Sanding Hardwood Floors: Professional Results at Home (36–220 Grit Guide)

Hardwood floors add beauty and value to any home, but over time they become scratched, dull, or uneven. Sanding restores the natural look and prepares the surface for a fresh finish. With the right grit sequence and tools, you can achieve professional-quality results even as a DIYer.

Why Sand Hardwood Floors?

Sanding removes old finish, evens out scratches, and smooths the wood surface so new stain or polyurethane bonds properly. Without sanding, refinishing products won’t penetrate evenly and may peel prematurely.

Best Tools for Floor Sanding

• Drum sander for main areas
• Edge sander for corners and walls
• 9x11 in silicon carbide sandpaper sheets for hand work
• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Dust mask and ear protection

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 36–40 grit: Heavy stock removal, strip old finish.
• 60–80 grit: Smooth scratches from coarse sanding.
• 120 grit: Level and refine surface.
• 180–220 grit: Final smoothing before stain or polyurethane.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Hardwood Floors

1. Prep the room. Remove furniture, cover vents, and seal doorways to control dust.
2. Start coarse sanding. Use 36–40 grit to strip finish. For hand detail, use 60 Grit (25-pack).
3. Intermediate sanding with 80 grit. Eliminate marks from coarse passes and smooth the floor. Try 80 Grit (50-pack).
4. Refine with 120 grit. Level surface and prepare wood for finish. Use 120 Grit (100-pack).
5. Finish sanding with 180–220 grit. Lightly smooth before staining or sealing for a flawless look.
6. Vacuum thoroughly. Remove all dust from floor and corners.
7. Apply stain or polyurethane. Work in thin, even coats for durability and shine.

Special Cases

For engineered wood, avoid aggressive sanding (36–40 grit) as the veneer layer is thin. Start at 80 grit instead.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain whenever possible to prevent scratches.
• Replace sandpaper often—dull sheets burnish wood instead of cutting.
• Use a bright work light to check for swirl marks before finishing.
• Always test stain in a hidden corner before applying to the entire floor.

Aftercare

• Allow polyurethane to cure fully (at least 7 days) before placing rugs or furniture.
• Clean with a damp mop—avoid harsh cleaners that damage finish.
• Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand down to bare wood? Yes, for refinishing. Light screening works only if the old finish is in good shape.
• Can I use a palm sander for floors? Only for small repairs or corners—not for entire floors.
• What grit should I stop at before staining? 180–220 grit provides the best absorption balance.

Watch & Learn

For reliable results, stock up on coarse, medium, and fine sheets from our Wood Sanding Collection.