Introduction

If your shed doors have started rubbing against the frame or won't close properly anymore, don't worry – you're not alone! This is one of the most common issues shed owners face, and the good news is it's usually an easy fix. Most of the time, doors start acting up because your shed has settled slightly on its block foundation. It's not a sign of poor craftsmanship – it's just nature doing what nature does.

Why Shed Doors Go Off-Square

Understanding the 'why' helps you tackle the 'how.' Here's what typically happens:

• Ground settlement: Over time, the ground under your concrete blocks can settle unevenly
• Shed shifting: This causes your shed to shift slightly out of level, creating a twist in the walls or floor
• Door misalignment: When that happens, doors can rub, stick, or no longer line up with the latch

Remember: your shed isn't broken – it just needs a quick re-level to get those doors swinging smoothly again.

The Simple Fix: Relevel the Shed

Ready to get those doors working like new? Here's your step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Find Your Starting Point

Place a level along all sides of your shed to find the highest corner. This corner becomes your reference point – everything else gets leveled to match it.

Step 2: Work Systematically

Move around your shed in sections (every 8–12 feet), going either clockwise or counterclockwise. Consistency is key!

Step 3: Jack It Up Safely

Place your jack under the rim joist with a scrap 2x6 board to spread the pressure evenly. Safety first: lift slowly, never crawl under a lifted building, and make sure your jack sits on firm ground.

Step 4: Adjust and Check

Lift each section and adjust blocks or add shims until it's level. Keep checking your progress as you go – it may take a couple of passes to get everything just right.

Materials You'll Need

Before you start, gather these essentials:

• Level
• Jack (bottle or floor jack works best)
• Scrap 2x6 board (to protect the rim joist)
• Pressure-treated lumber or cedar shims
• Patience and a good eye 👀

Why This Works

The lumber structure of your shed has natural flexibility. When the foundation isn't level, it causes the walls and doors to twist slightly. Re-leveling removes that twist, allowing doors to align and open smoothly again.

Pro tip: The wider the door, the more noticeable this misalignment becomes – especially with double barn doors.

Fixing a Single Door Area (For Large Sheds)

Got a big shed but only one problem door? You can focus your efforts:

• Level just the area near the problematic door
• Slightly lift or lower the floor using your jack
• Adjust blocks until the door gap looks even

This targeted approach removes the wall twist causing binding or rubbing without tackling the entire building.

Preventing Future Issues

Keep your doors working smoothly with these maintenance tips:

• Check your shed level once a year
• After heavy rains or ground movement, recheck doors and re-level if needed
• Keep weeds and soil away from blocks so moisture doesn't soften the ground

Conclusion

A door that rubs or sticks isn't a sign of bad craftsmanship – it's just nature doing its thing. A quick relevel usually solves everything and gets those doors closing perfectly again.

At Eagle Ridge Barn Builders, we deliver every building fully leveled and functional. Even simple settling issues like this can be easily fixed at home with the right know-how. Now you've got the tools and knowledge to keep your shed doors working like new!