How to Sand Wood Floors for Refinishing (36, 60, 100, 150 Grit Guide)

Refinishing wood floors can completely transform the look of a home. The key to achieving professional-quality results is sanding with the right grit progression. From aggressive removal of old finishes to fine smoothing, each step plays a crucial role. This guide explains how to sand wood floors step by step using 36, 60, 100, and 150 grit sandpaper.

Why Sanding Wood Floors Matters

Old finishes, scratches, and dents make floors look worn and uneven. Sanding removes these imperfections and prepares the wood for stain or polyurethane. Without proper sanding, finishes may peel, absorb unevenly, or highlight existing flaws.

Tools You’ll Need

• 36–150 grit sandpaper – coarse to fine for progressive refinishing.
• Drum or belt sander – for main flooring areas.
• Edger sander – for corners and wall edges.
• Vacuum & tack cloths – for cleaning between grit stages.
• Wood stain or polyurethane – to finish and protect floors.

Best Grit Sequence for Floor Refinishing

• 36 grit: Removes heavy finish, deep scratches, and stains.
• 60 grit: Smooths after coarse sanding, levels floorboards.
• 100 grit: Refines surface for stain or sealer.
• 150 grit: Final smoothing for an even, finish-ready surface.

Step-by-Step Floor Sanding

1. Start with 36 grit. Strip away heavy coatings with 36 grit (25-pack).
2. Smooth with 60 grit. Level surfaces and remove 36-grit scratches using 60 grit (25-pack).
3. Refine with 100 grit. Prepare wood for stain using 100 grit (50-pack).
4. Finish with 150 grit. Sand lightly with 150 grit (100-pack) for a smooth, finish-ready surface.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe down floors before staining or sealing.

Special Cases

For engineered hardwood, avoid starting below 60 grit to protect thin veneers. For extremely damaged floors, start with 24 grit before progressing. Always sand in line with floorboards to prevent cross-grain scratches.

Pro Tips

• Overlap sanding passes to avoid uneven patches.
• Use edger sanders to blend edges seamlessly with the main floor.
• Replace paper frequently—floor sanding wears sheets quickly.
• Seal floors immediately after sanding to prevent dust contamination.

Aftercare

• Recoat floors every few years with polyurethane for protection.
• Use mats and rugs to reduce wear in high-traffic areas.
• Clean with hardwood-safe cleaners to preserve finish.

FAQs

• Can I skip from 36 grit to 100 grit? No—intermediate grits are essential to remove deep scratches.
• Do I need to sand between polyurethane coats? Yes, lightly with 220 grit for adhesion.
• Is 150 grit smooth enough for stain? Yes—150 grit creates an ideal surface for most finishes.

Watch & Learn

For durable floor refinishing, shop our wood sanding collection.