How to Sand Wood Floors Before Refinishing (36–220 Grit Sequence)

Refinishing hardwood floors can completely transform a room, but the process begins with proper sanding. Using the right grit progression ensures old finishes are removed, scratches are smoothed, and the floor is ready for stain or polyurethane.

Why Sanding Matters for Floor Refinishing

Sanding removes old varnish, evens out dents, and exposes fresh wood for staining or sealing. Without sanding, finishes won’t bond correctly, leading to peeling or blotchy results.

Best Sandpaper Grits for Floor Sanding

• 36 grit: Heavy stock removal and old finish stripping.
• 60 grit: Leveling after coarse sanding.
• 100 grit: General smoothing before fine sanding.
• 180–220 grit: Final pass before staining or sealing.

Tools You’ll Need

• Drum sander for large floor areas.
• Edge sander for corners and perimeters.
• Orbital sander for final passes.
• Vacuum and tack cloths for dust removal.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Hardwood Floors

1. Start with coarse grit. Remove old finishes and deep scratches using 36 grit.
2. Smooth with 60 grit. Switch to 60 grit (50-pack) to even out the floor.
3. Refine with 100 grit. Sand again with 100 grit (25-pack) for consistent texture.
4. Finish with fine grit. Use 220 grit (100-pack) for a smooth, stain-ready surface.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe with tack cloths before applying stain or sealant.

Special Cases

Parquet and engineered wood floors require gentler sanding. Avoid coarse grits like 36 if veneer thickness is limited—start at 100 grit instead to prevent sanding through.

Pro Tips

• Sand in the direction of the wood grain whenever possible.
• Overlap passes slightly to avoid uneven spots.
• Change sandpaper frequently—dull sheets burnish instead of cutting.

Aftercare

• Allow stain or polyurethane to cure fully before moving furniture back in.
• Place felt pads under furniture legs to protect the finish.
• Maintain floors with gentle cleaners designed for hardwood.

FAQs

• Can I skip sanding if I just want to recoat? A light sanding with 220 grit is still recommended for adhesion.
• Is a drum sander necessary? Yes, for large floors—it cuts faster than orbital sanders.
• How many passes do I need? Usually 3–4 grits in sequence, depending on damage and finish.

Watch & Learn

Upgrade your floor refinishing results: Get coarse to fine grit sheets in 25, 50, and 100 packs for every stage. Shop wood sanding sandpaper.