How to Sand Wooden Stairs for Refinishing (60–220 Grit Guide)

Wooden stairs endure some of the heaviest traffic in a home, making them prone to scratches, dents, and worn finishes. Refinishing them restores beauty and durability—but the process begins with proper sanding. With the right grit sequence, you can safely remove old finishes, smooth surfaces, and prepare stairs for stain or paint.

Why Sanding Stairs Matters

Stairs take daily abuse from shoes, pets, and moving items. Over time, finishes wear down and the wood becomes uneven. Sanding ensures:

• Removal of old finish and surface grime.
• Leveling of scratches, dents, and high-traffic wear.
• Better adhesion for new stain, paint, or polyurethane.
• A safer surface—smooth, splinter-free, and uniform.

Best Sandpaper Grits for Stairs

• 60 grit: Heavy removal of thick finish and deep scratches.
• 100 grit: General smoothing after coarse sanding.
• 150 grit: Intermediate smoothing for even surfaces.
• 220 grit: Final pass before staining or sealing.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sandpaper sheets (60–220 grit).
• Orbital sander for flat treads.
• Detail sander or sanding sponge for corners and risers.
• Vacuum and tack cloth for dust cleanup.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Stairs

1. Prep the area. Block off stairs to prevent use during sanding. Cover nearby furniture to protect from dust.
2. Strip with 60 grit. Use 60 grit (25-pack) to cut through old varnish and scratches.
3. Smooth with 100 grit. Switch to 100 grit (50-pack) to refine the surface.
4. Even out with 150 grit. Use 150 grit (100-pack) for consistent texture.
5. Finish with 220 grit. Apply 220 grit (25-pack) for a stain-ready surface.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with tack cloth before applying finishes.

Special Cases

For softwood stairs like pine, avoid sanding beyond 180 grit before staining to ensure proper absorption. For hardwoods like oak or maple, you can safely finish at 220 grit for a silky result.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain to prevent cross scratches.
• Replace sandpaper often—stairs have small but tough surfaces that wear sheets quickly.
• Use a hand sander or sponge to reach stair nosing and edges.

Aftercare

• Allow finishes to dry fully before reopening stairs to foot traffic.
• Reapply protective coats every few years for long-lasting beauty.
• Use stair runners or mats in high-traffic areas to preserve finish.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand down to bare wood? For staining—yes. For repainting—just scuff sanding with 150–220 grit is enough.
• Can I use a belt sander? Yes, but be cautious—belt sanders can remove too much material quickly.
• How long does sanding stairs take? Expect several hours, depending on stair size and finish thickness.

Watch & Learn

Refinish your stairs with confidence: Get sanding sheets from 60 to 220 grit in 25, 50, and 100 pack options. Shop wood sanding sandpaper.