If your door is sticking it can be a bit of a nuisance. There may be one of several causes.

How to fix a sticking door

1 The first thing I check is that the hinges are still well attached to the door and door frame. Some times they will loosen with the weight of the door which causes the door to slump slightly. If that's the case replace the screws with slightly longer or fatter ones and it should tighten up.


2 Often the sticking is due to swelling of the door due to dampness or slight movement in the door frame caused by the usual settlement of some (especially old) houses
The first thing to do is identify which part of the door is sticking. Open and close the door slowly and try to see where it sticks. You can usually see wear marks where wood is rubbing on wood or scraped paintwork. Mark the areas in need of attention with a pencil.

Tip If the sticking point is not obvious, with a thick piece of paper see if you can slide it along the gaps between door and frame, along top, bottom and opening side. You will be able to feel it binding where the door is sticking.

You'll need to take a little wood off where you've marked. Sanding probably won't take enough off. You'll need either a hand plane or preferably a small power plane. These are ideal for this job. You can buy them for as little as £25. (or hire one for the day for less)

You may have to remove the door to get to the bit you want plane off. Unscrew the hinges. I usually put a wedge under the door or use a magazine to support the weight as the door comes off. (do the same when re-hanging the door after adjustment, you'll find it makes the job so much easier especially if it's a heavy door)