How to Fix a Door That Won't Close

A door that won't close is one of the most frustrating household problems — but in most cases, it's a DIY fix that takes less than an hour. This guide walks you through every common cause and how to solve it.

Why Won't My Door Close?

Doors fail to close for several reasons: swollen wood, loose hinges, a misaligned strike plate, or a warped frame. Identifying the exact cause is the first step.

Step 1: Identify Where the Door Is Catching

Open and close the door slowly and watch where it binds or catches. Common spots are the top corner, the latch side, or along the bottom edge. Use a piece of chalk or pencil to mark the contact point.

Step 2: Check the Hinges

Loose hinges are the #1 cause of doors that won't close. Open the door and inspect each hinge. If the screws are loose, tighten them with a screwdriver. If the screw holes are stripped, remove the screws, fill the holes with wooden toothpicks and wood glue, let dry, then re-drive the screws.

Step 3: Check for Wood Swelling

Wood expands in humidity and heat. If the door closes fine in winter but not in summer, swelling is the culprit. You'll need to plane or sand the binding edge.

• Use a hand plane to shave thin layers off the sticking edge
• Or use an orbital sander for a more gradual approach
• Remove only a small amount at a time — you can always take more off, but you can't put it back

👉 Recommended tools:

• Amazon Basics Hand Planer No.4 — ideal for shaving down swollen door edges
• DEWALT 5-Inch Orbital Sander — great for smoothing after planing
• Sanding Sponge 8-Pack (60–220 grit) — for hand sanding tight spots

Step 4: Adjust the Strike Plate

If the latch bolt isn't aligning with the strike plate hole, the door won't close fully. Use a metal file to enlarge the strike plate opening slightly, or unscrew the plate and reposition it up, down, or sideways to match the latch.

Step 5: Check the Door Frame

Use a carpenter's square to check if the frame is still square. A racked or settled frame may require shimming the hinges or calling a contractor for major repairs.

• Mr. Pen Carpenter's Square 8×12" — essential for checking frame alignment

Step 6: Check for Floor Obstruction

If new flooring was installed, the door may now drag on the floor. Measure the clearance — you need at least 3/8" between the door bottom and the floor. If not, plane or cut the bottom of the door.

When to Call a Professional

If the frame is visibly bowed, the foundation has shifted, or multiple doors in your home are sticking simultaneously, you may have a structural issue that requires a professional assessment.

Final Tips

• Always seal or paint the door edges after planing to prevent future moisture absorption
• Check hinges annually and tighten screws as part of regular home maintenance
• A properly closing door also improves energy efficiency and home security