How to Sand Wooden Stairs for Safety & Refinishing (60, 100, 150, 220 Grit Guide)

Wooden stairs endure heavy daily use and are prone to scratches, dents, and worn finishes. Proper sanding is essential before applying paint, stain, or sealant to restore beauty and improve safety. This guide explains how to sand stairs step by step with the right grit sequence.

Why Sanding Stairs Matters

Sanding removes old finish, evens out wear, and creates better traction for finishes. It also prevents premature peeling or blotchy stain absorption.

Tools & Materials

• Hand sander or orbital sander
• Detail sander for corners
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Wood filler for cracks or holes
• Drop cloths to protect surroundings

Best Grit Sequence for Stairs

• 60 grit: Heavy removal of finish and deep scratches.
• 100 grit: Smoothing after coarse sanding.
• 150 grit: Refining and prepping wood for finish.
• 220 grit: Final sanding before stain or paint.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Wooden Stairs

1. Prep the area. Cover nearby flooring and railings with drop cloths.
2. Start coarse. Use 60 grit (25-pack) to strip old finish and level dents.
3. Smooth further. Switch to 100 grit (100-pack) for more even surfaces.
4. Refine surface. Use 150 grit (50-pack) for preparing wood grain.
5. Final sanding. Finish with 220 grit (25-pack) before staining or sealing.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe down with a tack cloth to remove dust.

Special Cases

• Painted stairs: Use a scraper before sanding to save time.
• Softwood stairs: Avoid over-sanding at coarse grits to prevent gouges.
• High-traffic treads: Spend extra time sanding evenly to prevent uneven wear patterns.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain, especially on stair treads, to avoid scratches.
• Use a detail sander or hand sanding for corners and edges.
• Vacuum between grit changes to avoid embedding coarse particles.
• Finish with a non-slip topcoat for safety.

Aftercare

• Allow finishes to cure fully before walking on stairs—typically 24–48 hours.
• Use rugs or runners to protect high-traffic areas.
• Recoat every few years to maintain durability and appearance.

FAQs

• Do I need to remove all paint before sanding? Yes, for best results and adhesion of new finishes.
• Can I use a belt sander? Only for treads; it’s too aggressive for risers and edges.
• What grit is best before staining? 220 grit provides the ideal finish for stain absorption.

Watch & Learn

Sanding stairs properly ensures safer, more beautiful results. Stock up on 60 to 220 grit sandpaper sheets for your next refinishing project. Explore the complete wood sanding collection today.