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Door sticking at bottom edge showing door scraping floor and alignment issues
Bottom Edge Sticking Pattern

Door Sticking at Bottom?

When your door drags on the floor or scrapes the carpet, it's often from floor swelling or carpet interference. But bottom-edge sticking can also indicate foundation heaving or structural floor issues. Learn the difference and when professional evaluation is essential.

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What Bottom Edge Sticking Means

When your door sticks, drags, or scrapes at the bottom edge, it means there's insufficient clearance between the door and the floor surface beneath it. This is one of the most common door sticking patterns, particularly in homes with carpeting or wood floors that expand with seasonal humidity.

Bottom-edge sticking manifests as difficulty opening or closing the door, audible scraping sounds as the door moves, and often visible wear marks on the bottom of the door or floor surface. Unlike top-corner sticking (which more frequently indicates foundation settlement), bottom sticking is commonly caused by environmental factors like humidity, floor swelling, or carpet interference.

However, bottom sticking isn't always benign. In some cases, it can indicate foundation heaving—where the foundation or floor rises rather than settles—threshold problems, or structural floor issues. The key to proper diagnosis is understanding timing patterns (seasonal vs. constant), affected door locations (single vs. multiple), and accompanying symptoms like floor unevenness or cracks near the door frame.

Critical Distinction: While many bottom-sticking doors are simple fixes involving dehumidification or carpet adjustment, professional evaluation is essential when sticking is constant year-round, affects multiple doors, or is accompanied by other structural indicators. Don't assume it's just humidity without proper assessment.

Why Doors Stick at the Bottom: Primary Causes

Understanding the root cause of bottom-edge sticking is essential for proper diagnosis. Here are the most common reasons why doors stick at the bottom and how to identify each pattern.

Floor Swelling (Most Common)

Wood and engineered flooring naturally expand when exposed to humidity. During summer months or in high-humidity environments, floors can swell enough to reduce door clearance by 1/4 inch or more, causing bottom-edge sticking.

Identification:

  • Occurs primarily in summer/humid months
  • Resolves in winter/dry conditions
  • Affects doors over wood/engineered floors
  • Multiple doors may be affected if entire floor swells

Carpet Interference

Carpeting that's too thick, improperly installed, or has settled unevenly can cause doors to drag. This is particularly common after carpet replacement when thicker carpet or padding is installed without adjusting door clearance.

Identification:

  • Constant year-round sticking
  • Visible wear on carpet beneath door path
  • Started after new carpet installation
  • Isolated to doors over carpeted areas

Foundation Heaving (Serious)

Foundation heaving occurs when expansive clay soils absorb water and push the foundation upward, or when frost heaving lifts floor sections. This is the opposite of settlement and can cause bottom-edge sticking as floors rise and reduce door clearance.

Identification:

  • Worsens over time or seasonally (wet periods)
  • Multiple doors affected in same area
  • Floor feels uneven or sloped near door
  • May see cracks in floor or nearby walls

Humidity Expansion

Solid wood doors themselves can absorb moisture and expand slightly, particularly at the bottom edge. This is separate from floor swelling and is most common with unfinished or poorly sealed door bottoms exposed to moisture from bathrooms or laundry areas.

Identification:

  • Seasonal pattern (summer sticking)
  • Common in bathroom/laundry doors
  • Door bottom may show water staining
  • Resolves when humidity drops

Threshold Problems

Exterior door thresholds can shift, settle, or be damaged by weather exposure. A threshold that has risen (from foundation movement or improper installation) or flooring that has settled relative to the threshold can cause bottom-edge binding.

Identification:

  • Affects exterior doors primarily
  • Visible threshold damage or misalignment
  • Gap between threshold and flooring
  • May indicate foundation settlement nearby

When Bottom Sticking Requires Professional Evaluation

While many bottom-sticking doors are caused by humidity or carpet issues, certain patterns indicate potential structural concerns requiring expert assessment:

  • Year-round constant sticking that doesn't improve in dry seasons
  • Multiple doors sticking at the bottom in the same area or throughout the home
  • Worsening over time—clearance decreasing month by month
  • Uneven or sloping floors near the affected door
  • Cracks in floors, walls, or door frames accompanying the sticking
  • Exterior doors with threshold misalignment or foundation exposure

Don't assume bottom sticking is always harmless. Foundation heaving can be as serious as settlement—early professional evaluation can prevent costly structural damage and property value loss.

Seasonal vs. Constant Bottom Sticking: Critical Differences

Seasonal (Summer) Sticking

Bottom-edge sticking that occurs primarily in summer or high-humidity periods and improves in winter/dry conditions is typically caused by environmental factors rather than structural issues.

Common Causes:

  • Wood floor expansion from humidity absorption
  • Door itself swelling from moisture exposure
  • Seasonal foundation movement (may be minor)

Typical Pattern:

  • Sticking peaks in July-August (highest humidity)
  • Improves or disappears in winter months
  • Consistent yearly pattern
  • May affect multiple doors if entire floor swells

Less Concerning: Seasonal bottom sticking is usually benign and can often be managed with dehumidification, improved ventilation, or minor door planing. However, if the pattern worsens year over year, professional evaluation is recommended.

