How to Fix a Door That Sticks in Humidity

Most sticky doors are caused by wood swelling in humid conditions. The fix usually involves sanding or planing the door edges where it rubs against the frame.

1. Find the Friction Points. Close the door slowly and feel for resistance points. Look for shiny spots on the door edge or frame where wood rubs together. Mark these areas with a pencil. Common trouble spots are the top edge and the latch side of the door.
2. Lift the Door Clear. Tap out the hinge pins using a hammer and nail set, starting with the bottom hinge. Have someone help support the door weight. If the pins won't budge, spray them with penetrating oil and wait 15 minutes before trying again.
3. Sand Away the Binding. Use 80-grit sandpaper on a sanding block to remove material from the marked spots. Sand with the grain, not against it. Remove just enough material so the door clears the frame by about the thickness of a nickel. Test frequently by holding the door in place.
4. Seal Against the Elements. Switch to 120-grit sandpaper to smooth the sanded areas. Clean off all dust with a tack cloth. Apply primer to any bare wood areas, then paint or stain to match the existing finish. This prevents moisture from getting into the wood grain.
5. Verify Smooth Operation. Reinstall the door by sliding the hinge pins back in place. Test the door operation several times. It should close smoothly without binding. If it still sticks slightly, remove small amounts of material until it works properly.