How to Sand Wooden Dining Tables Before Refinishing

Dining tables are the heart of the home, hosting meals, gatherings, and daily activities. Over time, scratches, stains, and worn finishes accumulate. Sanding is the critical first step before refinishing to restore smoothness and prepare the wood for stain, paint, or oil. This guide explains how to sand dining tables effectively for lasting beauty.

Why Dining Table Sanding Matters

Because dining tables are large, flat, and heavily used, uneven sanding or skipping grits can leave visible marks that show under new finishes. Proper sanding ensures a consistent surface, strong finish adhesion, and a polished final appearance.

Tools You’ll Need

• Random orbital sander for tabletop
• Sanding blocks for edges and legs
• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets (80–220 grit)
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Stain, oil, or paint finish

Best Grit Sequence for Dining Tables

• 80 grit: Removes old finish, deep scratches, and stains.
• 150 grit: Smooths surfaces after coarse sanding.
• 220 grit: Final prep before stain, paint, or oil.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Wooden Dining Tables

1. Prep table. Remove legs if possible, hardware, and clean thoroughly.
2. Initial sanding. Begin with 80 grit (25-pack) to strip old finishes and level imperfections.
3. Smooth surfaces. Move to 150 grit (50-pack) for consistent smoothing.
4. Final prep. Finish with 220 grit (100-pack) to create a finish-ready surface.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and tack cloth to remove dust before finishing.

Special Cases

For veneer dining tables, sand lightly to avoid sanding through thin layers. Painted tables may require stripping before sanding. Antique dining tables should be sanded gently to preserve craftsmanship and value.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain, especially on tabletops, for best results.
• Test finishes on the underside before applying across the surface.
• Work in even passes with light pressure to avoid low spots.

Aftercare

• Protect finish: Use tablecloths, coasters, and placemats.
• Re-finish as needed: Light sanding with 220 grit before recoating extends lifespan.
• Clean gently: Avoid abrasive cleaners that wear down finishes.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand to bare wood? Yes, for damaged finishes. For light updates, scuff sanding may suffice.
• What finish works best? Polyurethane for durability, oils for natural grain, and paints for bold style.
• Can I sand by hand? Yes—especially useful for legs and edges.

Watch & Learn

Sanding dining tables is the foundation of lasting refinishing. With the right grit sequence and tools, you’ll restore beauty and durability, making your table ready for many more years of shared meals and memories.