Expanding Wooden Front Door

[maximus]

Didn't have a problem last year but with all the rain lashing the fron door over the last week has caused it to expand big time.
Is it a case of leaving it to dry out or will it not necessarily go back into shape ?

I could sand it down but am worried that if it goes back into shape I will be left with a gap.

Suggestions welcome please.

 

[nstreet]

As you didn't have a problem last year it would suggest that it hasn't been treated/varnished recently, possible the frame is expanding for the same reason, Is this the case?

Unless it is only binding a very small amount sanding down will be a long job, you would be better off with a plane. Yes as the door dries out it will shrink a little.

 

[maximus]

Yes it could be the frame also. Thanks

I rubbed the door down last year and gave it a lick of undercoat and exterior paint but didn't use any specialist treatments.

Do you think it would be best to plane the door and then varnish what I have planed or let it dry out and see how it goes ?

I can use the back door so it is not like i am trapped !!!!

 

[masona]

Do you think it would be best to plane the door and then varnish what I have planed or let it dry out and see how it goes ?

Just plane the door the minimum as possible and allow for the thickness of the paint/varnish but don't paint on wet wood.

 

[big-all]

what usualy happens nine times out of ten the bit that needs the most protection gets the least the end grain at the bottom off the door needs extra attension to seal it properly rain runs down the door drips off the bottom
if its not propperly sealed the water is soaked up by the end grain and worst still it cant dry out easily because the rest of the door is sealed holding the mousture in

now i am shure you wouldnt but dont be tempted to remove any wood from the frame

make shure you apply linseed oil to the bottom of the frame to keep it waterproof and help stop water transfering to the bottom of the frame uprights

you should have a 3mm gap all the way round now assuming its only binding on the bottom foot or so i would assume its water getting in the end grain of the bottom of door or frame or both and i would remove just enough wood to make it close properly and in the summer when the door and frame have had enough time to dry out check your gap again for clearence then paint and seal properly paying extra attension to the bottom and top of the door and frame taking the door of its hinges if nessisery to paint propperly

 

[maximus]

Thanks to all 3 of you for your comments.

That's my Sunday morning sorted !!!