How to Sand Wood Floors Before Staining (36, 60, 100, 150 Grit Guide)

Wood floors eventually show scratches, stains, and worn finishes. Sanding prepares the surface for staining or sealing, ensuring smooth, long-lasting results. With the proper grit sequence, you can strip away old coatings and achieve a professional-quality finish. This guide explains how to sand hardwood floors step by step using 36, 60, 100, and 150 grit sandpaper.

Why Sanding Floors Matters

Floors endure constant wear from foot traffic, furniture, and spills. Sanding removes imperfections, levels uneven boards, and creates a clean base for stains or polyurethane. Skipping sanding leaves flaws visible and reduces stain penetration.

Tools You’ll Need

• 36–150 grit sandpaper – coarse to fine for floor prep.
• Drum or belt sander – for large flat floor areas.
• Edger sander – for corners and walls.
• Vacuum & tack cloth – to clean between grit stages.
• Stain or polyurethane – for finishing after sanding.

Best Grit Sequence for Floors

• 36 grit: Removes old finish, paint, or deep scratches.
• 60 grit: Smooths surface after coarse sanding.
• 100 grit: Prepares the wood for stain.
• 150 grit: Final smoothing for a silky, finish-ready surface.

Step-by-Step Floor Sanding

1. Start with 36 grit. Strip away old finish and level rough spots using 36 grit (25-pack).
2. Smooth with 60 grit. Refine the surface with 60 grit (25-pack).
3. Refine with 100 grit. Prepare for stain using 100 grit (50-pack).
4. Finish with 150 grit. Lightly sand for smooth, stain-ready floors with 150 grit (100-pack).
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe with tack cloth before staining or sealing.

Special Cases

For engineered hardwood, avoid sanding below 60 grit to protect thin veneers. For floors with severe damage, start with 24 grit before 36. Always sand in line with floorboards to prevent cross-grain scratches.

Pro Tips

• Sand in overlapping passes for even results.
• Use an edger sander to blend corners and wall edges with the main floor.
• Replace sandpaper often—floor sanding wears sheets quickly.
• Seal floors immediately after sanding to protect exposed wood fibers.

Aftercare

• Reapply polyurethane every few years for durability.
• Place rugs in high-traffic areas to reduce wear.
• Clean with hardwood-safe products to preserve finish.

FAQs

• Can I skip from 36 grit to 100 grit? No—intermediate grits are essential to remove scratches.
• Do I need to sand between polyurethane coats? Yes, lightly with 220 grit for adhesion.
• Is 150 grit smooth enough for staining? Yes—150 grit provides the ideal texture for even stain penetration.

Watch & Learn

For flawless hardwood refinishing, explore our wood sanding collection.