Find the exact rub point
Open and close the door slowly. Look for shiny paint, scuffing or compressed wood. Check whether the reveal is uneven.
Door repair guide
How do you fix a door that sticks?
Fix a sticking door in the cheapest, least destructive order. Start with the hinges, then check latch alignment and paint buildup. Only sand or plane the door after you know the slab itself is actually too large for the opening.
That order matters in Hampton Roads because summer humidity can swell wood. If you plane a seasonal problem too aggressively, the gap can look huge when the door dries out in winter.
The short answer
Tighten and correct the hinges first. If the door still rubs, check the strike plate, paint buildup and seasonal swelling. Mark the exact contact point before sanding. If you do need to remove material, take off the minimum amount and reseal exposed wood.
Repair order
Try these fixes from least invasive to most invasive
Tighten the hinge screws
Start with the top hinge. If screws spin, the holes may be stripped and need proper repair or a longer fastener into solid framing where appropriate.
Check the hinges themselves
A bent hinge, proud hinge leaf or hinge installed out of plane can shift the slab enough to create a rub.
Check the latch and strike
If the door clears the frame but will not latch, minor strike-plate alignment may solve the problem without touching the slab.
Remove paint buildup
Multiple coats on the door edge and jamb can consume the clearance. Carefully clean heavy ridges before removing wood.
Address humidity
If the sticking is seasonal, indoor humidity control may reduce swelling. Give the door time to respond before aggressive trimming.
Sand or plane only the contact area
When the slab truly is too tight, remove the minimum material needed. Work gradually and keep checking the fit.
Seal the exposed edge
Prime or seal bare wood after trimming. Leaving the edge raw can invite uneven moisture absorption and future movement.
When it is more than a sticky door
Call for help if the opening is moving
Several doors changed together
Combined with new drywall cracks or floor movement, that can justify a broader evaluation.
The jamb is visibly twisted
Resetting a jamb can involve casing removal, shimming and finish repair rather than simple adjustment.
The slab is badly warped
A warped or damaged door may be more economical to replace than to keep trimming and adjusting.
Water damage is present
Swollen jambs or trim from an active leak need the moisture source corrected first.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the first thing to try on a sticking door?
Tighten the hinge screws and inspect the reveal around the door. A sagging top hinge is a common cause and is easier to correct than planing the door.
Should I sand or plane a sticking door?
Only after you have ruled out loose hinges and alignment issues. If humidity is the cause, remove as little wood as possible because the door may shrink again in drier weather.
How much clearance should an interior door have?
The exact gap depends on the door and opening, but a small consistent reveal is the goal. This Old House cites roughly 1/8 to 3/16 inch as a useful rule of thumb for the gap at the jamb.
When should I replace a sticking door instead of repairing it?
Replacement makes more sense when the slab is badly warped, damaged, delaminating, cut incorrectly, or when the frame is being replaced for a broader renovation.
Virginia Pro Services
Have a repair list you want to get moving?
Send us the scope and a few photos if you have them. We can review the project and give you a clear starting point for your Hampton Roads home.
Prices and project conditions vary. This guide is for planning purposes and is not a quote.