How to Sand Hardwood Floors Before Refinishing

Hardwood floors lose their shine over time—scratches, stains, and dullness can make them look tired. Sanding is the first and most important step before refinishing. This guide explains how to sand hardwood floors safely and effectively to achieve a smooth, even surface ready for stain or polyurethane.

Why Sanding Floors Is Essential

Floor sanding removes old finishes, smooths scratches, and opens the wood grain for new stain absorption. Skipping proper sanding leads to uneven sheen, visible flaws, and poor adhesion. Silicon carbide sandpaper delivers the sharpness and durability needed for large, tough surfaces like hardwood floors.

Recommended Tools

• Drum or orbital floor sander
• 9x11" silicon carbide sandpaper sheets
• Edger or detail sander for corners
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Stain, sealer, or polyurethane finish

Ideal Grit Sequence

• 60 grit: Strip old finish and remove scratches
• 100 grit: Smooth surface and refine texture
• 150 grit: Final sanding before staining or sealing

Step-by-Step: Sanding Hardwood Floors for Refinishing

1. Prep the room. Remove furniture, baseboards, and nails sticking out above the floor. Sweep and vacuum thoroughly.
2. Start heavy sanding. Load your sander with 60 Grit (25-pack) silicon carbide paper. Sand diagonally to the grain on the first pass to remove old finishes and level imperfections.
3. Refine the surface. Switch to 100 Grit (50-pack) paper. Sand with the grain this time for a smoother, more even surface.
4. Final finishing pass. Use 150 Grit (100-pack) paper for the last pass to eliminate fine swirl marks and prep the floor for stain or sealant.
5. Edge sanding. Use an edger or hand sander around walls, corners, and under cabinets with the same grit sequence to maintain consistency.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum multiple times, then wipe with a tack cloth to remove all dust before staining or applying polyurethane.

Special Cases

For engineered wood floors, sand very lightly—only enough to scuff the surface. Deep sanding can remove the thin veneer layer. For heavily damaged floors, start at 36 grit before progressing to 60–100–150 for a full restoration. Avoid pausing the sander in one spot—it can dig unevenly into the wood.

Pro Tips

• Always move the sander with the grain for final passes.
• Use silicon carbide abrasives—they stay sharp and prevent clogging on floor coatings.
• Keep even pressure on the sander to avoid dips.
• Overlap each pass slightly for uniform results.
• Clean between each grit change to prevent scratches from trapped dust.

Aftercare

• Allow finishes to cure completely before placing furniture back on the floor.
• Use felt pads under chairs and tables to prevent scratches.
• Recoat every 3–5 years for protection and renewed gloss.

FAQs

• Can I sand floors by hand? Only for small areas—floor sanders are essential for large, even surfaces.
• Do I need to sand between finish coats? Yes—use 220 grit lightly between coats for smoothness and adhesion.
• Can I skip coarse sanding if my floor looks clean? No—old finish must be removed completely for the new coat to bond properly.

Watch & Learn

For hardwood refinishing, use durable silicon carbide papers from the coarse sandpaper collection. The 60–100–150 grit sequence ensures a perfectly smooth surface ready for staining or sealing.

Conclusion: Sanding hardwood floors is the foundation of any refinishing project. With the right grit progression, silicon carbide abrasives, and consistent technique, you can restore the natural beauty and durability of your wood flooring to look brand new again.