On Mon, 5 Jan 2009 16:56:28 -0800 (PST), BoscoXavier
wrote:

I have an exterior door which is wood (with a glass window in the
middle). It was unstained wood when it was installed so I stained it
with a stain/waterproofing product. I think, unfortunately, I forgot
to stain the bottom of the door.

Over the last couple weeks it has gotten harder and harder to open.
Now it won't close. I checked the hinges and they're all still tight.
I can see the marks from the door jam on the door where its rubbing.
Should I use my electric sander or planer and sand down those places
until it closes? Then should I stain and waterproof (or laquer it) or
will that trap the moisture inside? Also, if I sand it down, won't it
shrink back to normal size in the summer, leaving me with gaps? I
assume the reason for the swelling of the door is the rain we've
received in San Francisco in the last few weeks.

Thanks!


Yes, yes and yes. The door is wood. Wood (even when dead) changes
dimensions with moisture changes. More changes occur across the grain
than with the grain, and some kinds of wood are more stable than
others. Most doors are constructed in a way to minimize
expansion/contraction, but obviously, the larger the cross grain, the
more movement you will get. Trim the door just enough to allow it to
close--that will minimize the gap during a dry spell. Allow the door
to fully dry before applying finish. Water is wood's enemy, so
maintaining a finish will greatly help extend the life of the door.
Storm doors will protect too.