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Solid wood doors are made to last long, but that doesn’t mean it is always free of issues. One of the most common issues for solid wood doors is some parts loosen up because of overuse and just because some materials decline in quality over time. In this article, we tackle one particular problem when dealing with your solid wood doors: some sections get loose. Read on further to find out how to deal with the loose sections of your solid wood door.

You might also want to check out: How do you maintain a wood front door?

Loose hinges

This is common not only with solid wood doors but any other door. This can be because of overuse or improper practices with the door. First, check with the screws on both the door and the frame. If it can be tightened, then that fixes the problem. If it still doesn’t hold, then remove the screws from the hinges. To do this while your door is hung, make sure to prop something underneath to keep it straight and steady. Drill 8mm holes into the screw holes and insert a glued dowel inside. Wait for it to dry, cut off the excess, and then drill pilot holes for your screws. Tighten the screws once again so your door sits back in place.

Loose joints

Corner joints often loosen over time and can come apart. This is not only a bit annoying to look at, but can affect the functionality of your door. In working with this, it is recommended to remove the door from its hinges first and lay it on your sawhorses. There are two available options for you, a quick fix and a more permanent fix.

Quick Fix: Separate both sections by pulling one apart from the other. Clean both joints, careful not to strip anything away. Apply some glue on the surface and clamp them shut until the wood glue is fully dried. 

Permanent Fix: Clean and glue the joints first as done with the above steps. Afterwards, drill a hole on one face of the door, making sure it will pass through both joints. Insert a glued dowel inside and wait until dry. Cut off the excess dowel, and then sand it down for uneven surfaces. Afterwards, you can refinish or repaint your door.

Loose frame

This problem also occurs with overuse and frequent heavy slamming of the door. This is fixed depending on the wall it is attached to. Use frame plugs for a masonry wall and long screws for the stud partition wall. Drill three holes on the centre of the frame at the top, middle, and bottom, and then insert your plug or screw.

While loosening up of parts is not preventable over time, easy repairs can help it last longer and work better. Remember to always consult an expert if you are unsure about your skill, even on easy repairs such as loose solid wood door parts.

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Pieter Boyce - Wooden Window and door specialist

Pieter Boyce
Wooden Window and Door Specialist

This article was written on behalf of Fortis & Hooke by Pieter Boyce. Pieter has an intense passion for English Architectural history and has been specialising in the conservation of original wooden windows and doors for decades. His exceptional knowledge of timber windows and doors, both listed or non-listed, is attributed to his hands-on approach to learning all aspects of the complete restoration of original features as well as having personally surveyed thousands of items throughout his long tenure as a head surveyor for one of the largest window and door restoration companies in the UK. He now runs a boutique wooden window and door consultancy and fervently champions the retention of original windows and doors. To learn more of Pieter’s services, visit his website at www.boultonboyce.co.uk.

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