How to Fix a Door That Sticks in Summer

Summer door sticking is usually caused by humidity making the wood swell. Sand the sticking edges or adjust the hinges to create proper clearance.

1. Mark the Problem Spots. Close the door slowly and listen for where it drags or catches. Mark these spots with a pencil. Common problem areas are the top edge, bottom edge, or the latch side where the door meets the frame.
2. Get the Door Down Safely. Open the door fully and tap out the hinge pins using a hammer and nail set, starting with the bottom hinge. Have someone help support the door weight. If pins won't budge, spray with penetrating oil and wait 15 minutes before trying again.
3. Sand Gradually and Often. Use 80-grit sandpaper to remove material from the marked areas. Sand with the grain if working on wood grain areas. Remove small amounts at a time - you can always sand more, but you can't put wood back. Test fit the door frequently.
4. Seal Bare Wood Fast. Switch to 120-grit sandpaper to smooth the sanded areas. Apply primer to any bare wood you've exposed, then paint or stain to match the existing door finish. This prevents moisture from entering the wood and causing future swelling.
5. Reinstall and Verify Clearance. Reinstall the door by aligning the hinges and tapping the pins back in place, starting with the top hinge. Test the door operation - it should close smoothly with about 1/8 inch clearance on all sides. Make final adjustments if needed.