Aluminium pivot door designs give a front entrance real presence: a wide glass leaf that turns on a pivot at the head and floor instead of hanging on side hinges. Coetz™ makes aluminium pivot doors in two designs, Classic and Large Pane, each in four sizes and five colours. This guide compares the designs, the sizes and prices, and how to choose the right look for your entrance.
In this guide
How a pivot door works
A pivot door rotates on a pivot set into the head and the floor, a little in from the edge of the leaf. Part of the leaf swings inside and part outside as it opens, which is why no opening direction is selected when you order. The pivot carries the weight of a wide leaf better than side hinges, which is what makes a large, dramatic entrance possible. Compare the two in hinged doors vs pivot doors.
The two designs
There are two aluminium pivot door designs, and both are fully glazed.
Classic
The Classic design has a traditional frame with defined proportions. It suits most homes, from face brick to plaster, and looks at home with Classic hinged doors and windows elsewhere on the house.
Large Pane
The Large Pane design gives a larger single area of glass with slimmer visual lines. It suits a modern house where the entrance should look open and light, and it costs slightly less than Classic at every size.
Sizes and prices
Both aluminium pivot door designs come in the same four sizes. Prices are for White, excluding VAT, at the time of writing (October 2026).
| Size (mm) | Classic | Large Pane |
|---|---|---|
| 1 200 × 2 100 | R10 923 | R10 494 |
| 1 200 × 2 400 | R11 925 | R11 334 |
| 1 500 × 2 100 | R12 160 | R11 365 |
| 1 500 × 2 400 | R13 357 | R12 527 |
The actual frame is 10 mm smaller each way than the catalogue size. For every door size in the range, see aluminium door sizes.
Glass
Both aluminium pivot door designs are glazed with 6.38 mm clear laminated safety glass, which holds together if it is struck. Doors must meet SANS 10400-N, published by the South African Bureau of Standards.
Colours
All five finishes are available: White, Bronze and Charcoal at the same price, Black about 10% more and Natural Anodised about 20% more. Black and Charcoal are the most popular choices for a modern pivot entrance; see black aluminium pivot doors.
Choosing between the aluminium pivot door designs
Work through these points to choose between the aluminium pivot door designs:
- Match the house. Classic for traditional and mixed styles; Large Pane for modern homes.
- Think about privacy. Both designs are fully glazed, so a pivot entrance shows the hallway. Plan blinds, or choose a hinged clad door if privacy matters more; see clad aluminium doors.
- Choose the width. 1 200 mm for a generous single entrance; 1 500 mm for a statement door.
- Choose the height. 2 100 mm for most homes; 2 400 mm for a double-volume entrance.
- Add sidelights to widen the glass further; see aluminium doors with sidelights.
Pivot, double action or hinged?
All three come in Classic and Large Pane. A pivot door turns on a pivot; a double-action door swings both ways, which suits busy commercial openings; a hinged door swings one way on side hinges. See aluminium swing doors and aluminium hinged doors.
Planning the entrance
A pivot door needs clear floor space on both sides of the opening, because part of the leaf swings in and part swings out. Keep mats, pot plants and furniture out of that arc. The floor where the bottom pivot sits must be level and solid, so agree the floor finish with your builder before the door is fitted. A covered entrance or overhang protects the door and keeps the glass cleaner, whichever of the aluminium pivot door designs you choose. Pivot and swing doors have no cill and a standard 7 mm clearance under the leaf, so they are not weatherproof: fit them where a roof or covered entrance keeps the rain off.
Hardware
Pivot doors come with a roller lock. Stainless steel pull handles are available on request; see aluminium pivot door handles.
Ordering
Coetz™ supplies only, so your builder or installer fits the door. We deliver across South Africa, or you can collect free from Laser Park. See the full range at aluminium pivot doors.
Aluminium pivot door designs: frequently asked questions
What pivot door designs are available?
Two: Classic and Large Pane, both fully glazed.
Which design costs less?
Large Pane is slightly cheaper at every size, from R10 494 for 1 200 × 2 100 mm, excluding VAT.
What sizes do pivot doors come in?
1 200 or 1 500 mm wide, in 2 100 or 2 400 mm heights.
Do I choose which way a pivot door opens?
No. A pivot door turns on its pivot, so no opening direction is selected.
What glass do pivot doors use?
6.38 mm clear laminated safety glass.
Coetz™, Unit 2, 84 Ridge Road, Laser Park, Johannesburg. Call 010 412 0062, WhatsApp 076 613 4418 or use our contact page.
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