Sticking Door
A door that is difficult to open or close, dragging on the frame or the floor.
What Is Causing This?
- 1Swelling of the door or frame due to humidity
- 2Hinges that have dropped or loosened
- 3Settlement of the building shifting the frame
How Urgent Is This?
This is a cosmetic issue. It is not causing damage and can be addressed in your own time.
What Needs to Be Done
A carpenter will check whether the issue is the door, hinges, or frame. They may plane the door edge, rehang it on new hinges, or adjust the frame to restore a clean fit.
How Much Will It Cost?
National average estimate
Labour: £350 – £1,104 | Materials: £218 – £1,010
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Prices are estimates based on typical UK rates. Actual costs depend on the specific issue, accessibility, and your location. All quotes from tradespeople on Tradesfolk are completely free.
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Ask a QuestionPlanning Permission Guidance
Some fixes for this problem may require planning permission or building regulations approval. Check if your project needs permission:
How to Prevent This
Seal all edges of wooden doors including the top and bottom to reduce moisture absorption. Tighten hinge screws periodically.
Related Problems
A door frame that has twisted or bowed, leaving gaps on one side and rubbing on the other.
Diagonal cracks appearing around windows and doors, doors sticking, and visible sinking on one side of the building.
A door that squeaks or creaks every time it is opened or closed.
Other Carpenter Problems
Floorboards that creak or squeak when walked on, especially noticeable at night.
Soft, crumbling, or discoloured wood around a window frame, sometimes with paint flaking away.
A door frame that has twisted or bowed, leaving gaps on one side and rubbing on the other.
One or more spindles (balusters) on the staircase are cracked, loose, or missing entirely.