Sanding Wood Floors Before Refinishing: Smooth Base for Lasting Shine

Refinishing hardwood floors can completely transform a room—but the results depend on proper sanding. Sanding removes old finish, scratches, and imperfections, creating a fresh base for stain or polyurethane. Here’s how to sand wood floors step by step, with the right grit sequence for professional results.

Why Sand Floors Before Refinishing?

Old floors accumulate scratches, dents, and worn spots. Without sanding, new finish won’t bond evenly, leading to blotchy color or peeling. Sanding ensures the surface is level, smooth, and ready for a flawless finish.

Recommended Tools

• Drum sander for large open areas
• Edger sander for corners and walls
• Vacuum and tack cloth for cleanup
• Respirator, ear protection, and safety glasses

Choosing the Right Grit Sequence

• 60 grit: Heavy removal of old finish and deep scratches.
• 100 grit: Smooths after initial sanding and evens out the surface.
• 150 grit: Prepares wood for stain or sealer.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Hardwood Floors

1. Prep the room. Remove furniture, cover vents, and seal doorways to contain dust.
2. First pass with 60 grit. Strip away the old finish using 60 grit (25-pack). Work in the direction of the wood grain.
3. Second pass with 100 grit. Level the surface with 100 grit (50-pack), removing sanding marks left by coarse grit.
4. Final pass with 150 grit. Smooth the wood before staining using 150 grit (100-pack). This step ensures even absorption of stain or sealer.
5. Edge sanding. Use the same grit sequence with an edger around baseboards and corners.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe down to remove all dust before finishing.

Special Cases

Pet stains: May require deeper sanding or wood bleach.
Softwoods: Start with finer grits (80 instead of 60) to avoid gouging.
Uneven floors: More passes with coarse grit may be needed to level high spots.

Pro Tips

• Always keep the sander moving—pausing can create dips.
• Overlap each pass slightly for uniform sanding.
• Sand with the grain for the smoothest results.

Aftercare & Next Steps

• Apply stain evenly with a brush or rag after sanding.
• Seal with polyurethane or water-based finish for durability.
• Allow floors to cure fully before moving furniture back.

FAQs

• Can I rent sanders? Yes, most hardware stores rent floor sanders and edgers.
• Do I need to sand to bare wood? For full refinishing, yes. For touch-ups, light sanding may suffice.
• How long does it take? An average room can take 1–2 days, depending on floor condition.

Watch & Learn

Sanding hardwood floors may feel like a big job, but with patience and the right grit sequence, you’ll reveal the natural beauty of the wood and prepare it for a long-lasting finish.