How To Fix a Door That Sticks

See that the hinges are tight and secure. Use your screwdriver to tighten any loose screws. Do not use a drill; it could cause you to strip the screw holes.

Look for swelling. Time and humidity can cause wooden doors to warp and expand, so check where the door sticks and see if its shape has been altered.

If warping seems to be the problem, slip a thin piece of cardboard between the door and frame and notice the problem areas where it sticks. Lightly mark these spots with a pencil, unscrew the hinges, and remove the door.

Sand the problem areas with a sanding block. Be careful not to take off more than you want.

If the problem area is significant, use a belt sander to grind it down. Follow the manufacturer’s directions and don’t wear away too much wood! Add finish to the sanded area, let it dry, and reattach your door, making sure the hinges are tight. Chances are you’ve fixed the problem by now.

Still sticking? Replace the middle screws on the hinges with larger, longer screws that will grip the frame better.

You could also try carefully denting the doorframe. Take your wooden block and place it on the frame where the door tends to stick. Hammer the block lightly so the doorframe bends a bit; this make the door looser when it’s closed.

Here’s another trick — push the doorframe closer to the studs by hammering a nail into the frame where the door tends to stick. Sometimes this can buy you a little room.

If all else fails, it may be time for a new door. At least you know you didn’t overlook an obvious fix! Make sure the new door is stained or varnished on all sides, which can prevent warping by keeping out moisture.