How to Sand Hardwood Floors Before Refinishing (60, 100, 150, 220 Grit Guide)

Hardwood floors are one of the most valuable features in a home, but years of scratches, dents, and wear can make them look tired. Proper sanding is the foundation of any floor refinishing project, ensuring stain and finish bond evenly and last for years. This guide explains how to sand hardwood floors step by step using the right grit sequence.

Why Sanding Hardwood Floors Matters

Sanding removes old finish, evens out scratches, and opens the wood grain for stain or polyurethane. If skipped or done incorrectly, the floor may show swirl marks, uneven coloring, or premature finish failure.

Tools & Supplies

• Drum sander or belt sander
• Edge sander for corners
• Shop vacuum and tack cloth
• Dust mask, ear protection, and safety glasses
• Wood filler (for cracks or gaps)

Best Grit Sequence for Floors

• 60 grit: Heavy removal of old finish and deep scratches.
• 100 grit: Smoothing after coarse sanding.
• 150 grit: Refining surface and evening grain before finish.
• 220 grit: Final sanding for smoothness before staining or sealing.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Hardwood Floors

1. Prep the room. Remove all furniture and cover vents to minimize dust spread.
2. Start with 60 grit. Use 60 grit (25-pack) on the drum sander to strip the old finish and level scratches.
3. Smooth with 100 grit. Switch to 100 grit (100-pack) for the next pass, refining the surface.
4. Refine with 150 grit. Sand again using 150 grit (50-pack) to smooth grain and prepare for finishing.
5. Final sanding. Finish with 220 grit (25-pack) for a silky surface ready for stain or sealer.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust, then wipe down with tack cloths before applying finish.

Special Cases

• Pet stains: Sand deeply at 60 grit, then apply stain-blocking primer if needed.
• Uneven boards: Make extra passes with coarse grits before moving finer.
• Softwood floors: Use lighter pressure to avoid gouging.

Pro Tips

• Sand diagonally with coarse grits to level boards faster.
• Always vacuum between grit changes to avoid deep scratches.
• Edge sanders are essential—don’t leave coarse edges unsmoothed.
• Test stain on a hidden section after final sanding to confirm color absorption.

Aftercare

• Allow finishes to cure fully before replacing furniture—usually 48–72 hours.
• Place felt pads under furniture to protect the surface.
• Maintain floors with gentle cleaners—avoid harsh chemicals.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand to bare wood? Yes, for full refinishing. For light touch-ups, screen sanding may suffice.
• Can I skip grits? No, each grit removes scratches left by the previous one.
• What’s the most important grit? The first one—60 grit sets the foundation for the rest.

Watch & Learn

Professional-looking hardwood floors start with the right sanding sequence. Stock up on 60 to 220 grit sandpaper sheets in bulk packs for your next flooring project. Explore the complete wood sanding sandpaper collection for flooring jobs.