DIY Basics & Home Maintenance · 6 min read · Beginner

Sticking Door? Basic Checks Before You Plane It

Check hinges, seasonal movement and frame contact before removing timber from a door that has started sticking.

Key points & steps

Identify exactly where the door catches by opening and closing it slowly and checking the edge, top and latch side.
Check for loose hinge screws or a hinge pulling away from the frame before altering the door itself.
Look for obvious swelling, fresh paint build-up, damaged seals or frame movement that may explain a recent change.
If the door is external, also check whether the multipoint lock operates freely with the door open; stiffness only when closed often points to alignment.
Make small corrections only after identifying the cause. Removing timber is irreversible and can leave excessive gaps when humidity changes again.

Do not plane a fire door, security door or engineered door without checking the manufacturer/specification limits first.
A suddenly distorted frame, cracked masonry or major movement needs investigation rather than a cosmetic door adjustment.