Pivot Shower Door Vs. Hinged Shower Door: Which is Best?
When planning a bathroom renovation, one key decision is choosing between a pivot shower door and a hinged shower door. Each style has unique advantages and considerations, from functionality and space efficiency to ease of installation and maintenance. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we’ve been helping Perth homeowners make informed renovation choices since 1973. With decades of experience, we understand the importance of selecting the right shower door to complement your space and lifestyle.
In this guide, we’ll delve into the pivot shower door vs. hinged shower door debate to help you determine the best fit for your bathroom. Whether you’re drawn to the sleek design of a pivot door or the traditional simplicity of a hinged door, we’ll provide a clear breakdown of the pros, cons, and practical factors to consider. By the end, you’ll have all the information needed to choose the perfect shower door for your renovation.
Why Choose a Pivot Shower Door Over a Hinged Shower Door?
Pivot shower doors have a few advantages over their hinge counterparts. Firstly, they are a much better option for small bathrooms. The pivot door means that you don’t need to account for the space a swinging door would take up, so you can make better use of your limited space.
Pivot doors are also much easier to clean than hinge doors. The hinges on a hinged door can accumulate grime and mildew, which is difficult to clean. With a pivot door, there are no hinges for dirt and grime to collect in, so they are much easier to keep clean.
They also provide a more seamless look as the door opens and closes without protruding into the shower space. And finally, they’re more stable and less likely to leak than hinge doors.
Hinge shower doors have a few advantages of their own. Firstly, they’re generally cheaper than pivot doors. Secondly, they’re easier to install as they don’t require special brackets or hinges. And finally, they offer more flexibility in terms of where they can be installed, as they can be placed on either side of the shower opening.
Which Shower Door Is Easier to Install: Pivot or Hinged?
When comparing the installation process of pivot and hinged shower doors, the differences primarily come down to complexity and flexibility.
Pivot shower doors are typically more challenging to install. They require precise placement of special brackets and hinges, which are essential for the door to pivot correctly. This level of precision can make the installation more demanding, particularly for those with limited experience in home renovation.
Hinged shower doors, on the other hand, offer a simpler and more flexible installation process. They do not require specialised hardware and can be installed on either side of the shower opening. This versatility makes hinged doors a more accessible option for DIY installers or those looking for an easier setup.
Overall, if ease of installation is your priority, hinged shower doors are the better choice. However, if you’re comfortable with a more involved process, pivot shower doors can provide additional benefits in terms of design and functionality.
Cost Comparison: Which Shower Door Offers Better Value?
Standard hinge shower doors are generally more affordable than pivot shower doors. This is because they’re easier to manufacture and don’t require special brackets or hinges. However, it all depends on the style of door you’re after. For example, a frameless hinge shower door can be more expensive than a pivot shower door because of its frameless design. This is well demonstrated in our range.
If you look at our Frameless Shower Door, the 900mm size is $480.00. However, if you compare this to our Brighton Shower Door, which is a pivot door, the 900mm size is just $380.00. On the other hand, our Pivot Door, which offers higher quality than the Brighton Shower Door, is the same price as our Frameless Shower Door.
So, all in all, it really does come down to what style of shower door you’re after. If you want a more modern look, then a frameless shower door could be the best option. However, if you’re on a budget, you may find a more affordable pivot hinge shower door.
Finding the Perfect Shower Door for Your Bathroom Design
The answer to this question really depends on your individual needs and preferences. A frameless door or screen might be the best option if you’re looking for a more modern look. However, if you’re working with a tight budget, then you may find a more affordable pivot hinge shower door that suits your needs better.
It’s also important to consider how easy the doors are to install and clean. Pivot doors are more difficult to install than hinge doors, but they’re easier to keep clean as there are no hinges for dirt and grime to collect in. Hinge doors offer more flexibility in terms of where they can be installed, but they can be more difficult to keep clean.
To help you weigh the differences between pivot and hinge door shower screens, here’s a quick comparison table that highlights the key features, advantages, and limitations of each option. This side-by-side look can assist you in making an informed choice based on your bathroom’s layout, budget, and style preferences.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Pivot Shower Doors vs. Hinged Shower Doors
Feature | Pivot Door Shower Screen | Normal Hinge Door Shower Screen |
---|---|---|
Opening Mechanism | Rotates on pivot hinges fixed at the top and bottom of the door | Hinges mounted on the side of the door |
Space Efficiency | Saves space as it can open both inward and outward | Typically swings outward, requiring more space |
Installation | Often requires more complex installation | Simple installation with standard side-mounted hinges |
Aesthetic Appeal | Sleek, modern look with minimal visible hardware | Traditional look, often more hardware visible |
Maintenance | Usually has fewer moving parts and easier to clean around pivots | May require more cleaning around hinges due to potential buildup |
Durability | Pivots are highly durable and support heavier glass panels | Hinges are durable but may need adjustment over time |
Cost | Generally higher due to pivot mechanism and premium look | Typically more affordable due to standard hinge components |
Ideal Use Case | Great for smaller bathrooms and modern design aesthetics | Suitable for larger bathrooms and traditional designs |
Water Seal Effectiveness | Offers good sealing, especially in frameless designs | Can have slight gaps around hinges; often framed for better sealing |
Top Pivot and Hinged Shower Door Models Available Today
As mentioned above, we offer various pivot and hinge shower door screens here at Ross’s Discount Centre in Guildford, Perth.
In terms of pivot shower doors, you can opt for our Brighton Shower Door or Pivot Door. If you’re after a complete shower screen, not just the door, consider our Pivot Door & Return.
When it comes to hinge shower doors, we have the Frameless Shower Door, as well as complete shower screens. The Frameless Shower Door & Return, and Grenada, are top-selling products.
Conclusion
Ross’s Discount Centre has a wide range of shower screens for your bathroom. Pivot doors and hinge door shower screens are two of the most popular types of shower screens on the market. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the right type of door for your needs is important.
Pivot door shower screens are ideal for smaller bathrooms and modern aesthetics, thanks to their space-saving inward and outward opening mechanism and sleek, minimal hardware. They offer better durability with fewer moving parts and easier maintenance but often come at a higher cost and require more complex installation.
Hinge door shower screens suit larger bathrooms or traditional designs. They are easier to install and more affordable but may require more cleaning around hinges and offer slightly less effective water sealing due to hinge gaps.
Not sure whether pivot or hinged is the best choice for your bathroom? Take a look at our guide to shower screen door types to help you find the perfect fit for your space.
Consider your bathroom size, style, and budget when deciding between these options to find the best fit for your space. If you’re still unsure which type of door is best for your bathroom, our team of experts would be more than happy to help you choose the right option. Contact us or view our range of shower screens in Perth for more information.