How to Sand Hardwood Stair Treads for Refinishing (60, 80, 120, 180 Grit Guide)

Hardwood stair treads endure heavy traffic, making them prone to scratches, dents, and worn finishes. Sanding is the key to restoring their beauty and preparing them for stain or polyurethane. With the right grit sequence, you can achieve professional-looking results. This guide explains how to sand stair treads step by step using 60, 80, 120, and 180 grit sandpaper.

Why Sanding Stair Treads Matters

Over time, stairs develop deep wear patterns and uneven finishes. Sanding removes these imperfections, evens the wood surface, and provides a clean base for coatings. Without sanding, finishes may peel or look blotchy, especially in high-traffic areas.

Tools You’ll Need

• 60–180 grit sandpaper – from coarse removal to fine finishing.
• Orbital or detail sander – for flat tread surfaces.
• Sanding block – for edges and corners.
• Vacuum & tack cloth – for dust cleanup between grits.
• Wood stain or polyurethane – for sealing after sanding.

Best Grit Sequence for Stair Treads

• 60 grit: Removes old finish and deep scratches.
• 80 grit: Smooths rough surface after coarse sanding.
• 120 grit: Refines wood and preps for finishing.
• 180 grit: Final smoothing before stain or polyurethane.

Step-by-Step Stair Sanding

1. Start with 60 grit. Strip away old finish and heavy wear using 60 grit (25-pack).
2. Smooth with 80 grit. Level the surface with 80 grit (50-pack).
3. Refine with 120 grit. Prepare wood for stain using 120 grit (25-pack).
4. Finish with 180 grit. Lightly sand for a smooth, finish-ready surface with 180 grit (25-pack).
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe with tack cloth before applying finish.

Special Cases

For pine stair treads, stop at 150 grit to improve stain absorption. For hardwoods like oak or maple, finish with 180 grit for smooth, even results. If the treads are painted, consider using chemical stripper first before sanding to save time.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain of the wood.
• Use a detail sander for edges where orbital sanders can’t reach.
• Replace sandpaper frequently—stairs wear out sheets quickly.
• Seal stairs as soon as possible after sanding to avoid dirt buildup.

Aftercare

• Recoat with polyurethane every few years to protect against wear.
• Clean stairs with wood-safe products to preserve finish.
• Repair scratches by light sanding with fine grit and resealing.

FAQs

• Can I use a belt sander on stairs? Only on flat treads—use smaller sanders for control on edges.
• Do I need to sand between coats of polyurethane? Yes, lightly with 220 grit for best adhesion.
• Is 180 grit smooth enough for stain? Yes—180 grit provides an ideal surface for hardwoods.

Watch & Learn

For durable stair refinishing, shop our wood sanding collection.