How to Fix a Sticking Door

When a wooden door in your home starts to stick, it is most often caused by changes in the climate such as moisture or humidity in the atmosphere. What happens is that the wood absorbs excess moisture and can swell, causing the door to not be the proper size within the frame. Changing your floor material can cause the problem as well, such as switching from tile to carpet, and the solution is to plane the sides of the door in order to make it fit.

Things You'll Need

• Planing tools, such as a Surform file
• Re-varnish or paint as needed
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Look at the door to find where the problem is coming from. If necessary, it may need planing on the side with the Surform file to shave the part of the door that sticks to provide a proper fit. If the door needs planing at the bottom or the top edges, you must remove the door using the screwdriver. Keep the screws to the side.

2. Hold the door firmly in between your legs while standing, so that it remains still while you are planing.

3. Re-varnish or repaint the exposed wood. Let it dry.

4. Rehang the door on its hinges, using the original screws and the screwdriver.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have to remove the door, it is easier to have a friend to help hold the door with you.