Nine times out of ten, it’s the hinges sagging or the frame going out of square because the house has settled or shifted over the years. People underestimate how much a quarter turn on a hinge screw can do.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually seen a fair number of doors where humidity really was the main culprit—especially with older solid wood. Sometimes tightening up hinges helps, but if the door’s swollen like a sponge, you’re still stuck. I usually try adjusting hardware first, but sometimes you just can’t avoid a little sanding... just gotta go easy and check your work as you go.
Funny timing—just last week I had to shave down a bathroom door for a client because it swelled up after a string of humid days. Tightened the hinges first, but the thing still stuck like crazy. Sometimes you just can’t fight the weather, you know? Always test the fit before you take too much off... learned that the hard way years ago.
Humidity really does a number on doors, especially in older properties. I’ve run into similar issues with rental units—sometimes tenants think the lock is broken when it’s just the door swelling. I usually check for hinge alignment and strike plate position before shaving anything down, since you can’t put wood back once it’s gone. If it’s a recurring problem, I’ll look at ventilation or even consider swapping out solid core for composite doors in high-moisture areas. It’s not always worth fighting nature, but a little prevention goes a long way.
Locked Out Drama—What Would You Do?
Man, humidity is the silent villain of old houses. I’ve had doors swell up so much you’d think they were trying to escape the frame. I totally agree—never start shaving until you’ve checked the hinges and strike plate. Learned that the hard way after taking off a bit too much and ending up with a door that rattled every time someone sneezed. I’m a fan of composite doors too, but sometimes you just gotta accept that in July, your door’s gonna be a little stubborn. Nature always wins... but at least we can try to keep up.
Yeah, humidity’s a pain, especially with those old solid wood doors. I’ve had to plane down more than a few, but you’re right—if you go too far, you’re stuck with a drafty mess. I usually try tightening the hinges first before shaving anything off. Sometimes just a little adjustment there can save you a lot of trouble.
Composite doors are definitely less hassle, but they’re not immune either. Had one swell up just enough to stick last summer—guess nothing’s perfect. If you’re dealing with a stubborn door, I’ve found a dehumidifier near the entryway helps a bit, at least short-term. Not a fix, but it buys you time until the weather shifts.
Honestly, sometimes you just have to accept that old houses have their quirks. Keeps things interesting, I guess...
