A sound leaf that only rubs or latches poorly may suit adjustment or hardware repair instead. Replacement is considered for an unsuitable or damaged leaf after checking that the existing opening can accept the proposed door.
the latch, handle, hinge or ordinary running hardware no longer lines up or operates normally. Hang the compatible replacement leaf, fit agreed ordinary hardware and check floor clearance, alignment and closing in the unchanged opening.
Signs: the door sags, rubs, sticks or has uneven gaps around the opening or the latch, handle, hinge or ordinary running hardware no longer lines up or operates normally. Causes: loose fixings, minor alignment drift or ordinary timber movement or normal wear in hinges, latches or compatible mechanical hardware.
A hollow-core or factory-finished leaf may allow only limited edge trimming. Share the exact product specification before purchase. A door that needs more material removed than its instructions permit should be exchanged for a suitable product rather than improvised to fit.
Existing hinge recesses and screw positions need checking against the replacement leaf. Reusing a hinge depends on its condition and suitability for the new door. Damaged screw holes or a heavier leaf may change the agreed hardware work without making structural changes appropriate.