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DOOR ALIGNMENT & MOVEMENT

Door Sticking

A sticking door commonly rubs because of loose hinges, seasonal swelling, paint build-up or slight movement in the frame.

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Check the door type before altering it

Fire doors, security doors, glazed doors and external doors may need specialist adjustment. Do not remove excessive timber or disable closers, seals or locking hardware.

MOST LIKELY CAUSES

Start with hinges, gaps and the first contact point

Seasonal swelling Timber absorbs moisture and expands.
Loose hinges The door drops and rubs on the frame.
Paint build-up Repeated coats reduce the clearance.
Frame distortion Movement can narrow part of the opening.
◫ Symptom variations Match the movement, rubbing and closing pattern. ⌄
  • Door sticks only in winter
  • Door rubs near the top corner
  • Door catches after decorating
  • Door needs force to open
  • Paint is polished where it rubs
✓ Quick checks Simple checks before trimming or moving hardware. ⌄
  1. Use chalk or paper to identify the rubbing point.
  2. Check hinge screws and hinge wear.
  3. Look for swollen or damp timber.
  4. Inspect recent paint layers.
  5. Compare the gap around the whole door.
Important: Mark the exact cause before making adjustments. Random trimming can create bigger gaps without fixing the real fault.
1 Step 1 — Secure the hinges Make the smallest safe correction and recheck the door. ⌄

Tighten loose screws before removing any timber.

2 Step 2 — Identify the exact high spot Make the smallest safe correction and recheck the door. ⌄

Mark only the area that rubs instead of sanding the entire edge.

3 Step 3 — Ease and reseal the edge Make the smallest safe correction and recheck the door. ⌄

Remove the smallest amount needed, then seal exposed timber.

⌁ Why the problem happens How hinges, frames, timber and gravity affect the door. ⌄

A door can stick even when movement is only a few millimetres. Moisture and hinge wear often combine, so both should be checked.

⌘ Advanced checks Further diagnosis for persistent alignment faults. ⌄
  1. Measure moisture if swelling is suspected.
  2. Check whether the frame is twisted.
  3. Inspect hidden hinge screws for poor grip.
  4. Check whether the latch is pulling the door sideways.
  5. Review ventilation if several timber doors swell.
◇ Tools and information needed Useful items for accurate checks. ⌄
  • Pencil or chalk
  • Screwdriver
  • Straightedge
  • Fine sandpaper or plane
  • Wood sealer
▣ Parts or improvements that may help Common items linked to this problem. ⌄
  • Hinge screws
  • Hinges
  • Wood sealer
  • Paint
  • Door stop or seal
! When to call a professional Conditions that should end basic DIY diagnosis. ⌄
  • The door is a fire door.
  • The frame is badly twisted.
  • There is rot or water damage.
  • The door is glazed and needs major alteration.
  • The door remains tight after humidity falls.
? Frequently asked questions Common door alignment questions. ⌄

Why does my door stick only in wet weather?

Timber can absorb moisture and expand.

Can I sand the whole edge?

It is better to mark the exact rubbing point and remove as little as possible.

Should bare timber be sealed?

Yes. Exposed timber can absorb moisture and swell again.