Why Does My Door Stick, and How Is It Fixed?

A sticking door usually has a simple cause. The trick is finding it and starting with the lightest fix.

Start With the Hinges

Loose hinge screws let the door drop, so it rubs at the top corner or the latch side. Tightening screws, or replacing them with longer ones into the framing, often cures it.

A door that rubs at the bottom may need a hinge shimmed outward.

Check the Weather and the Edge

Wood swells with humidity. A door that sticks in summer and works in winter has likely swelled, and paint buildup on the edge makes it worse. We sand or plane the edge and seal it.

Sealing all six sides prevents most seasonal sticking.

Look at the Frame and the Strike

If gaps are uneven or cracks appear around the frame, the house may have settled. We adjust the strike plate and check the frame and walls before touching the door.

A big, new shift in a frame deserves a closer look from a specialist.