How to Fix a Door That Sticks at Bottom

A door that sticks at the bottom drags along the floor or catches on the lower frame. It's frustrating and can damage both the door and your flooring. Here's how to diagnose and fix it.

Why Does a Door Stick at the Bottom?

• Loose top hinge: A sagging top hinge drops the door so the bottom corner drags
• New flooring: Thicker flooring (tile, hardwood, laminate) reduces clearance under the door
• Wood swelling: The bottom of the door has absorbed moisture and expanded
• Settled foundation: The floor has risen or the frame has shifted downward

Step 1: Check the Top Hinge

A loose top hinge is the most common cause of bottom-sticking. The door sags and the bottom corner drops into the floor. Tighten the top hinge screws first — this often solves the problem in minutes.

Step 2: Measure the Floor Clearance

The standard clearance under an interior door is 3/8" to 1/2". Slide a coin or ruler under the door to measure. If clearance is less than 1/4", the door needs to be trimmed.

Step 3: Plane or Cut the Bottom Edge

For minor sticking, use a hand plane or orbital sander. For significant trimming (more than 1/4"), you may need a circular saw with a straightedge guide.

• Amazon Basics Hand Planer No.4 — for shaving small amounts off the bottom edge
• DEWALT 5-Inch Orbital Sander — smooth the bottom after trimming
• Sanding Sponge 8-Pack — for finishing corners and edges

Step 4: Remove the Door for Bottom Work

Working on the bottom edge is much easier with the door removed. Tap out the hinge pins with a screwdriver and mallet, then lay the door flat on sawhorses or a workbench.

Step 5: Check Frame Alignment

Use a level to check if the floor is level and the frame is plumb. A sloping floor can cause the door to drag on one side of the bottom.

• AikTryee Laser Level Kit — quickly check floor level and frame plumb

Step 6: Seal the Bottom Edge

After trimming, seal the bottom edge with primer and paint or a wood sealer. The bottom edge is the most vulnerable to moisture — an unsealed bottom is the #1 cause of door swelling.

Step 7: Install a Door Sweep

If you've trimmed the door and now have a gap at the bottom, install a door sweep to seal it against drafts and pests.

• GroTheory Door Bottom Sweep 2-Pack — easy to install, seals drafts and noise

Quick Diagnosis

• Drags at bottom latch corner → tighten top hinge
• Drags across full bottom → new flooring or swelling, trim the bottom
• Only drags in wet weather → moisture swelling, seal the bottom edge