handymanDIY Friendly

build

Why is my interior door sticking at the top?

An interior door that rubs against the frame at the top is often caused by loose hinges, humidity swelling, or a settled frame.

Category:Doors & Windows

Difficulty:Easy

Time:20 min

Success:50%

Updated:Jun 16, 2026

quick_referenceQuick Answer

For Why is my interior door sticking at the top?, start with "Tighten hinge screws": Use a screwdriver to tighten all screws on the top hinge and middle hinge. If screws spin freely, replace them with longer ones (3-inch) to reach the stud. Stop DIY if the door frame is visibly cracked or separating from the wall. This is listed as a easy recovery and usually takes about 20 min.

verifiedGuide Snapshot

Repair areaDoors & Windows

Estimated time20 min

DifficultyEasy

Stop conditions3

Last updated Jun 16, 2026. Review the stop conditions before continuing.

account_treeRecovery State

DeviceDoor

Current stateSticking

Specific stateTop Rubbing

Failed stepHinge Loosening

Likely failure typeMisalignment

DIY boundaryDIY recovery first

paymentsCost decision

help1. Understand the Problem

A door that sticks at the top usually indicates that the frame has shifted or the door has swollen due to humidity. Loose hinge screws can also cause the door to sag and rub. In older homes, foundation settling can misalign the frame permanently.

build_circle2. Try This First

Best First Step

Tighten hinge screws

Use a screwdriver to tighten all screws on the top hinge and middle hinge. If screws spin freely, replace them with longer ones (3-inch) to reach the stud.

visibility3. Visual Guidance

See what's happening and how to try the first recovery step.

Check for hinge pin wearOpen the door and lift up slightly on the handle. If the door moves up and down, the hinge pins may be worn. Tap them out and replace if bent.

Shim the bottom hingeIf the door still sticks, loosen the bottom hinge screws and insert a thin cardboard shim behind the hinge leaf. Retighten the screws.

Plane the top edgeMark the rubbing area with a pencil. Use a hand plane or sanding block to remove a small amount of wood from the top edge. Repaint or seal the bare wood.

autorenew4. If That Doesn't Work

Try the next recovery options.

Sand the top edge of the doorIf the door is swollen, sanding down the high spot can provide a quick fix without adjusting hinges.

chevron_right

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the door stick again after I plane it?expand_more

If humidity is the cause, it may swell again seasonally. Planing is a permanent fix for a consistently high spot.

How much should I plane off the door?expand_more

Start with 1/16 inch and test the fit. Remove more gradually to avoid creating a gap.

Can I fix a sticking door without removing it?expand_more

Yes, tightening hinges or shimming can often fix it in place. Planing requires removing the door.

What if the frame itself is crooked?expand_more

For a severely settled frame, you may need to adjust the frame with shims or call a carpenter for realignment.

warning5. Stop DIY If

Don't continue if any of these apply.

reportThe door frame is visibly cracked or separating from the wall

reportThe door is binding on both the top and the side simultaneously

reportYou've tried all adjustments and the door still sticks badly

Still stuck?Get personalized help with AI Recovery.

Same Device Recovery States

Device index arrow_forward

build

Door Sticking at TopA door that sticks at the top is often due to swollen wood or loose hinges. Sanding the top edge or adjusting hinge screws usually fixes it.

door_sliding

Squeaky Door HingeThat ear-piercing door hinge squeak isn't just annoying — it's metal grinding on metal. Stop it tonight with stuff you already own.

build

Sticking door won't closeA door that rubs against the frame is usually caused by humidity swelling the wood or loose hinges. Sand or plane the edge for a quick fix.

build

Sticking door fixA door that sticks usually has swollen wood, loose hinges, or a misaligned strike plate. Sand, tighten, or adjust to fix it.

build

Sticky door fix summerDoors that stick in warm, humid weather are usually caused by wood swelling or misaligned hinges. Here's how to plane the door or adjust hinges for a smooth close.

build

Door Sticking FixA sticking door is usually caused by humidity swelling the wood or loose hinge screws. Fix it with planing or hinge adjustments.

Similar Failure Pattern

Door Sticking at Top Sticking door won't close Sticking door fix Sticky door fix summer

This page provides general DIY guidance.
If you're unsure, it's always best to consult a professional.