Instant
01 · Ask
Ask the AI a follow-up
Got more questions about internal Door Repair? Describe the bit you're unsure about — the AI explains options, sequencing and what to ask the doors.
Repair an internal door.
Sticking, dropped, broken handle or split panel — fixed without ripping out the whole door.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
20,000+UK homeowners
50,000Quotes sent
Keep going
Hire a door installer. PAS 24 or don't open it.
You've read the brief on internal Door Repair. Now lean on us to find the right doors — and stay in control of the job.
Free
02 · Read the brief
Walk in informed
Costs, timelines, pitfalls and the right questions to ask before any doors starts on internal Door Repair.
60 seconds
03 · Compare
Compare 3 doors quotes
Itemised quotes from up to 3 local doorss on internal Door Repair — so you can compare like-for-like, not lump sums.
✦
Get doors quotes Ready when you are
Enter your postcode and get free quotes from local pros.
Top tips
Hiring a doors, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Sticking after new flooring
Carpet pile or LVT thickness pushes the door tight. Plane 3–8mm off the bottom — once-only, so be exact.
Hinge sag
Hinges loosen with use; the door drops and sticks on the lock side. Pack the top hinge with a strip of cardboard.
Damp swelling
Pine doors swell 2–4mm in summer humidity. Plane the swelling edge in summer — it'll be too loose in winter, but liveable.
Latch not catching
Frame movement misaligns the latch and strike. Re-cut the strike plate position.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Carpenter call-out (minimum)First hour
£50–£120
Plane and re-hang a sticking door1 hour total
£40–£90
Hinge replacement (set of 3)Includes hinges
£60–£150
Latch / lock replacementIncludes mechanism
£50–£140
Trim door bottom for new flooringOnce-only if planed off
£40–£90
Strip and re-paint slab1–2 hours + drying
£80–£200
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
Infographic · VideoThe Doors briefing.
Infographic
Doors quick-view
Video guide
Doors explained
Most internal door problems — sticking, dropping, latch not catching, hinge squeak — are small fixes a carpenter can sort in under an hour. Full replacement is rarely necessary unless the slab is split. Expect to pay £40–£250 for a typical UK internal door repair callout.
What Does the Work Involve?
The carpenter diagnoses why the door isn't working — usually one of: hinge sag, frame movement, swollen slab from damp, paint build-up, or worn latch. Common fixes include planing the binding edge, packing a hinge with cardboard shim, replacing a worn hinge, re-cutting the latch mortice deeper, or in severe cases re-hanging the door on new hinges. Sticking at the bottom after new flooring usually means trimming 3–8mm off the door bottom.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter call-out (minimum) | 50 | 120 | First hour |
| Plane and re-hang a sticking door | 40 | 90 | 1 hour total |
| Hinge replacement (set of 3) | 60 | 150 | Includes hinges |
| Latch / lock replacement | 50 | 140 | Includes mechanism |
| Trim door bottom for new flooring | 40 | 90 | Once-only if planed off |
| Strip and re-paint slab | 80 | 200 | 1–2 hours + drying |
| Replace door slab in existing lining | 120 | 350 | Material plus labour |
How Long Does It Take?
Most simple repairs are under an hour. Full re-hang on new hinges takes 1–2 hours. Door-slab replacement is 2–4 hours depending on whether the latch needs re-mortising.
DIY or Professional?
Tightening a loose hinge or planing a sticking edge is a competent DIYer's job. Re-mortising a latch, replacing hinges or trimming the bottom needs a sharp chisel and a plane — and the confidence to take wood off without making things worse.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
A handyman or general carpenter is fine for simple door repairs. Ask if they bring their own plane and chisels (some don't). Quality fitters quote a minimum call-out fee then per-additional-15-minutes — get the rate clarified up front.
UK Regulations
Internal door repairs don't need notification. The exception: if the door is FD30 fire-rated (e.g. between integral garage and house), repair must not compromise the rating — no jigsawing the bottom, no removing the intumescent strips.
Common Problems
- Sticking after new flooring: Carpet pile or LVT thickness pushes the door tight. Plane 3–8mm off the bottom — once-only, so be exact.
- Hinge sag: Hinges loosen with use; the door drops and sticks on the lock side. Pack the top hinge with a strip of cardboard.
- Damp swelling: Pine doors swell 2–4mm in summer humidity. Plane the swelling edge in summer — it'll be too loose in winter, but liveable.
- Latch not catching: Frame movement misaligns the latch and strike. Re-cut the strike plate position.
Frequently Asked Questions
My door sticks only in summer — what's the fix?
Seasonal humidity swelling. Plane the binding edge in summer; the door will be slightly loose in winter but won't bind. Avoid stripping all the paint as bare timber swells more.
The door drops and sticks on the lock side — why?
The top hinge has loosened or worn. Either the screws need re-tightening (often into longer screws hitting the frame stud), or the hinge needs replacement.
How much off the bottom can I plane?
Up to about 15mm before you weaken the door rail. Beyond that, replace the slab.
Latch won't catch — quick fix?
Mark where the latch hits the strike plate, then file the strike opening 1–2mm wider in the right direction. If the gap is greater than 5mm, re-position the strike plate.
Squeaky hinges — silicone or oil?
A drop of 3-IN-ONE oil into the top of the hinge knuckle — work the door back and forth — solves 99% of squeaks. Silicone spray works for plastic hinges.
Can a split door be repaired?
Yes — a clean horizontal split can be glued with wood adhesive and clamped overnight. Vertical splits or shattered panels usually mean replacement is cheaper than the carpenter time.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
NEWAI Trade Assistant
Got more questions
about doors?
Ask follow-ups in plain English. The AI explains options, sequencing and what to ask the doors — so you walk in informed.
I'm planning a job. Should I be looking for a doors?
Sounds like a job for doors. Tell me what you're trying to do — I'll walk you through costs, timeline and what to ask before they start.
FREE QUOTES60 SECONDS
Keep reading
VIEW ALL DOORS GUIDES →More doors guides.
Guide
Internal Doors — Cost & UK Install Guide
Internal doors: timber, glass, composite. UK 2026 install costs, sizing, and how to choose a fitter.
READ GUIDE →GuideFront Doors — Cost & UK Install Guide
Front doors UK 2026: composite, uPVC, timber, aluminium compared. Security, install costs, choose a fitter.
READ GUIDE →GuideComposite Front Doors — UK Buyer's Guide
Composite front doors: GRP skin, insulated core, multi-point locks. UK 2026 prices and brand comparison.
READ GUIDE →GuideuPVC Front Doors — UK Buyer's Guide
uPVC front doors: budget-friendly options for UK homes. Costs, security, and when uPVC suits.
READ GUIDE →GuideTimber Front Doors — UK Heritage Guide & Cost
Timber front doors: heritage character, premium look, full maintenance commitment. UK 2026 costs.
READ GUIDE →GuideAluminium Front Doors — UK Cost & Buyer's Guide
Aluminium front doors offer slim sightlines, modern aesthetics and long lifespans. UK costs, security, thermal performance and install.
READ GUIDE →