How to Sand Hardwood Floors for a Smooth, Durable Finish (80–320 Grit Guide)

Hardwood floors can lose their shine over time due to foot traffic, spills, and scratches. With proper sanding and finishing, you can restore them to a smooth, durable surface that looks brand new. The 5-Inch 8-Hole Sanding Discs, Hook & Loop, Assorted Grit (50-Pack) offer all five key grits—80, 120, 180, 220, and 320—making them ideal for a complete floor refinishing project.

Why Sanding is Essential for Floor Restoration

Sanding removes old finish, evens out scratches and dents, and prepares the surface for a new protective coating. Skipping grits or rushing the process can leave visible marks and reduce the lifespan of the finish.

Tools & Materials

• Assorted Grit Sanding Discs (80, 120, 180, 220, 320 grit)
• Random orbital floor sander or hand-held orbital sander for small areas
• Vacuum with HEPA filter
• Tack cloths
• Wood floor stain or polyurethane finish
• Knee pads and dust mask

Step-by-Step Sanding Process

1. Prep the Room: Remove all furniture and cover vents or openings to contain dust.
2. Initial Cut – 80 Grit: Sand along the grain to remove old finish, deep scratches, and level uneven boards.
3. Second Pass – 120 Grit: Smooth out coarse sanding marks and refine the surface.
4. Third Pass – 180 Grit: Eliminate remaining imperfections and prepare the floor for fine sanding.
5. Fine Sanding – 220 Grit: Create a uniform texture that allows stain or finish to absorb evenly.
6. Final Polish – 320 Grit: Achieve a silky-smooth finish for maximum visual appeal and durability.
7. Clean Thoroughly: Vacuum the floor and wipe with a tack cloth to remove all dust.
8. Apply Finish: Stain or seal the floor according to manufacturer’s instructions, allowing adequate drying time.

Pro Tips for Hardwood Floor Sanding

• Always keep the sander moving to avoid creating low spots.
• Work in sections, overlapping each pass by a few inches for even results.
• Use hand sanding for corners, edges, and areas the sander can’t reach.
• Wear a dust mask and ear protection for safety.

Aftercare for Refinished Floors

• Wait at least 48 hours before placing furniture back on the floor.
• Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches.
• Clean regularly with a soft broom or microfiber mop.
• Reapply protective finish as needed depending on wear.

FAQs

• Can I use these discs on engineered hardwood? Yes, but sand lightly and avoid going through the veneer layer.
• Do I need to sand to bare wood? Only if the old finish is damaged or you are changing stain color.
• Will these discs work on concrete floors? They are designed for wood, but coarse grits can be used for light concrete prep.

Watch the Process

With the 5-Inch 8-Hole Sanding Discs (50-Pack), you have the versatility and performance needed to bring hardwood floors back to their original beauty and extend their life for years to come.