Refinish Hardwood Floors: 36?60?100?120 Grit

Hardwood floors lose their luster over time due to scratches, dents, and old finishes. To restore them, follow a sanding sequence: 36 ? 60 ? 100 ? 120 grit. This process strips old finish, levels boards, and prepares wood for stain or polyurethane.

Why Sand Floors in Stages

Hardwood is dense, and floors often have uneven wear. Starting coarse removes finish and levels boards, while finer grits smooth scratches left by previous passes. Skipping steps leaves marks visible under stain and finish.

Tools & Materials

• Drum sander or belt sander
• Edger for corners and walls
• 36, 60, 100, 120 grit sandpaper sheets or belts
• Vacuum with fine filter
• Wood filler (optional)
• Stain and polyurethane finish
• PPE: ear protection, dust mask, knee pads

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 36 grit — Cuts through finish, levels high spots.
• 60 grit — Removes scratches from coarse sanding.
• 100 grit — Smooths surface further.
• 120 grit — Final sanding for finish prep.

Step-by-Step: Hardwood Floor Refinishing

1. Prep room. Remove furniture, cover vents, and clean floor.
2. Sand with 36 grit. Use 36 grit (25-pack) to strip finish and level boards.
3. Step to 60 grit. Switch to 60 grit (50-pack). Sand until scratches from 36 grit are gone.
4. Refine with 100 grit. Use 100 grit (100-pack) for a smooth finish.
5. Final sanding at 120 grit. Finish with 120 grit (25-pack). Floor should now feel smooth and clean.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with damp cloth.
7. Stain or finish. Apply stain if desired, then seal with polyurethane.

Special Cases

Pet stains: May require deeper sanding or board replacement.
Uneven boards: Spend more time at 36 grit to flatten.
Historic floors: Sand lightly to preserve character.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain—cross-grain scratches show through finish.
• Overlap passes slightly for even results.
• Use edger for corners and tight spots.
• Replace paper frequently—floor sanding wears it fast.
• Don’t skip grits—each step erases marks from the previous one.

Aftercare

• Allow polyurethane to cure fully before heavy traffic.
• Use rugs in high-traffic areas to reduce wear.
• Refinish every 7–10 years depending on use.

FAQs

• Can I skip straight to 60 grit? No—36 grit is needed for stripping finish.
• Why stop at 120 grit? Finer grits close wood pores, reducing stain absorption.
• Can I rent sanders? Yes—many hardware stores offer drum and edger rentals.
• How long does it take? One room typically takes 1–2 days.

Video: Hardwood Floor Sanding

Closing: By following 36 ? 60 ? 100 ? 120 grit sanding steps, hardwood floors regain smoothness and shine, ready for stain or polyurethane to protect and beautify them for years.