If your door isn’t closing right, keeps rubbing on the frame, or leaves an annoying gap that lets in draughts – you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common issues homeowners face, especially in older properties or during seasonal changes. The good news? You can usually fix a door that isn’t fitting properly with just a few tools, a bit of time, and a clear understanding of what’s actually going wrong.
In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly how to troubleshoot and fix your door, step-by-step. Whether it’s wood, composite, or steel – we’ve got you covered. And if you hit a wall (figuratively, we hope), we’ll also point out when it’s best to call in the pros.
Step 1 – Diagnose the Problem Area
Before you grab a screwdriver or start sanding anything, stop and observe. Your first job is to figure out where and why the door is misbehaving.
Here’s how:
- Open and close the door slowly. Where does it catch? At the top, bottom, or side?
- Check for uneven gaps around the door frame. A torch or even a sheet of paper can help here – slide the paper between the frame and the door. If it sticks or falls loose in places, you’ve got a misalignment.
- Look at the hinges. Are they loose or sagging?
- Check the latch. Is it aligned with the strike plate?
- Note seasonal changes. Wooden doors often swell in humid months and shrink in winter.
This quick assessment will save you time later and help pinpoint the root cause.
Step 2 – Identify the Root Cause
Once you know where the issue is, it’s time to figure out why it’s happening.
Common Causes of Door Misalignment:
- Loose hinges or screws – especially on older or frequently used doors
- Swollen wood – common in internal wooden doors during wet seasons
- Warped frame or door leaf – sometimes due to moisture or age
- Poor installation – if the frame was never level to begin with
- Foundation movement or settling – more noticeable in period homes
- Thermal expansion or contraction – especially in composite or metal doors
- Steel frame alignment issues – less common, but trickier to DIY
If you’re dealing with a wooden door in a bathroom or near a kitchen, moisture is often the culprit. If it’s a heavy steel or composite door installed recently, the frame or hardware might need professional realignment.
Step 3 – Quick Fixes for DIY Adjustments
Now to the part you’ve been waiting for – the fix.
Tools You Might Need:
- Screwdriver or drill
- Spirit level
- Wood chisel or hand planer (for timber doors)
- Sandpaper
- Doorstop or wedge
- Allen key (for certain hinges or closers)
- Chalk or pencil for marking
Fixing Loose Hinges
This is one of the quickest wins. Open the door and check all the screws on each hinge.
- Tighten all screws with a screwdriver (not a drill – you want control)
- If screws spin but don’t tighten, replace them with longer screws (ideally reaching into the wall stud)
- For stripped screw holes, try using matchsticks dipped in wood glue, then reinsert the screw once dry
Adjusting the Strike Plate
If the door doesn’t latch properly or clicks before fully closing, the strike plate might be out of alignment.
- Loosen the strike plate screws
- Reposition it slightly to match the latch
- Tighten screws, or file the opening slightly for better fit
See this video on Quickly Fix Doors That Won’t Close Properly for more of a visual look
Planing or Sanding Edges (for Timber Doors)
If the door is rubbing the top or side of the frame:
- Mark the contact area with chalk or pencil
- Remove the door from the hinges (use a wedge and hammer pin out if needed)
- Use a plane or coarse sandpaper to shave down the edge – in small amounts
- Rehang and test before repeating
Note: Never sand or trim fire-rated doors unless you’re absolutely sure of the allowed tolerances. Altering them can void certification.
For Steel or Composite Doors
Steel doors require a different approach:
- Don’t attempt to plane or sand steel – it can damage the finish and compromise the integrity
- Instead, check for frame alignment or settling
- Use a level to check plumb; if the frame has shifted, professional adjustment may be needed
For steel door-specific help, check out Latham’s support guide on door fit issues – it outlines what to check and how to adjust steel units safely.
Step 4 – Fixing Gaps Around the Door
Sometimes the issue isn’t rubbing – it’s gaps that let in air, noise, or draughts. These are especially common with external doors or poorly sealed frames.
Try:
- New weatherstripping: Self-adhesive rubber seals are easy to apply and cheap to replace
- Foam draft excluders: Great for the bottom of internal doors
- Door sweeps: Screw-in types that add an insulated barrier at the base
- Rebuilding the frame: For extreme gaps, especially in older timber frames, the frame itself may need repair or realignment
If you’re working with a steel door, check that the factory-fitted seals haven’t degraded or come loose.
When to Call a Professional
Not every door issue can be solved with DIY – and that’s okay. Knowing when to stop is part of the process.
Call in a specialist if:
- The frame is visibly warped, cracked, or coming away from the wall
- The door is fire-rated or security certified – these require compliant fixes
- The door continues to rub or jam after hinge and latch adjustments
- You’re working with a heavy steel or security door that needs accurate realignment
Tampering with a fire door or steel security unit without the right knowledge can compromise safety and invalidate warranties.
Preventive Tips to Avoid Future Door Issues
A well-installed door should work for years – but a few quick habits can help avoid future headaches.
- Check hinge screws annually
- Use stainless steel fixings in coastal or humid areas to avoid rust
- Avoid overpainting the door edges (especially on fire doors)
- Allow for seasonal expansion when installing – particularly with timber
If you’re installing a new door, always read the supplier’s installation instructions thoroughly and ensure the frame is plumb before sealing or trimming anything.
Final Thoughts: A Little Attention Goes a Long Way
Doors may seem like set-it-and-forget-it fixtures, but small shifts, moisture changes, or loose screws can all throw them off. The good news is that most fitting problems are quick fixes, and with the right tools and a bit of patience, you can often resolve them in under an hour.
However, when dealing with steel security doors or fire-rated products, it’s always worth double-checking with the manufacturer before making changes. Many suppliers, including Latham’s, offer helpful resources and guides tailored to each door type.
