How to Fix a Door That Sticks at the Bottom

When a door sticks at the bottom, sometimes it's simply called binding. This occurs when the bottom of the door contacts the frame, but there is a space above the hinges. As the door closes, it may feel like it wants to spring back open just before it is fully closed. This issue is often caused by over-tightening screws that are used to prevent the door from coming loose.

Types of Door Binding

There are two common scenarios that can cause a door to stick:

Handle Side Binding: This occurs when the handle side of the door touches the opposite side as it closes. A small adjustment in the screw can often fix this problem. If the issue persists, a 1/16 inch clearance might be all that’s needed to get the door to close properly. If necessary, consider using a longer screw in the innermost hole of the hinge, which is closest to the doorstop moulding. Bottom Contact with Frame: This is the more typical issue where the bottom of the door contacts the frame. It’s important to ensure that the hinge screws are tight. If there is a uniform spacing on the hinge side, you may need to take a little off the bottom of the hinge side. Alternatively, you can install a longer screw in the innermost hole of the hinge, the one nearest the doorstop moulding.

Addressing Door Binding

To fix a door that sticks at the bottom, follow these detailed steps:

Inspect Hinge Screws: Start by making sure all the hinge screws are tight. If necessary, remove the door and plane down the sticky area with a block plane. Adjust the Hinge Screws: Take out the middle screw on the hinge and drive a three-inch screw into the hole where the middle screw was. This can help realign the door with the frame.

Preventative Measures

To prevent the door from sticking in the future, consider the following:

Hammering Long Screws into Frame: If the problem is caused by a loose hammering long screw in the frame, driving it in a fraction of an inch can help. Fill, sand, and paint the screw hole to ensure a smooth finish. Adjusting the Jam: Another option is to drive a long screw into the "strike side" of the jam. This will pull the jam in slightly, providing better clearance. Fill, sand, and paint the area to complete the repair. Replace Loose Nails: Sometimes, the jam was nailed and has worked itself loose. In such cases, driving a screw into the jam can provide better stability and prevent the door from rubbing.

By following these steps, you can effectively fix a door that sticks at the bottom and ensure your door operates smoothly. Remember to always take the time to inspect and adjust your hinges to prevent such issues in the future.