Refinish Oak Stairs: 60?100?150?220 Grit Sequence

Oak stairs take heavy abuse from shoes, pets, and daily traffic. Scratches, worn finishes, and dirt build up over time. To restore their beauty, sand in stages: 60 ? 100 ? 150 ? 220 grit. This step-down sequence removes finish, smooths wood, and preps stairs for stain and durable topcoat.

Why Sand Stairs in Stages

Skipping grits leaves swirl marks and uneven color. Each grit eliminates scratches from the previous step. The final 220 grit ensures a smooth, even surface for stain while keeping the oak’s grain definition sharp.

Tools & Materials

• 9×11 in sandpaper sheets: 60, 100, 150, 220 grit
• Orbital sander, detail sander, and sanding block
• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Tack cloths or microfiber rags
• Stain and polyurethane finish
• PPE: respirator, ear protection, knee pads

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 60 grit — Removes old finish, deep scratches, and grime.
• 100 grit — Refines rough sanding, smooths edges.
• 150 grit — Prepares surface for fine finishing.
• 220 grit — Final pass for consistent stain absorption.

Step-by-Step: Oak Stair Refinishing

1. Prep stairs. Remove carpet, nails, or old treads. Clean thoroughly.
2. Sand with 60 grit. Use 60 grit (25-pack) to strip finish and scratches.
3. Step to 100 grit. Switch to 100 grit (50-pack). Smooth surfaces evenly with the grain.
4. Sand at 150 grit. Refine with 150 grit (100-pack) for a clean base.
5. Final pass at 220 grit. Finish with 220 grit (25-pack) to prep for stain.
6. Vacuum thoroughly. Clear all dust before finishing.
7. Apply stain and finish. Use stain of choice, then coat with polyurethane for durability.

Special Cases

Painted stairs: May require chemical stripper before sanding.
Softwood treads: Stop at 180 grit to allow better stain penetration.
Uneven wear: Spend extra time with coarse grits to level surfaces.

Pro Tips

• Use detail sander for corners where orbital can’t reach.
• Sand risers lightly—these don’t need as much prep as treads.
• Work slowly—stairs show scratches under light.
• Always sand with the grain of the oak.
• Apply finish with long, even strokes for professional look.

Aftercare

• Use runners or rugs in high-traffic areas.
• Add felt pads under furniture near stairs.
• Clean with non-abrasive wood floor cleaners.
• Refresh polyurethane every 5–7 years.

FAQs

• Can I skip 150 grit? Not recommended—100 ? 220 leaves scratches visible.
• Do I need to remove all finish? Yes—new stain won’t absorb into old coatings.
• Why finish at 220? It’s fine enough for smoothness but open enough for stain absorption.
• How long does the process take? Expect 1–2 days depending on stair size and condition.

Video: Oak Stair Sanding & Refinishing

Closing: With 60 ? 100 ? 150 ? 220 grit, oak stairs regain their beauty and durability. Careful sanding sets the stage for a rich, professional finish that lasts.