Pivot Vs. Hinged Shower Door: What Are The Major Differences?

The question is less about pivot vs. hinged shower doors and more about the preference of each type of shower door hinge. Those preferences are also going to be determined by considerations such as the shower layout, the shower design, and other practical and aesthetic aspects.

Both pivot and hinged shower doors offer equally reliable and effective service. Pivot shower doors offer more in the way of decorum value but do have some potential leak issues. Hinged shower doors are considered less aesthetically appealing but also provide better protection against water leaks.

So what are the major differences between a pivot-hinged shower door and a hinged (or side-hinged) shower door? What type of shower door hinge works best in scenarios A, B, or C? And what should we know before purchasing the right shower door of our shower?

Like virtually everything, there are positives and negatives to the different kinds of shower door hinges too. Here is a look at the pros to consider and the cons to be concerned about regarding pivot and hinged shower doors.

Related Guide: What Is A Pivot Shower Door?

If you like to follow the crowd, then you want a hinged shower door. These reliable shower door options are easily the most popular type of hinged shower door today. That popularity should speak to the quality of these types of shower doors too.

There are also many reasons for the popularity of side-hinged shower doors, and many reasons why they have found a place in so many homes and showers.

Leak-Resistant

Unlike pivot-hinged shower doors, side-hinged shower doors seal when they close, also sealing out water. This helps to keep the water inside the shower, and to keep the floor outside the shower dry and also safer.

Additionally, hinged shower doors can add seals to help prevent water leaks too. These are a few of the pros, but there are always the cons to consider as well.

In situations where the shower setup dictates that the hinge must be attached to the shower wall, additional costs may be encountered. In rare cases, where a header isn’t present and mounting to the shower wall isn’t optional, installing a header may be necessary.

Although side-hinged shower doors are most often the more simple option, that isn’t always the case. Always confirm that the shower doors being considered will work for your shower setup, or what will be required to install those doors.

In the same way decorum lovers rave about the frameless look and feel of pivot-hinged shower doors, the complaint is that side-hinged doors can interrupt the decorum or seamless feel. Although these aren’t typically considered the preferred choice for style and looks, in some setup circumstances, side-hinged shower doors can be the more appealing choice.

How much weight the decorum of your bathroom and shower carries will be up to each individual as beauty, after all, is in the eye of the beholder. Simply translated, that means that the aesthetics of the shower door might not be big issues for some, but for others, image is everything!

Not only are these shower doors also an affordable option, they also can be practical when it comes to saving space. These stylish shower door options also aren’t prone to leak, and that also saves water, cleanup, and time.

These are a few of the many choices people have when it comes to shower doors and the types of hinge and door systems for their showers. When installing a new shower, remodeling a shower, or looking for the right shower door, it inevitably leads to other common questions. Here is a look at some of those frequently asked questions regarding shower doors.

From installation, to designs, to practical purposes, many questions might arise when choosing a shower door.

Even though it is a known issue and a problem that has caused some considerable grumbling, there is still no answer to the seal dilemma with pivot-hinged shower doors. Unfortunately, that means that if your pivot shower door is leaking, there may not be a simple solution.

That also means that there is no option or method available currently to seal pivot-hinged shower doors.

This is a question that should be approached with caution. That means, if you are a skilled tradesman or carpenter, then it is likely a manageable project for you. On the other hand, if you have zero construction experience or aren’t familiar with a measuring tape and power tools, than having it installed might be a worthwhile call.

It is also mindful to understand what the type of door you are installing will require. That includes what tools you will need, and any other supplies before beginning. Some doors won’t require a great deal of effort, others may require some minor construction work.