Sanding Wood Floors by Hand: Complete Grit Guide for Smooth Results

When it comes to refinishing hardwood floors, not everyone has access to an industrial floor sander. But with the right sandpaper and a bit of elbow grease, you can sand wood floors by hand and still achieve a professional-level finish. This guide explains why sanding matters, which grits to use, and a step-by-step process for smooth results.

Why Sanding Matters

Sanding removes old finishes, scratches, and uneven surfaces, preparing the wood to absorb stain or finish evenly. Skipping this step results in blotchy stain absorption and a dull final look.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sandpaper sheets (various grits)
• Sanding block or hand sander
• Vacuum or shop vac
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Knee pads and dust mask

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 60 grit: Initial pass to remove old finish and heavy scratches.
• 100 grit: Smooths the surface after coarse sanding.
• 150 grit: Fine sanding before staining.
• 220 grit: Ultra-smooth finish before sealing.

Step-by-Step: Hand Sanding Floors

1. Clear and clean the room. Remove all furniture and sweep thoroughly.
2. Start with coarse sanding. Use 60 grit (25-pack) to strip old finish and level scratches.
3. Smooth with medium grit. Switch to 100 grit (50-pack) for a consistent surface.
4. Fine sand for stain prep. Move to 150 grit (100-pack) to open the wood grain for even stain absorption.
5. Finish with ultra-fine sanding. Use 220 grit (25-pack) before sealing to achieve a smooth, professional finish.
6. Vacuum thoroughly. Remove all dust to prevent imperfections in the finish.
7. Apply finish. Stain or seal as desired for protection and shine.

Special Cases

For edges and corners, fold sandpaper and work by hand. For deeply scratched or uneven boards, spend extra time with 60 grit before moving up.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain, never across it.
• Work in sections to stay consistent.
• Use wet/dry sheets if you plan to dampen the surface to raise the grain before final sanding.

Aftercare

• Clean floors regularly with a wood-safe cleaner.
• Avoid excess water to prevent warping.
• Apply a protective finish every few years to maintain durability.

FAQs

• Can I skip 150 grit and go from 100 to 220? You can, but 150 grit helps ensure even stain absorption.
• How long does hand sanding take? Expect several hours for a medium-sized room, depending on wood condition.
• Do I need to remove all the old finish? Yes, especially if you’re applying stain. Any remaining finish will block absorption.

Watch & Learn

With patience and the right grit sequence, hand sanding your floors is absolutely achievable. Stock up on the right packs today to make the process easier and more effective.