How to Sand Wooden Stairs for a Safe and Polished Finish (60–320 Grit)

Wooden stairs are high-traffic areas that show wear quickly—scratches, dents, and dull finishes are common. Sanding is the key step before refinishing, ensuring safety, durability, and a beautiful polished look.

Why Sand Stairs?

Sanding removes old finishes, evens out scratches, and creates a smooth surface for stain or paint. Proper sanding also prevents slippery finishes by improving adhesion.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander for stair treads
• Detail sander or sanding sponge for corners and risers
• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets (60–320 grit)
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Protective mask, goggles, and knee pads

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 60 grit: Heavy removal of paint, stain, or deep scratches.
• 100 grit: General smoothing after coarse sanding.
• 180 grit: Preparing wood for stain or primer.
• 220–320 grit: Final sanding for smooth, comfortable treads.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Prep the area. Remove carpeting, nails, or staples and clean dust.
2. Start with 60 grit. Use 60 grit (25-pack) to strip finishes and smooth damaged spots.
3. Refine with 100 grit. Sand stair treads evenly using 100 grit (100-pack) sheets.
4. Prep with 180 grit. Smooth surfaces with 180 grit (50-pack) before applying finish.
5. Finish with 220–320 grit. Lightly sand with 320 grit (25-pack) for safe, smooth steps.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe with tack cloths to remove all dust.
7. Apply finish. Use durable stair-specific paint, stain, or polyurethane.

Special Cases

For hardwood stairs, sanding to 220–320 grit ensures smoothness and strong finish adhesion. For painted stairs, scuff-sanding with 100–180 grit may be enough before repainting.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain for best results.
• Sand edges and corners by hand with sponges.
• Replace worn sandpaper often for consistent performance.
• Use low-gloss finishes to hide wear better on high-traffic stairs.

Aftercare

• Dust stairs regularly with a microfiber cloth.
• Reapply protective coatings every few years.
• Use stair runners to protect finishes in busy households.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand to bare wood? Yes, for staining. For repainting, scuff sanding is usually enough.
• Can I sand stairs by hand? Yes—hand sanding works well for corners and risers.
• What grit is best before painting stairs? 180–220 grit ensures proper adhesion.

Watch & Learn

Sanding stairs not only improves looks but also safety. Stock up on extra coarse sheets, medium grits, and fine sandpapers to complete your stair refinishing project with confidence.