How to Fix a Sticking Door

Doors often swell or shift with the seasons, transforming a simple daily action into a frustrating chore. A door that sticks is rarely a sign of a structural catastrophe; more often, it is the house settling or the wood reacting to humidity, creating friction where there should be smooth motion. Getting a door to close reliably is about mastering the gap between the door and the frame. When you approach this project with patience, you move from force-slamming the door to a quiet, precise latching action. Focus on where the contact occurs, and you will regain full control over your entryway.

1. Tighten the Foundation First. Inspect the hinges for loose screws that may have caused the door to sag. Tighten all existing screws on the door frame and the door itself using a screwdriver.
2. Find the Friction Point. Look for rub marks on the strike plate to see if the latch is misaligned. If the marks are low, file the bottom of the opening slightly; if high, file the top.
3. Shift the Door Geometry. If the door binds on the latch side, place a thin cardboard shim behind the hinge leaf on the frame side. This tilts the door slightly away from the latch side.
4. Mark the Tight Spots. Close the door slowly and observe where the edge touches the stop. Use a pencil to mark the exact area on the door that is making contact.
5. Shave Off the Bind. Remove the door from its hinges and lay it on its side. Use a sharp block plane to shave thin layers of wood from the marked high spot until the clearance is restored.
6. Seal Against Future Swelling. Apply a thin coat of matching paint or varnish to the planed area to prevent moisture from soaking into the exposed wood grain. Let it dry completely before rehanging the door.