How to Fix a Warped Door in 7 Steps
Snap a warped door back into shape with this quick guide
- Screwdriver
- Paintbrush
- Heavy towels or a large camping blanket
- Washcloth
- Dust mask or respirator
- 50-pound sandbag
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Varnish or wood paint
- Water
Moisture, excessive heat and humidity, and other factors can cause doors to warp over time. The good news is you don't necessarily have to toss a door just because it has signs of warping. If you're stuck between a DIY door repair and hiring someone who repairs doors, learn how to fix a warped door yourself to decide if it's worth the effort.
Prepare the Area
To prepare to fix a warped door, lay down your large towel or camping blanket to create an area where you can place your door after you've taken it off its hinges. This can be a garage, driveway, or lawn.
Assess the Door
Photo: Sinenkiy / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesIt's a good idea to assess your door while it's still in place to get back and front views easily. Note if the warping is characterized by bowing, cupping, or twisting. More severe warping may require additional weight compared to regular bowing.
Remove the Door From the Hinges
Using your screwdriver, remove the door from its hinges to bring it to your workstation. Ask someone to help you carry the door to your work area if it's heavy.
Apply Moisture to the Door
Use a wet cloth to dampen the side of your warped door that is curving outward. The purpose of this step is that moisture actually helps to relax and loosen the fibers in your door to make them more malleable. However, this is where the waiting game happens. It's recommended that you leave the door to acclimate to the moisture for at least a day.
Add Pressure to the Door
Once exposure to moisture has loosened your door fibers, you can reverse the warping using pressure. Lay a 50-pound sandbag across the warped area. Leave it there for 24 hours. If warping is still visible after 24 hours, consider adding more weight.
One option is to gradually add five to 10 pounds daily while also laying wet towels across the warped area until you see that the area is completely straight. Fully dry off the door once you are satisfied.
Sand and Refinish the Door
Photo: sturti / E+ / Getty ImagesAfter you've applied moisture to your door, it's important to add varnish to prevent your door from warping again. Put on personal protective equipment like a dust mask or respirator and eye protection, then sand the door down with fine-grit sandpaper to remove all imperfections. Next, apply a wood finish or paint of your choice.
Rehang the Door
If you're satisfied with the results, rehang your door on its hinges using the same hardware. Confirm that the door is secure and swinging smoothly before cleaning up your work area.
Mistakes to Avoid When Fixing a Warped Door
While this task can be pretty straightforward, small mistakes can leave your door in worse shape in the long run if you're not careful. Here are some mistakes that DIYers commonly make when first learning how to straighten a warped door:
Sanding too much: Taking off too much of the door's surface when sanding can actually thin out the door to make it more susceptible to warping in the future. Avoid coarse grits or electric sanders.
Working in extreme weather: Avoid doing this project on hot, humid days or cold, frigid days. Your results may not be true if the door is expanding or contracting. Your workspace should be a dry area with stable temperatures.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
The average door repair cost falls between $130 and $370. For homeowners who are handy enough to know how to hang a door or sand wood surfaces, popping a door off its hinges for a DIY repair could be worth it to save money.
However, hiring a professional can give the peace of mind of knowing that they’re properly addressing the warping. A door repair professional near you can also address any door-frame repairs, hardware upgrades, or other functional or cosmetic issues.
First, make sure you seal or finish your door after installation. There are many different sealants and wood finishes on the market designed to prevent moisture from infiltrating wood surfaces. Additionally, do your best to control humidity around your door using a dehumidifier. Any exterior wood doors should be protected by glass storm doors to reduce water exposure.
While it may seem counterintuitive, adding moisture to the warped area of a door actually helps to fix it by allowing the wood to expand and contract. Moisture helps loosen the fibers in your door to make them more malleable. This process can help you get the wood back to its original shape.
Like many common door problems, warping can be caused by improper installation. When a door isn't installed correctly, there's a good chance that the poor seal is allowing moisture and drafts to seep through. When this happens, humidity will build up in the wood until it swells and warps.
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