Sanding Hardwood Stairs: Safe, Smooth, and Ready to Finish

Hardwood stairs take daily abuse, from heavy foot traffic to scuffing shoes. Refinishing them restores beauty and safety—but the key first step is sanding. With the right grit sequence, tools, and patience, you can achieve smooth, durable results that last for years.

Why Sanding Stairs Matters

Sanding removes old finish, evens out scratches, and prepares wood to absorb stain or polyurethane. Skipping sanding leaves uneven spots that not only look bad but can also create slippery, unsafe surfaces once finished.

Essential Tools for Stair Sanding

• Orbital sander for stair treads
• Detail sander or sanding sponge for corners
• Wet/dry silicon carbide sandpaper
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Stain and polyurethane

Best Sandpaper Grits for Hardwood Stairs

• 60 grit: Remove old finish and deep scratches (60 Grit (50-pack)).
• 100 grit: Smooth rough sanding marks (100 Grit (100-pack)).
• 220 grit: Final pass before finishing (220 Grit (25-pack)).

Step-by-Step: Sanding Hardwood Stairs

1. Prep the area. Remove carpet, nails, or staples. Tape off walls and railings.
2. Start with 60 grit. Sand stair treads to strip old finish and level imperfections.
3. Move to 100 grit. Refine surfaces and remove scratches left by coarse grit.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Sand lightly for a smooth, even surface ready for stain or polyurethane.
5. Vacuum and clean. Remove all dust before applying finishes.
6. Apply stain and finish. Use thin coats, sanding lightly with 220 grit between polyurethane layers if needed.

Special Cases

Curved or turned stair parts require hand sanding with sponges. For painted stairs, start with coarse grit (60–80) to cut through paint before progressing.

Pro Tips

• Sand along the grain to avoid swirl marks.
• Replace sandpaper often—worn sheets burnish wood instead of sanding.
• Use a bright work light to check for missed spots.

Aftercare

• Allow finishes to cure fully before walking on stairs.
• Use runners or pads to protect high-traffic areas.
• Clean with wood-safe products to maintain shine.

FAQs

• Can I use a belt sander on stairs? Not recommended—too aggressive and difficult to control.
• Do I need to remove all old finish? Yes, for even stain absorption and proper adhesion.
• Should I sand risers too? Yes, but they usually only need light sanding with 220 grit.

Watch & Learn

With careful sanding, hardwood stairs can look brand new and feel safer underfoot. Shop our wood sanding sheets to tackle your next refinishing project.