A sticking door is an inconvenience, and one we often live with and learn to ignore. Unfortunately, delaying its repair can cause more expensive damage over time, especially if you're dealing with old wooden doors or nonstandard door sizes. And, while exterior doors might take priority, it's important to take protect internal doors too. 

Various factors contribute to a door sticking, including humidity, settling of the house, or wear and tear on the door's components. Our solid wood front door swells every summer, and you might now realize that yours does the same. 

The way in which the door sticks will play a factor in its repair. Luckily, in most cases, this is a DIY repair requiring only a few basic tools. 

What causes doors to stick?

• Humidity: Changes in humidity levels and exposure to moisture cause expansions or contractions, leading to swollen wood and tight fits. ((raises hand!))
• House settling: Over time, the foundation of your home may shift. These structural issues can cause uneven floors and misaligned door frames. While we're on the topic, if you're buying a house and notice that the doors don't close, it could be a sign that the foundation is damaged. Take this as a sign to get a foundation inspection.
• Worn or loose hinges: Hinges that are loose or worn out can cause the door to sag or become misaligned.
• Paint buildup: Multiple layers of paint can cause the door to become too thick for the frame.
• Warped door or warped frame: Warping due to fluctuations in humidity or age can cause alignment issues with a warped door frame, gaps around doors, or for a door to stick.

Sticking at the Top

If your door sticks at the top, the issue may be due to a misaligned door frame, loose hinges, or swelling of the door.

You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Sandpaper, sanding block, or belt sander
• Wood filler (if needed)
• Paint or stain (optional)

Steps:

1. Tighten the Hinges: Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws on the top hinge. This often lifts the door slightly and may resolve the issue.
2. Check for Misalignment: Close the door and observe where it sticks. If the door is slightly off, shimming the hinge plate by placing a thin piece of cardboard behind it will adjust the alignment.
3. Sand or Plane the Top Edge: If tightening loose screws on the hinges doesn't fix the issue, lightly sand or plane the top edge where the door sticks. Be cautious not to remove too much material.
4. Repaint or Stain the Door: After sanding or planing, apply paint or stain to the exposed wood to protect it from moisture absorption. Don't use excess paint as this will just cause a new problem.

Sticking at the Bottom

When a door sticks at the bottom, it’s usually due to the door dragging on the floor, swelling, or misalignment.

You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Sandpaper or plane
• Saw (for trimming, if necessary)
• Door sweep (optional)

Steps:

1. Inspect the Floor Clearance: Check if the door is dragging on the floor. If it is, you might need to trim the bottom edge slightly.
2. Tighten the Hinges: Ensure the hinges are tight. A loose hinge can cause the door to sag, resulting in sticking at the bottom.
3. Trim the Bottom Edge: If the clearance is minimal, use a saw or plane to trim the bottom edge of the door. Sand the edge smooth afterward. Paint the new exposed edge to combat moisture issues (consider a moisture sealant if your area experiences excess humidity.)
4. Install a Door Sweep (Optional): If trimming the door, consider installing a door sweep to maintain energy efficiency and prevent drafts.

Sticking on the Sides

A door sticking on the sides is often caused by the door swelling due to humidity, misaligned hinges, or paint buildup.

You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Sandpaper or plane
• Wood filler (if needed)
• Paint or stain (optional)

Steps:

1. Identify the Sticking Point: Close the door and look for areas where the door rubs against the frame.
2. Make Hinge Adjustments: Ensure all hinge and hinge screws are secure. Loose hinge screws can cause the door to shift, leading to sticking.
3. Add a Layer of Lubricant: A thin layer of silicone spray will reduce friction on the hinges. Swing the door after application and wipe away excess lubricant that squeezes out of the hinge joints and pins.
4. Sand or Plane the Side Edge: If the door is swollen or the frame is too tight, gently sand or plane the side of the door where it sticks. Test the door frequently to avoid removing too much material.
5. Repaint or Stain: After sanding or planing, repaint or stain the exposed wood to protect it from future damage.

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Sticking at the Latch or Lock Area

If the door sticks when closing or locking, the issue may be with the latch or strike plate alignment.

You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Chisel (if needed)
• File or sandpaper

Steps:

1. Inspect the Strike Plate: Check if the latch aligns properly with the strike plate. If not, it may need adjustment. If may be as simple as tightening a loose strike plate with a manual screwdriver.
2. Adjust the Strike Plate: Use a screwdriver to slightly move the strike plate up, down, or sideways to better align with the latch.
3. File the Latch or Strike Plate: If the latch catches on the strike plate, use a file or sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.
4. Reposition the Door: If adjustment doesn’t work, the door or frame may need repositioning to ensure smooth latch operation.