How to Fix a Door That Sticks

A sticking door is annoying at best and a safety hazard at worst. Whether it's rubbing at the top, bottom, or side, this guide covers every cause and fix so you can get your door swinging freely again.

Why Does My Door Stick?

Doors stick for several reasons: wood swelling from humidity, loose or sagging hinges, paint buildup, a warped door, or a settled house frame. Identifying the exact location of the stick is the key to choosing the right fix.

Step 1: Find the Sticking Point

Open and close the door slowly. Watch and listen for where it drags or binds. You can also slide a piece of paper around the door frame to find tight spots. Mark the contact area with a pencil.

Step 2: Check and Tighten the Hinges

Loose hinges are the most common cause of sticking doors. A sagging door will rub at the top latch corner or drag along the bottom. Tighten all hinge screws firmly. For stripped holes, use the toothpick-and-glue method to rebuild the threads.

Step 3: Sand or Plane the Sticking Area

If the door is rubbing against the frame, you need to remove material from the contact point.

• For minor sticking: use a sanding block or orbital sander on the marked area
• For significant sticking: use a hand plane to shave the edge down evenly
• Work in thin passes and test the door frequently

👉 Recommended tools:

• Amazon Basics Hand Planer No.4 — precise control for door edge trimming
• DEWALT 5-Inch Orbital Sander — fast material removal on flat surfaces
• Sanding Sponge 8-Pack — for hand sanding corners and edges

Step 4: Check for Paint Buildup

Multiple layers of paint on door edges can cause sticking. Strip or sand the edge back to bare wood, then repaint with a single thin coat.

Step 5: Check the Frame with a Square

If the frame is out of square, the door will never fit properly regardless of how much you plane. Use a carpenter's square to check all corners.

• Mr. Pen Carpenter's Square 8×12" — check frame squareness quickly

Step 6: Seal the Planed Edge

After planing or sanding, always seal the bare wood with primer and paint. Unsealed wood absorbs moisture and will swell again, causing the same problem.

When to Call a Pro

If multiple doors in your home are sticking at the same time, your foundation may be settling. This requires a structural inspection, not a DIY fix.