Constant Year-Round Sticking

Bottom sticking that persists regardless of season or worsens over time may indicate structural issues requiring professional evaluation. This is particularly concerning when multiple doors are affected.

Possible Causes:

  • Foundation heaving from expansive soils
  • Structural floor settlement or sagging
  • Threshold damage or misalignment
  • Progressive foundation movement

Warning Signs:

  • No improvement in any season
  • Clearance decreasing month by month
  • Multiple doors affected in pattern
  • Floor feels uneven near affected doors

More Concerning: Constant year-round bottom sticking requires professional evaluation to rule out foundation heaving, structural floor issues, or progressive foundation movement. Don't delay—early detection prevents costly repairs.

When Bottom Sticking Indicates Foundation Issues

Bottom-edge sticking caused by foundation heaving or structural floor problems typically presents with specific patterns that distinguish it from simple humidity expansion:

Pattern Recognition

  • Multiple doors in same area
  • Constant year-round sticking
  • Worsening over time

Accompanying Signs

  • Sloping or uneven floors
  • Cracks in floor or walls
  • Threshold misalignment

Location Clues

  • Exterior doors primarily
  • Doors in specific zones
  • First-floor doors only

If your bottom-sticking door shows these patterns, professional structural evaluation is essential.

Signs & Symptoms of Bottom-Edge Sticking

How to Identify

  • Visual inspection: Look for wear marks on door bottom or floor/carpet beneath door path
  • Clearance test: Slide paper under closed door—should have 1/4 to 1/2 inch clearance
  • Movement test: Door should swing freely without dragging or resistance at bottom

What to Look For

  • Visible damage: Scraping, scuffing, or paint wear on door bottom edge
  • Floor damage: Worn carpet, scratched flooring, or threshold damage in door path
  • Uneven gaps: Inconsistent clearance along bottom edge (higher on one side)

Scraping Sounds

  • Scraping or dragging: Audible friction as door opens/closes across floor or carpet
  • Catching or binding: Door "catches" at specific points during opening/closing
  • Increased resistance: Door requires more force to open than previously

Step-by-Step Diagnosis Guide

Follow these steps to systematically assess your bottom-sticking door and identify patterns that may indicate the underlying cause. Remember: this guide is for initial assessment only—professional evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis.

1

Check Timing Pattern

Note when the sticking occurs and whether it varies by season:

  • Seasonal (summer only): Likely humidity-related floor swelling or door expansion
  • Year-round constant: May indicate foundation heaving, threshold issues, or structural problems
  • Worsening over time: Suggests progressive foundation movement or floor settling
  • Recent onset: Consider recent changes (new carpet, flooring work, weather events)
2

Measure Door Clearance

Assess the gap between door bottom and floor surface:

  • Standard clearance: Should be 1/4 to 1/2 inch for interior doors over hard flooring
  • Carpet clearance: Should clear carpet pile with 1/8 to 1/4 inch minimum
  • Uneven clearance: If gap is larger on one side, may indicate frame or floor unevenness
  • No clearance: If door contacts floor/carpet when closed, sticking is certain during operation
3

Check Floor Levels

Assess whether floors near the door are level and even:

  • Level test: Use a long level or roll a ball—should not slope or show obvious unevenness
  • Visual inspection: Look for humps, dips, or sloping near the door frame
  • Multiple locations: Check floors throughout the room and adjacent areas
  • Foundation clue: Uneven floors near bottom-sticking doors may indicate foundation heaving
4

Assess Multiple Doors

Check whether other doors show similar bottom-sticking patterns:

  • Single door only: More likely to be localized cause (carpet, door expansion, threshold issue)
  • Multiple doors in same area: May indicate foundation heaving or floor swelling affecting entire zone
  • Doors throughout home: Could be widespread floor swelling or multiple foundation issues
  • Pattern matters: If all affected doors stick at bottom in same area, foundation heaving is more likely
5

Look for Accompanying Symptoms

Check for other structural indicators that may accompany bottom sticking:

  • Floor cracks: Cracks in tile, concrete, or hardwood near affected doors
  • Wall cracks: Cracking in walls adjacent to bottom-sticking doors
  • Baseboard gaps: Separation between baseboards and flooring
  • Threshold damage: Cracked, shifted, or misaligned exterior door thresholds
  • Window issues: Windows in same area that stick or won't latch properly

If multiple symptoms are present: Professional structural evaluation is essential—this pattern may indicate foundation heaving or significant floor movement requiring expert assessment.

Solutions by Cause: Costs & Effectiveness

The appropriate fix for bottom-edge sticking depends entirely on the underlying cause. Here are common solutions organized by cause, with typical cost estimates. Important: Professional diagnosis is essential before attempting any fixes to avoid worsening structural problems.

