1. Check hinge sag before trimming

If the door rubs near the top corner or drops at the latch side, loose hinges are the first place to look. Support the door with a wedge, tighten the hinge screws and check whether the frame timber is still holding properly.

• Replace short loose screws with longer screws into sound timber where appropriate.
• Do not overtighten and strip old timber.
• Check all hinges, not just the one nearest the rub mark.
• If the frame is moving, fix the frame problem before adjusting the door.

2. Mark exact rubbing points

Close the door slowly and mark where it touches the frame or floor. Only remove tiny amounts at a time with a plane or sanding block, then retest. If swelling caused the issue, seal the exposed edge afterwards so moisture does not restart the problem.

• Use pencil marks rather than guessing across the full edge.
• Plane with the grain and avoid breaking out corners.
• Remove less than you think, then test again.
• Prime or paint freshly exposed timber before calling the job done.

3. Adjust the latch only after the swing is right

A latch that misses the strike plate is often a symptom of hinge sag. Once the door swings cleanly, check the latch position against the strike plate and make small adjustments if needed.

• Mark the latch position on the frame with pencil or masking tape.
• Loosen and reposition the strike plate only if the gap is minor.
• Use a sharp chisel carefully if the recess needs easing.
• If the latch barely reaches, check door position and hinges again.

4. Finish, seal and retest over a few days

Internal doors move with humidity, decorating layers and normal use. After the repair, clean up dust, touch in paint where needed and test the door once the paint has dried fully.