How to Fix a Door That Sticks
Short answer: Find where the door rubs, then tighten the hinge screws, especially the top hinge; a longer screw into the framing often pulls a sagging door back square. Only if that fails, plane or sand the tight edge and seal the bare wood with primer and paint.
- Difficulty
- Easy to moderate
- Time
- 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Updated
- November 9, 2026
What is causing it?
Doors stick because they sag on loose hinges, swell with humidity, or the frame moves as the house settles. A door that sticks only in humid months is usually swelling. One that rubs at the top latch side is usually sagging from the top hinge.
Tools and materials
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Tools
- Screwdriver or drill/driverCheck price on Amazon
- Block plane or power planerCheck price on Amazon
- Sanding block and 80 to 120 grit paperCheck price on Amazon
- PencilTo mark where it rubsCheck price on Amazon
Materials
- 3 inch wood screws for the top hingeMatch the hinge screw head and finishCheck price on Amazon
- Cardboard hinge shimsCheck price on Amazon
- Primer and paint or clear finishSeal any edge you planeCheck price on Amazon
How do you fix a sticking door? Step by step
Find the tight spot
Close the door slowly and look for shiny worn paint, or slide a sheet of paper around the gap; it will bind where the door rubs. Mark the spots with pencil.
Tighten the hinges
Tighten all hinge screws. This Old House traced one sticking door to stripped screws in the top hinge, which let it sag.
Pull the door back with a long screw
Replace one short screw in the top hinge's jamb leaf with a 3 inch screw that reaches the stud. Snug it gradually; it pulls the top of the door toward the hinge side and away from the latch side.
Shim if needed
If the door rubs on the hinge side or is uneven, a thin cardboard shim behind a hinge leaf can shift it slightly.
Plane or sand as a last step
If it still sticks, take the door off its hinges if the tight spot is at the top or bottom, and plane or sand only the marked area, a little at a time. Keep checking the fit.
Seal the bare wood
Prime and paint or finish any planed edge, including the top and bottom, so it does not absorb moisture and swell again.
Safety notes
- Get help lifting a solid door off its hinges; they are heavy.
- Wear eye protection when planing.
- In pre-1978 homes, painted doors may contain lead. Avoid dry sanding or planing old paint without lead-safe precautions.
When should you call a pro?
- The door started sticking suddenly along with new cracks in walls or ceilings.
- The frame is out of square or split.
- It is an exterior door with rot at the bottom of the frame.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my door stick only in summer?
Wood absorbs humidity and swells. Sealing all edges, including the top and bottom, slows that down.
Should I plane the door right away?
No. Tighten hinges first. Planing removes wood for good, and the door may fit fine again once the sag is fixed or the season changes.
How do I plane the bottom of a door?
Remove the door, clamp it on edge, and plane from the edges toward the middle to avoid splintering the corners.
Sources
Steps are based on these manufacturer and safety references. Your product's own manual comes first.