Why does my interior door suddenly rub the frame?

Loose hinge screws, seasonal humidity changes or movement in the frame can change door clearance. Inspect the gaps and hinges first; do not assume the door needs sanding.

Should I tighten all the hinge screws?

Only snug screws that are actually loose, using a correctly fitting manual screwdriver and supporting the door. Stop if a screw spins, the wood is cracked or a hinge is bent.

Can I plane a door that still sticks?

Not as a first step. Persistent rubbing may be caused by swelling, a shifted frame or damaged hinges. Older paint can contain hazardous materials; ask a qualified professional before cutting or sanding it.

Is this method suitable for a fire door or heavy door?

No. Do not adjust fire-rated, self-closing, very heavy or visibly unstable doors yourself. Have a qualified professional inspect them to preserve safety and certification.

Guides/Home/How to Fix an Interior Door That Rubs

How to Fix an Interior Door That Rubs

Find out why a standard interior door scrapes its frame, and correct simple loose-hinge problems without cutting or sanding the door. This gentle first check is for ordinary non-fire-rated doors; stop if the frame is distorted, the door is heavy or unstable, or the rubbing persists.

If the problem is a squeaking hinge rather than a rubbing door, see How to Fix a Squeaky Interior Door.

Updated Nov 12, 2026

20 min5 stepsBeginnernew

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Interior timber door opened slightly while a hand checks the uneven gap near the upper latch-side frame.

AI illustration

Step 01 / 05

Find exactly where the door rubs

Open and close the door slowly without forcing it. Note whether the top, latch side or bottom brushes the frame or floor; look for scuff marks and uneven gaps with a flashlight. If the door drags badly, is loose, or is fire-rated, stop and seek qualified help rather than altering it.

Guide progress1 / 5

1. Find exactly where the door rubs
Instructional illustration generated with AI for Howmigo.
Open and close the door slowly without forcing it. Note whether the top, latch side or bottom brushes the frame or floor; look for scuff marks and uneven gaps with a flashlight. If the door drags badly, is loose, or is fire-rated, stop and seek qualified help rather than altering it.
2. Mark the contact area
Instructional illustration generated with AI for Howmigo.
Place a short piece of low-tack painter's tape on the door near the scuff, then mark the contact spot on the tape with a pencil. Close the door gently once to confirm the location; do not put fingers between door and frame. Remove the tape promptly from delicate finishes.
3. Support the door and inspect the hinges
Instructional illustration generated with AI for Howmigo.
Open the door partway and keep it from swinging using a soft doorstop or a padded wedge on a protected floor. Examine the top, middle (if present) and lower hinges for loose screws, bent leaves or movement at the frame. Do not remove hinge screws or work on a hanging, unsupported heavy door.
4. Gently tighten any loose hinge screws
Instructional illustration generated with AI for Howmigo.
With the door stable, use a correctly fitting manual screwdriver to snug up any loose hinge screws, especially on the upper hinge. Turn only until secure; do not overtighten or strip the wood. If a screw spins without gripping, a hinge is bent, or the frame is cracked, stop for a suitable repair rather than forcing it.
5. Test the clearance and latch
Instructional illustration generated with AI for Howmigo.
Remove the doorstop, then open and close the door slowly several times. Slide a thin sheet of paper through the suspected gap without forcing it, and check that the door clears the frame and the latch engages normally. If it still rubs, avoid planing or sanding unknown old paint; investigate swelling, settlement or hinge repair with a qualified tradesperson.