How To Stop Internal Doors from Swelling
How To Stop Internal Doors from Swelling
Internal wooden doors are a firm favourite among homeowners, adding warmth, elegance and timeless style. But if you’ve ever struggled to open or close a wooden door, you’ve likely encountered a common problem: door swelling. The team here at DoorStation have been approached by customers asking why their internal wooden doors occasionally become awkward to open and close. Read on to discover the cause of this irritating problem and find out how you can prevent it from happening.
As the seasons change, you may notice that your internal wooden doors don’t operate quite as smoothly as they once did. Wooden doors that swell at certain times during the year can be frustrating. Although there are several reasons why this might happen, two common factors are moisture and humidity. Due to the natural properties of wood, it absorbs and releases moisture from the surrounding environment. During the winter months in particular, wood is affected by central heating, reduced ventilation, condensation and moisture from cooking and showering. The wood absorbs this excess moisture in the air, causing it to swell.
This helpful DoorStation guide will provide practical advice on how to stop internal doors from swelling.
1. Identify the Problem
What to do: Check if your door is sticking, hard to close or rubbing against the frame. Inspect the door and hinges for problem areas. Also, look for loose screws and tighten them up before the weather starts to change.
2. Diagnose the Cause
What to do: Determine if moisture, poor ventilation, or heat exposure is behind the swelling. Check for water ingress, condensation, high humidity or direct sunlight.
3. Improve Ventilation
What to do: Use extractor fans, dehumidifiers, or leave windows open regularly to improve air flow and reduce excess moisture.
Top Tip: If outdoor humidity levels are high, keep windows closed.
4. Sand and Refinish Problem Areas
What to do: Lightly sand the swollen areas and treat the doors with sealant, paint, or varnish to protect the wood. A water-resistant finish or paint is recommended.
5. Use a Dehumidifier
What to do: Place a dehumidifier near the affected door to absorb excess moisture during hot, humid weather. Check that the unit is working efficiently by cleaning filters and emptying the reservoir regularly.
6. Adjust or Plane the Door (If Necessary)
What to do: If swelling persists, remove the door and carefully plane the affected edges to ensure it fits the frame correctly. Depending on the amount of wood to be removed, use a hand planer for larger quantities and sandpaper or a sanding block for minor swelling. Read our helpful blog ‘How Much Can You Plane Off an Internal Door’ for advice. Adjusting the hinges can also help; read our guide, ‘How to Adjust Front Door Hinges’ for instructions.
Important: Always reseal the planed areas afterwards.
7. Prevent Future Swelling
What to do: Seal all door edges (including the top and bottom), maintain good airflow, and avoid exposing doors to direct sunlight or moisture
A swollen door isn’t a product fault; it’s a natural characteristic of timber. With proper care and maintenance, swelling can be minimised or avoided altogether.
Helpful Tips
There are several ways to reduce humidity and keep your wooden doors operating smoothly, without the need for tools and DIY.
- Clean the doors regularly with a soft, dry cloth. This basic maintenance ensures varnish and coatings are not affected by the build-up of dust and dirt.
- Avoid placing wet coats, umbrellas and shoes near wooden doors.
- Check for leaks or damp walls nearby.
- After wet cleaning floors, dry the area thoroughly.
- If you need to open or close a problem door urgently, try rubbing talcum powder or soap on the sticking edge to reduce friction.
- Choose the right door for the right location.
If your wooden door is beyond repair, take a look at the extensive range of quality wooden doors at DoorStation. We have over 90 different styles in stock, ready to impress and built to last.
Final Look – A Well-Fitting Door
Whether you have standard doors or bespoke, without proper care and maintenance, your once-pristine doors can begin to deteriorate and warp. A proactive approach to maintenance will keep them picture-perfect and functional for years to come.
DoorStation internal wooden doors are available in several styles, including traditional, glazed and modern industrial designs. Complement your home with a quality wooden door from DoorStation. If you’re unsure which door style or finish to choose for your home, contact the team for some friendly advice. Doors are our business, and we’re experts of every type. Whether it’s French, pocket, flush or sliding we have expert knowledge and experience to hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an internal door be used externally?
We would not advise using an internal door as an external door. Internal doors are not designed to withstand the harsh outdoor elements like rain, wind and direct sunlight. Using inappropriate door material can result in significant moisture damage, swelling and the general fast deterioration of the door.
Do solid oak internal doors swell?
Yes. Solid oak internal doors can swell, but they tend to absorb less moisture than cheaper or hollow-core alternatives.
Can I use a solid wooden door in a bathroom?
Yes. But the door must be well-sealed and properly ventilated to avoid swelling.
How long should I wait before fitting a new wooden door?
Wooden doors are susceptible to humidity, moisture, and temperature fluctuations, so it’s a good idea to let your new wooden door acclimatise for around 48–72 hours before attempting to install it. Read our ‘Step by Step Guide to Installing Internal Doors’ for full instructions.
