7 Reasons Your Door Is Not Fitting Properly

A door that doesn’t close properly, sticks or leaves visible gaps can be annoying, but it might also point to a deeper issue with the door itself, the frame or even the structure of your home. Whilst it’s easy to assume the door just needs a quick fix, the real cause can vary widely depending on the materials, environment and installation.

In this guide, we’ll explore seven common reasons why your door might not be fitting as it should. From seasonal changes in timber to structural shifts and worn-out hardware, understanding the root cause is the first step towards a long-lasting solution.

Changes in humidity

Some materials used to construct doors will respond to changes in humidity and temperature. In damp or humid conditions, it absorbs moisture and swells. In dry or centrally heated environments, it can lose moisture and shrink. This is particularly common with internal doors or doors in kitchens, bathrooms and other high-moisture areas.

If your door isn’t fitting due to changes in humidity, you might notice your door sticking, particularly around the top or bottom edges, or becoming difficult to open or close. In some cases, you might see gaps appear between the door and the frame as it shrinks back in dry weather.

To fix this issue, you’ll first need to identify the source of the moisture and take steps to manage it. This could include using a dehumidifier, improving ventilation or fixing any leaks. If there has been only light swelling, it can sometimes be resolved by lightly sanding the affected edges and repainting or resealing the door to protect it from further moisture. If the door has shrunk, you may need to adjust the hinges or add weatherstripping to close any draughty gaps. For severe warping or damage, replacing the door may be the most effective solution.

Misaligned hinges

Misaligned hinges are a common cause of poorly fitting doors and usually occur over time as screws work loose or the door’s weight causes gradual movement. In some cases, if the door has been incorrectly installed, the hinges can be left slightly out of line, which will affect how the door sits in the frame.

When hinges are misaligned, the door might sag on one side, catch on the floor or frame or fail to latch properly. You might also see uneven gaps around the door edges or hear creaking as it moves against the frame.

To fix the issue, you can start by checking the hinge screws – if they’re loose, simply tightening them might be enough. If the screw holes have worn out, you can use longer screws or fill the holes with wooden dowels and glue before re-screwing. In some cases, the hinges might need repositioning entirely to bring the door back into alignment – you can read our guide on how to replace door hinges for more information on this. If you have heavy or awkward doors, it’s worth having someone support the weight whilst you make adjustments.

Warped door or frame

A warped door or frame is usually caused from exposure to moisture, temperature fluctuations, or poor storage before it’s installed. Timber that hasn’t been properly dried or has been stored in a damp environment can twist or bow over time, especially if one side is exposed to different conditions than the other.

The symptoms of warping can include the door not closing fully, rubbing against the frame at odd points or leaving noticeable gaps even when shut. You might also find that the latch doesn’t line up with the strike plate, or that the door only touches the frame at the top or bottom corners.

To correct a warped door, the first step is to assess whether it’s the door, the frame or both that are out of shape. If a solid wood door has just minor warping, it can sometimes be eased with some sanding and re-sealing. However, if there’s more significant distortion, the door might need to be replaced.

If the frame is the issue, it might need reinforcing or, in some cases, rebuilding. It’s also important to control the surrounding environment to prevent the problem recurring, so ensure there’s good ventilation and consider applying a suitable protective finish to all sides of the door.

Movements in the home’s foundation

Movements in the home’s foundation can subtly shift the entire structure over time, which will impact door frames and how doors fit within them. This is more common in older properties, homes built on clay soil or areas with poor drainage. Seasonal changes, tree roots or nearby construction work can also contribute to gradual foundation movement.

When this happens, you might notice that a door which once closed smoothly now sticks, swings open on its own or won’t latch properly. You may also see that the frame has gaps around the edges. Cracks in the surrounding walls or flooring can be a telltale sign of underlying movement, too.

To address the problem, you’ll need to identify whether the issue is ongoing or historic. If the movement has settled, you might be able to adjust or reinstall the door frame to account for the shift. This could involve removing and refitting the frame, adjusting the hinges or, in some cases, trimming the door. However, if the foundation is still moving, it’s important to consult a structural specialist before making cosmetic repairs, as the problem could recur or worsen if the root cause isn’t resolved.

Incorrectly sized door

An incorrectly sized door is often the result of poor initial measurements or the wrong door being fitted to a particular frame. This can happen in DIY installations or during rushed refurbishments where doors are reused or replaced without proper adjustment.

The symptoms are usually clear – the door may be too tight and difficult to open or close, or too small, leaving visible gaps around the edges. It might not meet the latch correctly or could rattle in the frame. In some cases, a door may look visually out of proportion with the surrounding architrave.

The best solution to the problem will depend on how far off the sizing is. If the door is only slightly too big, it you might be able to trim it to fit with a planer, followed by sanding and resealing the edges. If it’s too small, adding thicker architrave or weatherstripping might help reduce draughts and improve the fit, but it won’t resolve alignment or latching issues. For the best result, especially if the frame is square and the issue is with the door itself, the most reliable fix will be to replace the door.

Building settling

Building settling is a natural process that occurs as a property adjusts to its own weight and the conditions of the ground beneath it, particularly in the first few years after construction. Whilst it’s usually harmless, even small shifts can affect how doors sit within their frames.

If your property is a new build or a new extension, your door not fitting properly could be due to this. Signs of settling include doors that start to catch, drag or become misaligned when they previously opened and closed with ease. You might notice uneven gaps around the door, difficulty latching it or even hairline cracks appearing near the frame.

To fix a door affected by settling, you’ll often just need to make small adjustments rather than major repairs. This could involve tightening or repositioning the hinges, planing the door edges or realigning the strike plate. In more severe cases, the frame itself might need to be removed and reinstalled to suit the new alignment of the structure. If you’re seeing multiple signs of settling across your home, it might be worth consulting a professional to ensure there’s no underlying structural concern.

Hardware issues

Issues with door hardware are a common but often overlooked reason why a door might not fit or function properly. Over time, components such as latches, locks, handles or strike plates can become loose, misaligned or worn out through regular use. Poor-quality or incorrectly installed hardware can also cause problems from the outset.

Symptoms can include a door that won’t latch properly, feels stiff when opening or closing, or makes a scraping or clicking noise when moved. In some cases, the door might appear to fit badly when the issue actually lies with the positioning or condition of the hardware.

To fix this problem, you’ll need to visually inspect each aspect of the door. Check that screws are tight and that all hardware is correctly aligned. You might need to adjust the position of the strike plate or latch, replace worn components, or fill and re-drill holes if fixings have come loose over time. If the hardware is damaged or no longer fits securely, replacing it with higher-quality door handles or other fittings can improve both the door’s performance and its appearance.

JB Kind has a huge range of interior doors in a variety of styles, colours, and finishes. Download our brochure or contact us to find out more.