The Simple Way to Align Double Doors That Are Off Center
Double doors are meant to close neatly together. When they don’t, it’s more than just annoying. Gaps let in drafts, doors rub or stick, and the whole setup looks off.
The good news is this is usually a fixable problem. In many cases, you don’t need new doors or special tools. You just need to know where to look and what to adjust.
This guide walks you through how to align double doors that don’t meet in the middle, step by step, in plain language.
Why Double Doors Stop Lining Up
Before you start adjusting anything, it helps to know what caused the issue. Most alignment problems come from one of these:
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House settling over time
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Loose or worn hinges
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Doors that have sagged under their own weight
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Changes in humidity that make doors swell or shrink
Usually, the doors themselves are fine. It’s the hinges or frame that need attention.
Step 1: Check the Hinges First
Hinges are the most common cause of double doors not meeting in the middle.
Open each door and look closely at the hinges. Check for:
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Loose screws
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Hinges pulling away from the frame
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One door sitting lower than the other
Tighten every hinge screw with a screwdriver. Even one loose screw can throw the doors out of line.
Tip: If a screw keeps spinning and won’t tighten, remove it and insert a wooden toothpick or matchstick dipped in wood glue. Break it off flush, then put the screw back in.
Step 2: See Which Door Is Out of Line
Close both doors slowly and watch how they meet.
Ask yourself:
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Does one door hit first?
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Is there a gap at the top but not the bottom?
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Do the doors touch at the bottom but not the middle?
This tells you which door needs adjustment and in which direction.
Most of the time, only one door is the problem.
Step 3: Adjust the Hinges to Raise or Lower the Door
If one door sits lower than the other, you can fix it at the hinges.
Try this:
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Slightly loosen the hinge screws on the door that’s too low
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Gently lift the door into position
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Retighten the screws while holding it in place
If that doesn’t work, you may need to add a thin shim behind one hinge. Cardboard from a cereal box works well for small adjustments.
This small change can bring the doors back into line.
Step 4: Bring the Doors Closer Together
If the doors are even but still don’t meet in the middle, the gap may be sideways instead of vertical.
You can fix this by:
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Tightening the hinges closest to the gap
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Loosening the hinges on the opposite side slightly
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Nudging the door toward the center
Make small changes and check the fit often. A little movement goes a long way.
Step 5: Check the Door Frame
If hinge adjustments don’t solve the problem, the frame itself might be off.
Look for:
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Cracks around the frame
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Gaps between the frame and wall
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Areas where the frame looks bowed
Minor frame shifts can sometimes be corrected by tightening frame screws or adjusting strike plates. Bigger frame issues may need professional help, especially in older homes.
Step 6: Adjust the Strike Plate if Needed
Sometimes the doors meet fine, but won’t latch properly.
If that’s the case:
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Loosen the strike plate screws
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Shift the plate slightly toward the latch
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Retighten and test
This won’t fix a major alignment issue, but it can solve small closing problems.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried all of the above and the doors still won’t align, it may be time to call a pro.
Get help if:
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The doors are warped
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The frame is badly out of square
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The doors rub hard against the frame
A carpenter or door specialist can usually fix the issue without replacing the doors.
Final Thoughts
Double doors that don’t meet in the middle are frustrating, but they’re rarely a lost cause. In most cases, the fix comes down to tightening hinges, making small adjustments, and taking your time.
Work slowly, test often, and don’t force anything. With a little patience, you can get your double doors closing cleanly again and looking the way they should.