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Fix a sticking door.
Hinges packed, top or bottom planed, latch realigned — fixed properly, not just sanded off.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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Diagnosis errors
Planing the wrong edge makes it worse. Always identify which edge actually rubs by sliding paper between the door and frame as it closes.
Overplaning
Take off 1mm passes until it just clears — not aggressive 3mm passes. You can't add wood back.
Painting over the planed edge
Bare timber swells more than painted. Always re-paint or re-prime planed surfaces.
Ignoring hinge wear
Worn hinge knuckles let the door swing 3–5mm out of true even when closed — replace, don't pack.
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
Tighten hinges (DIY)Screwdriver and longer screws
£1–£5
Plane sticking edge (DIY)Block plane £20–£30
£10–£30
Carpenter call-outHalf to one hour
£40–£90
Replace 3 hingesHinges + labour
£60–£150
Trim door bottom for new floorOne hour
£40–£90
Replace slab if warpedIf beyond planing
£120–£350
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Doors explained
A sticking door is the most common internal-door complaint in UK homes. Most are quick fixes — a loose hinge, seasonal swelling or new flooring rubbing the bottom. Expect to pay £40–£90 for a carpenter to diagnose and fix one, or DIY in 30 minutes once you've identified the cause.
What Does the Work Involve?
First, diagnose the cause. Open the door slowly and feel where it binds — top, bottom, lock side or hinge side. Top-of-frame binding usually means hinge sag (top hinge loose). Bottom binding means new flooring, swollen slab, or dropped hinges. Lock-side binding mid-height means a swollen door or a moved frame. Once diagnosed, the fix is one of: tighten or replace hinges, plane the binding edge, or re-position the latch strike plate.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tighten hinges (DIY) | 0 | 5 | Screwdriver and longer screws |
| Plane sticking edge (DIY) | 10 | 30 | Block plane £20–£30 |
| Carpenter call-out | 40 | 90 | Half to one hour |
| Replace 3 hinges | 60 | 150 | Hinges + labour |
| Trim door bottom for new floor | 40 | 90 | One hour |
| Replace slab if warped | 120 | 350 | If beyond planing |
How Long Does It Take?
Tightening hinges: 10 minutes. Planing a binding edge: 30–60 minutes. Hinge replacement: 1 hour. Trimming the bottom: 30 minutes plus dust cleanup.
DIY or Professional?
A confident DIYer can do all of the above with a screwdriver, a block plane (£20–£30) and a sharp chisel. The risk is taking off too much wood — once it's off, it's off. If the door is solid oak, expensive veneer or fire-rated, call a carpenter.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
A handyman or general carpenter is sufficient. Ask whether they have their own plane and chisels — some don't. Get the call-out rate and per-15-minute rate clarified.
UK Regulations
No regulations apply to repairing internal doors. The exception: planing or trimming an FD30 fire-rated door is risky — too much material removed voids the 30-minute fire rating. Always check for a Certifire/BM TRADA label in the top edge before planing.
Common Problems
- Diagnosis errors: Planing the wrong edge makes it worse. Always identify which edge actually rubs by sliding paper between the door and frame as it closes.
- Overplaning: Take off 1mm passes until it just clears — not aggressive 3mm passes. You can't add wood back.
- Painting over the planed edge: Bare timber swells more than painted. Always re-paint or re-prime planed surfaces.
- Ignoring hinge wear: Worn hinge knuckles let the door swing 3–5mm out of true even when closed — replace, don't pack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my door only stick in summer?
Seasonal humidity. Pine and softwood doors swell 2–4mm when humidity rises. Plane the swollen edge slightly — it'll be just loose enough in winter.
Should I plane the door or move the frame?
If the frame is plumb but the door binds, plane the door. If the frame is twisted (most often after a wall settles), repositioning the frame is structural work — usually cheaper to plane.
My door sticks at the top after new flooring — why?
Hinges have probably dropped under the weight, or the new flooring pushed the threshold up. Pack the top hinge with cardboard, or trim 3–5mm off the bottom.
Can I plane an oak door?
Yes — but use a very sharp plane and take 1mm passes. Oak is hard and tears easily with a blunt blade.
The door binds in the middle, not top or bottom — what's wrong?
Either the door is bowed (warped) or the frame is bowed. Hold a straight edge against the door — if it's bowed, the slab probably needs replacing.
Will WD-40 help?
Only if hinges are squeaky or stiff. Sticking caused by friction between door and frame is not solved by lubricant — you have to remove material.
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.
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