Sanding Wood Floors Before Staining: Flawless Finish Prep (60–220 Grit Guide)

Staining wood floors enhances their natural grain and color, but sanding is essential before applying stain. Proper sanding removes old finishes, smooths imperfections, and opens the wood grain for even stain absorption. This guide explains grit sequences and techniques for floor sanding before staining.

Why Sand Before Staining?

Uneven or rough floors absorb stain inconsistently, leading to blotchy results. Sanding ensures stain penetrates uniformly, highlighting the wood’s natural beauty.

Best Tools for Floor Sanding

• 9x11 in silicon carbide sandpaper sheets
• Floor sander for large areas
• Edge sander or sanding block for corners
• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Protective mask, gloves, and goggles

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 60 grit: Remove old finish and level surface.
• 80 grit: Smooth scratches from coarse sanding.
• 120 grit: Refine surface and prepare grain.
• 180–220 grit: Final sanding for stain absorption.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Wood Floors for Staining

1. Prep the area. Remove furniture and cover vents to control dust.
2. Start with 60 grit. Strip old finish with 60 Grit (25-pack).
3. Move to 80 grit. Smooth coarse marks and level boards. Try 80 Grit (50-pack).
4. Refine with 120 grit. Sand along the grain for consistency. Stock up on 120 Grit (100-pack).
5. Finish with 180–220 grit. Light sanding ensures stain penetrates evenly.
6. Vacuum thoroughly. Remove all sanding dust before staining.
7. Apply stain. Work in sections for uniform coverage.

Special Cases

For engineered floors, avoid grits below 100 to prevent sanding through the veneer. For softwoods like pine, do not oversand—too fine a grit can reduce stain absorption.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain for the best results.
• Replace sandpaper sheets when clogged to maintain efficiency.
• Use bright lighting to spot uneven sanding.
• Always test stain on a hidden section before finishing the entire floor.

Aftercare

• Allow stain to dry fully before applying protective finish.
• Clean floors with wood-safe cleaners only.
• Reapply protective coatings periodically to maintain durability.

FAQs

• What grit should I stop at before staining? 180–220 grit is ideal for most hardwoods.
• Can I stain without sanding? Not recommended—stain will absorb unevenly.
• Do I need to sand between stain coats? Light sanding with 220 grit can improve adhesion for multiple coats.

Watch & Learn

For flawless floor refinishing, explore our Wood Sandpaper Collection.