blend of the indoors and outdoors – giving you a panoramic view of the outside world. 

Homeowners have a very wide range of design options for multi-slide doors, from the type of luxury glass to the finishes, making them a fitting choice for residential properties with picturesque surroundings.

Function

Pivot doors need a clear radius around them to swing open, so they might not be the best option for rooms with limited space. They are better suited for interior use or locations with harsh weather, as their seals might not be as robust as those on multi-slide doors.

Multi-slide doors are all about connectivity and flexibility. They are ideal for homes that frequently host gatherings, as they encourage flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. They can also be outfitted with screens to keep out bugs while letting in the breeze, making them more functional in different climates and seasons.

Cost

Pivot doors can be more affordable than multi-slide doors depending on the materials used and the size of the door. Customization options, such as glass type, frame material, and hardware, can also affect the final price. 

In general, you can expect to pay a premium for the large panes of glass and the complex hardware required for both pivot and multi-slide doors.

Long-term value is as important as upfront costs when investing in a door for your home. The energy efficiency and maintenance requirements for your door will impact a homeowner’s expenses in the long run.

Ideal Uses for Each Door Type

Best Situations for Pivot Doors

Pivot doors are best utilized in spaces where you want to create a dramatic entryway or divide rooms without sacrificing an open-concept feel. They work exceptionally well in:

• Grand entrances or foyers where they can make a bold architectural statement.
• Art galleries or homes with unique art pieces, as the door itself can be considered art.
• Spaces with high ceilings and ample room around the door, allowing the pivot mechanism to shine.

Best Situations for Multi-Slide Doors

Multi-slide doors are a reliable go-to option for homeowners who value natural light, open spaces, and the outdoors. They are great for:

• Homes with scenic views, such as waterfront properties or mountain retreats.
• Spaces designed for entertainment, where the door can open up to expand the living area onto a deck or patio.
• Locations with mild climates where the doors can be left open for much of the year.

With the right door, you can transform your home into a comfortable, safe space that reflects your unique taste and personal lifestyle.

Comparison table between pivot doors and multi-slide doors.

Contact us to learn more about our residential door systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I choose between pivot and multi-slide doors?

If you’re looking for a door that makes a bold statement and you have the space that’s big enough, a pivot door might be best for you. 

If you’re trying to create easy movement between the indoor and outdoor spaces in your home and have a wide opening, multi-slide doors might be the way to go.

Consider the following when making your decision:

• The size of the opening: Larger openings work better with multi-slide doors while pivot doors are ideal for more narrow entryways.
• Visibility and views: Multi-slide doors have bigger glass panels.
• Space around the door: Pivot doors need more room space to swing open while multi-slide doors need more wall space to accommodate the sliding panels.

Are pivot doors more secure than multi-slide doors?

The good news is that both pivot and multi-slide doors can be equipped with high-security locking systems. However, pivot doors offer an extra level of security because of its unique pivot hardware is more challenging to tamper with compared to traditional sliding door locks.

For multi-slide doors, make sure you choose a system with multi-point locks and reinforced tracks to prevent lifting or sliding the doors from the outside.

Can multi-slide doors be customized for small openings?

Multi-slide doors are often associated with large openings but they can be customized for smaller spaces. The number of panels and the track system can be adjusted to fit the dimensions of your opening. 

Keep in mind that the main appeal of multi-slide doors is their ability to create wide, unobstructed views and seamless transitions, which might be less impactful in smaller openings.

If you’re dealing with a smaller space but love the look of a multi-slide door, at Panda Windows & Doors, we manufacture custom doors and can bring your vision to life no matter the size of your opening.

How do weather conditions affect the performance of pivot and multi-slide doors?

Weather conditions can have a significant impact on the performance of your doors. 

Pivot doors may not seal as tightly as multi-slide doors, making them potentially less energy-efficient in extreme weather conditions. It’s important to make sure that the doors are properly weather-stripped and installed to minimize drafts.

Multi-slide doors, with their multiple sealing points and track drainage systems, are generally better equipped to handle various weather conditions. They can give you better insulation, keeping your home comfortable and energy bills down.

What are the long-term maintenance considerations for pivot and multi-slide doors?

Pivot doors generally need minimal maintenance. All you have to do is clean the door regularly and lubricate the pivot hardware once in a while.

Multi-slide doors need a bit more care due to their track systems – keeping the tracks free of debris is essential! 

The weatherstripping will also need to be inspected regularly to make sure the seal remains tight.

Routine checks and maintenance will allow both doors to function beautifully for many years.

At Panda Windows & Doors, we understand the importance of finding the perfect balance between form and function. We’re here to help guide you through the process, ensuring that your home transformation is everything you’ve dreamed of and more.