How to Fix a Door That Drags on Floor

A door that drags on the floor is both annoying and damaging — it scratches your flooring and wears down the door bottom. Here's how to diagnose the cause and fix it properly.

Why Is My Door Dragging on the Floor?

• New flooring installed: Thicker flooring (tile, hardwood, laminate, carpet) reduces the clearance under the door
• Loose top hinge: The door sags and the bottom corner drops to the floor
• Swollen door bottom: Moisture absorbed through an unsealed bottom edge causes swelling
• Settled foundation: The floor has risen or the frame has shifted
• Door was hung too low: Installation error with insufficient floor clearance

Step 1: Check the Top Hinge

A loose top hinge is the quickest fix. Tighten all top hinge screws. If the door stops dragging, you're done. For stripped screw holes, use the toothpick-and-glue method to rebuild the threads.

Step 2: Measure the Clearance

Standard interior door clearance is 3/8" to 1/2" above the finished floor. Use a ruler or coin to measure. If you have less than 1/4", the door needs to be trimmed.

Step 3: Remove the Door

For bottom-edge work, remove the door from its hinges. Tap out the hinge pins from the bottom up using a screwdriver and mallet. Lay the door flat on sawhorses.

Step 4: Trim the Bottom Edge

For small amounts (under 1/4"), use a hand plane or orbital sander. For larger amounts, use a circular saw with a straightedge guide.

• Amazon Basics Hand Planer No.4 — for precise trimming of small amounts
• DEWALT 5-Inch Orbital Sander — smooth the cut edge after trimming
• Sanding Sponge 8-Pack — finish the bottom edge by hand

Step 5: Seal the Bottom Edge Immediately

This is critical. The bottom edge is the most moisture-exposed part of any door. Seal it with primer and paint before re-hanging. An unsealed bottom will absorb moisture and swell again within months.

Step 6: Re-hang and Test

Re-hang the door and test the clearance. The door should swing freely with no dragging. Check clearance at multiple points across the bottom.

Step 7: Add a Door Sweep if Needed

If trimming created a gap that's too large, add a door sweep to seal it.

• GroTheory Door Bottom Sweep 2-Pack — seals the gap without dragging

Prevention Tips

• Always seal door bottom edges with paint or sealer
• When installing new flooring, check door clearance before finishing
• Tighten hinge screws annually as part of home maintenance
• Fix any water leaks near doors immediately to prevent swelling