Door Planing Techniques

Over time, doors in your home might stick or bind. Tightening hinge screws can help, but sometimes resizing is necessary. Planing wood door edges is an effective method. To plane a door, identify the problem area, prepare the door, gradually remove wood, and check your progress. With care and technique, your door can work smoothly again.

Locating Door Rubbing Areas

Spotting Door Rubbing Signs

Locating Door Trouble Spots

Humidity Tip for Door Testing

Using Pencil Marks to Identify Rubbing Areas

Marking Areas for Planing

Removing the Door from the Frame

Tip for Minimal Wood Removal

Securing the Door for Planing

Tip for Securing the Door

Protecting the Surrounding Surface

Choosing the Right Plane

Adjusting the Plane Angle

Using Smooth Strokes with the Plane

Plane in the Direction of the Wood Grain

Checking the Door Fit

Tip for Avoiding Over-Planing

Smoothing the Exposed Wood

Recoating the Planed Area

Reattaching the Door

Before Planing Tips

Safety Precautions

Required Materials