Gates/Exterior Doors swelling

[Roughcut]

This might seem like a silly question.
But at this time of year I notice a lot of exterior gates and doors swell because of the cold/damp conditions which can cause sticking and make them harder to close or open.
Trimming the width could cause a large gap between the gate/door and frame when the warmer conditions return (summertime), so how do you guys deal with this situation?
Are rebated frames the answer to allow for expansion/contraction?
Apologies in advance if I sound like an idiot! :?

 

[John Brown]

We have this problem too, with our kitchen door(and my shed doors). The kitchen door has been planed down at least three times, but it seems to just keep growing. Maybe I should start a timber yard...

 

[Deej]

A door/gate made from dry timber probably won't shrink back to its original size as the uk is pretty damp all year round.

it is best to have a decent sized rebate just to cover any shrinkage gaps.
also re staining/painting/varnishing/oiling any edges that you have planed off to stop more moisture getting in again however it is best done when the timbers dry to avoid sealing in the water and the door rotting from the inside.
the tops and bottoms of doors often get missed when they are originaly fitted.