Why does my door swell in summer but work fine in winter?

Wood absorbs moisture from humidity and expands. Exterior doors and interior doors in humid homes (especially pre-1980s construction) can swell enough in summer to bind. The fix is either sealing/painting all door edges (including top and bottom) to limit moisture absorption, or planing a small amount off the binding edge.

My door swings open on its own — how do I fix it?

A self-opening door usually means the hinges are out of plumb (the door frame is not perfectly vertical). Fix: bend the middle leaf of one hinge slightly inward using a screwdriver — this adds tension. Alternatively, place a thin cardboard shim behind one hinge leaf to adjust the door's angle.

InteriorLow UrgencyBeginner DIY

How to Fix a Door That Won't Close

A door that won't close properly — whether it sticks, swings open, or won't latch — is both annoying and potentially a security or energy efficiency problem. Most fixes require only a screwdriver and 20 minutes. The key is diagnosing exactly where the problem is.

$10–$50 DIY

Estimated cost

30–90 minutes

Time needed

beginner

Difficulty

Likely Causes

1Loose hinge screws allowing the door to sag
2Strike plate misaligned with the latch bolt
3Swollen wood from humidity (very common in summer)
4Settled foundation causing door frame to shift
5Bent or misaligned hinge leaves

Severity: Low Urgency

Low urgency unless the door is an exterior door (security concern) or a fire door (safety concern).

How to Fix It: Step by Step

1
Watch where the door binds
Open and close the door slowly, watching exactly where it rubs or fails to latch. Mark the binding spot with pencil. Check whether the latch bolt aligns with the strike plate hole.
2
Tighten all hinge screws
Most door problems start with loose hinges. Use a screwdriver (or screw gun) to tighten every screw in every hinge — both on the door and on the frame. If screws spin freely, the hole is stripped.
3
Fix stripped hinge screw holes
Remove the hinge, dip wooden toothpicks or matchsticks in wood glue, fill the hole, let dry, then reinstall the hinge. Alternatively, use 3-inch screws to reach past the frame into the stud.
4
Adjust or move the strike plate
If the latch bolt is close but not catching, use a metal file to enlarge the strike plate opening slightly. If it's far off, remove the strike plate and reposition it — use a sharp chisel to enlarge the mortise.
5
Plane a swollen door
Mark the binding area. Remove the door from hinges. Use a hand plane or belt sander to shave material from the binding edge. Work gradually — you can always remove more, not add it back. Repaint the planed area.

Materials & Tools Needed

3-inch wood screws

For reattaching hinges into studs

$5–$10

Wood glue and toothpicks

$3–$8

Strike plate (if replacing)

$5–$15

Chisel set

$15–$30

Hand plane or belt sander

$30–$80

Warning Signs It's Getting Worse

⚠Multiple doors and windows sticking at the same time (foundation settling)
⚠Visible cracks forming above door frames
⚠Door gap that changes seasonally (normal) vs. consistently doesn't close (structural)

When to Call a Professional

Call a carpenter or handyman if the door frame itself is visibly out of square (gaps at corners), if multiple doors are sticking simultaneously (may indicate foundation movement), or if the door is warped beyond planing.

Not sure where to start?

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