Selecting your Pivot Door Hardware
Pivot doors are a bold, contemporary alternative to traditional hinged designs. They instantly create a sense of luxury and scale, making them a favourite among architects, designers, and homeowners who want to make a strong first impression. Whether used internally or as a grand front entrance, a pivot door has the ability to transform the look and feel of a space.
Unlike a hinged door, which relies on its frame to carry the full weight, a pivot door is supported by a pivot on the floor and another at the top of the door. This system distributes the weight more evenly, allowing for larger, heavier, or more striking doors without overloading the frame.
But while pivot doors offer stunning results, there’s one big question we’re often asked: what hardware should I use on a pivot door?
The right choice can feel daunting, so we’ve simplified the process into three clear steps.
Step 1 – Choosing your handle.
Typically an Entrance Pull Handle would be used with a pivot door. This makes it very simple for a user to push or pull the door with ease. Pull Handles come in varying lengths, shapes and colours. To make a statement, we recommend a pull handle 900mm or above. 1800mm length Pull Handles are often used on pivot doors. If your pivot door has a glass infill, consider using an offset pull handle especially if you are using it with a lock (see to the right).
At Zanda we have a very wide range of Pull Handles to suit your Pivot Door requirements. Our unique range comprises of 18 different styles and 58 different sizes. These range from 300mm right up to 1800mm in length. What’s more, all of Zanda’s Pull Handles are constructed from 316 Marine Grade Stainless Steel making them ideally suited to corrosive or high humidity situations. Click here for more information on our extensive Pull Handle range.
Some people opt for lever handle sets, flush pulls, or even no handle at all. While these can work in certain situations, our experts strongly recommend a pull handle for both style and usability. It adds presence to the door and ensures it can be operated with ease.
Step 2 – Choosing your pivot system.
The pivot system is the hidden hero of your door. The choice will largely depend on your door’s weight, width, and intended use. There are now four main options, each with their own benefits.
1. Floor Springs
Floor springs are hydraulic units fitted to aid automatic door closing. Floor Springs are cut into the floor and come with a plate to cover over the mechanism so it is basically completely concealed. Sometimes they are refered to as floor closers. They also have adjustable closing speed, latching speed and backcheck.
Zanda has four different floor springs options, depending on your door weight and width. You’re always better to spec up rather than down when it comes to choosing your size. We have put it in a helpful chart below.
All these floor springs are available in either hold-open or non hold-open and in single action or double action. For ease and flexibility we recommend using Hold Open and Double Action on your Floor Spring. For more information on our Floor Springs click here.
2. Transom Closers
The concealed overhead transom door closer is designed to be concealed within the transom header bar of the door. It provides controlled closing of a single or double action door. Features built into the concealed door closer include dual closing speed to allow flexibility in closing.
At Zanda we have three different Transom Door Closer options, depending on your door weight and width. As with Floor Spring Closers, you’re always better to spec up rather than down when it comes to choosing your power size.
The Transom Closers come in Hold Open & Non Hold Open and once again we recommend going with the hold open option for convenience. Click here for more information on our Transom Door Closers.
3. Non hydraulic pivot sets
If your door is very light weight then this could be a good option for you. However this is non hydraulic meaning you cant control the closing speed or any of the features that comes with a Floor Spring or Transom Closers. This could be potentially dangerous if a child, (or anyone for that matter) got their fingers caught in the door.
If using these Non hydraulic pivots we recommend the Zanda PS.180 Top Pivot and PS.260 Bottom Pivot. For more information on these click here.
If your budget is endless, a fantastic system which is completely concealed is the Fitz Jurgens pivot closer. Although this is very costly, these are entirely invisible and can take door weights up to 500kg in weight.
4. Concealed Heel Closer (Internal Doors Only)
A newer innovation, the Concealed Heel Closer offers a discreet, efficient alternative for internal pivot doors. Installed neatly into the bottom edge of the door, it eliminates the need for floor cutting – making installation faster and tidier.
Features include:
- Hold-open at 90°
- Adjustable closing speed
- Opening angle up to 150°
- Suitable for doors up to 1000mm wide and 100kg
- Minimum door thickness: 40mm
- Includes top and bottom pivot
This option is only suitable for internal pivot doors, but for those applications, it provides an elegant and functional solution.
If your budget is endless, a fantastic system which is completely concealed is the Fritz Jurgens pivot closer. Although this is very costly, these are entirely invisible and can take door weights up to 500kg in weight.
Step 3 – Choosing your locking system (if applicable).
If your pivot door is internal only, locking may not be necessary. For external or high-security applications, the right lock ensures both safety and convenience. Here are three recommended options:
Roller Lock Kits
Operated by push or pull, these kits keep the door shut without locking. Ideal for convenience, but also include a deadbolt for when secure locking is required. For more info on the Roller Lock Kits click here.
Double Turn Lock Kits
The Zanda Double Turn Lock Kits come with a neat, compact thumb turn action that retracts a positive latch. This stops the problem of door blowing shut and you being locked out. It also wont blow open in the wind and requires no adjustment once installed. Available in round or square, these locks have been specifically designed for Australian conditions. For more info on our Double Turn Lock Kits click here.
Stealth Digital Lock
The Stealth Smart Deadbolt combines modern security with sleek design, offering six simple ways to unlock:
Zanda App – control access directly from your smartphone.
Wi-Fi Compatibility (with Bridge) – connect remotely for access anywhere in the world.
Fingerprint – fast, secure biometric entry.
Traditional Key Override – for added peace of mind.
Pin Code – simple keypad access for family or guests.
RFID Card – convenient swipe card option.
Key features include an IP66 weather rating, auto-lock or passage mode, and compatibility with the Zanda app and gateway for remote access. It suits both timber and aluminium doors and comes with a 7-year mechanical warranty.
Specifications: 60mm backset deadbolt, 72x171mm body size, designed for use with a pull handle or passage set.
Finishes available: Matt Black, Brushed Nickel, Graphite Nickel, and Satin Brass.
The Stealth is practical, durable, and stylish – a reliable upgrade for modern entryways. For more info on our Stealth Digital Deadbolts click here.
Note: All pivot door locking systems require an extended strike plate.
Pivot doors are more than just an entry point – they’re a statement. Choosing the right hardware ensures not only durability and safety but also the sleek performance that pivot doors are known for.
At Zanda, we’re here to help you every step of the way, from selecting the right handle to specifying the perfect pivot and lock systems for your project. For advice tailored to your needs, call us on 1300 926 321, or browse our Pivot Door Gallery for inspiration.
Zanda Architectural Hardware – designed to perform, built to impress.