Floor Drying & Dehumidification

For humidity-related floor swelling (seasonal sticking)

When to Use:

  • • Seasonal summer sticking only
  • • Wood or engineered floors
  • • Improves in dry months
  • • Multiple doors affected

Solutions:

  • • Run dehumidifiers (35-50% RH)
  • • Improve ventilation/air circulation
  • • Address moisture sources
  • • Consider HVAC humidity control

Cost Estimate:

$200-600

Dehumidifier purchase or HVAC humidity control. Ongoing electricity costs $20-50/month during humid months.

Effectiveness: High for seasonal humidity-related sticking. If dehumidification doesn't improve sticking within 2-3 weeks, cause may be structural—professional evaluation recommended.

Carpet Adjustment or Door Planing

For carpet interference (constant sticking over carpet)

When to Use:

  • • Constant year-round sticking
  • • Started after new carpet install
  • • Visible carpet wear under door
  • • Isolated to carpeted areas

Solutions:

  • • Door planing (remove 1/4-1/2")
  • • Carpet trimming beneath door path
  • • Thinner carpet pad replacement
  • • Transition strip installation

Cost Estimate:

$150-400

Door planing $150-300 per door. Carpet adjustment $100-200. Refinishing door bottom after planing may add $50-100.

Caution: Do NOT plane doors if sticking may be foundation-related. If multiple doors stick or floors are uneven, get professional evaluation before modifying doors—foundation heaving will continue to worsen.

Door Planing & Sealing

For door expansion from moisture (bathroom/laundry doors)

When to Use:

  • • Seasonal sticking (summer)
  • • Bathroom or laundry doors
  • • Visible moisture/staining on door
  • • Single door only affected

Solutions:

  • • Plane door bottom (remove 1/8-1/4")
  • • Seal door bottom with paint/polyurethane
  • • Improve bathroom ventilation
  • • Address moisture sources

Cost Estimate:

$200-350

Door planing and sealing $150-250. Bathroom fan upgrade if needed $100-300 additional.

Prevention: Proper sealing and ventilation can prevent recurrence. If sticking returns after planing and sealing, professional evaluation recommended to rule out foundation issues.

Foundation Repair (If Needed)

For foundation heaving or structural floor issues

When Required:

  • • Year-round constant sticking
  • • Multiple doors affected
  • • Uneven/sloping floors
  • • Worsens over time
  • • Cracks in floors/walls

Solutions:

  • • Foundation underpinning (piers)
  • • Slabjacking/mudjacking
  • • Drainage improvement
  • • Moisture barrier installation
  • • Structural floor leveling

Cost Estimate:

$3,000-15,000+

Foundation repair costs vary widely: slabjacking $3,000-8,000; pier underpinning $5,000-15,000+; drainage work $2,000-6,000. Multiple issues can exceed $20,000.

Critical: If professional evaluation determines foundation heaving is the cause, repair is essential to prevent worsening damage, property value loss, and safety concerns. Delaying foundation repair increases costs significantly—early intervention is most cost-effective.

Frequently Asked Questions: Bottom Sticking Doors

Why is my door sticking at the bottom?

Bottom-edge door sticking can be caused by several factors: floor swelling from humidity, carpet that's too thick, foundation heaving, threshold problems, or seasonal moisture expansion. The specific cause depends on timing (seasonal vs. constant) and location (interior vs. exterior doors). Professional evaluation can determine whether your bottom-sticking door indicates structural concerns or is a simple fix.

Is bottom door sticking a sign of foundation problems?

Bottom door sticking can indicate foundation heaving (where the foundation rises rather than settles), but it's more commonly caused by floor swelling, carpet interference, or humidity expansion. If multiple doors stick at the bottom year-round or the sticking worsens over time, foundation heaving may be the cause. Professional evaluation is needed to distinguish between simple humidity issues and structural concerns.

Can I fix a door sticking at the bottom myself?

It depends on the cause. If the sticking is from carpet that's too thick, carpet adjustment may help. For seasonal humidity sticking, dehumidification may resolve it. However, planing or sanding the door without knowing the cause can worsen problems if foundation heaving is present. We strongly recommend professional evaluation before attempting fixes—what looks like a simple humidity issue could be foundation-related.

What's the difference between seasonal and constant bottom sticking?

Seasonal bottom sticking (occurring in summer but not winter) is usually humidity-related floor swelling—wood floors absorb moisture and expand slightly. Constant year-round bottom sticking may indicate foundation heaving, threshold settling, or structural floor issues. If your bottom-sticking door persists regardless of season or worsens over time, professional evaluation is recommended to rule out foundation problems.

Related Resources

Top Corner Sticking

Learn about top-edge sticking patterns and when they indicate foundation settlement.

Read Guide →

Summer Sticking

Understand seasonal door sticking and how to distinguish humidity from structural issues.

Read Guide →
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