How to Fix a Swollen Wood Door

Check the Hardware

• 1

  Examine the hardware attaching the door to its frame, ensuring the problem really is the result of swollen wood. Loose screws and bolts may force the door into the door jam, making it difficult to open and close, according to Home Addition Plus. Tighten all hardware elements and close the door slowly. If it still gets stuck against the door jam, mark the points at which this occurs with a pencil.

• 2

  Remove the door from its frame if it cannot be sanded while remaining bolted to the frame. After removing the door, place it on its side and rotate it as needed in order to access the swollen areas.

• 3

  Rub coarse sandpaper over the parts of the door that are getting stuck in the jam and which have been marked in pencil. Sand across the entirety of the marked areas to account for the swelling, reducing the enlarged portion of the door so that it fits comfortably into the frame again. Avoid over-sanding any one area, making the door appear uneven.

• 4

  Replace the door in its frame, screwing the nuts and bolts tightly into place to keep the door from slipping. Open and close it several times to ensure the swollen areas have been properly sanded, allowing the door to move freely. Sand the edges of the door gently with fine sand paper to even out its appearance and finish with a coat of stain.