Sanding Wood Floors Before Finishing: Complete Grit Guide

Wood floors are an investment, and refinishing them properly extends their life and beauty for decades. The key to a professional-looking finish is careful sanding with the right grit sequence. Whether you’re reviving an old oak floor or prepping new planks, following a structured sanding plan ensures smooth results and lasting protection.

Why Sanding Matters

Sanding removes scratches, dents, and old finish while creating the perfect surface for stain or polyurethane. Skipping grits or rushing through the process leaves swirl marks, uneven coloring, or premature finish failure.

Essential Tools for Floor Sanding

• Drum sander for main areas
• Edge sander for corners and baseboard areas
• Orbital sander for blending
• Vacuum and tack cloth for dust removal

Floor Sanding Grit Sequence

• 60 grit: Heavy removal of old finish and deep scratches (60 Grit (50-pack)).
• 100 grit: Intermediate smoothing and scratch refinement (100 Grit (100-pack)).
• 220 grit: Final smoothness before staining or sealing (220 Grit (25-pack)).

Step-by-Step: Sanding a Wood Floor

1. Prepare the room. Remove furniture, cover vents, and ensure safety gear is ready.
2. Start with 60 grit. Sand diagonally across boards to cut through old finish and level uneven areas.
3. Sand edges. Use an edge sander with the same grit to match the main floor.
4. Move to 100 grit. Sand with the grain to refine scratches left by coarse grit.
5. Repeat edges. Match grit sequence on edges and corners.
6. Finish with 220 grit. Use an orbital sander to achieve a fine, even surface before applying stain or polyurethane.
7. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum, then wipe with a tack cloth to remove all dust.

Special Cases

For floors with wax buildup, strip first before sanding. Parquet floors may require extra care with finer grits to avoid cross-grain scratches.

Pro Tips

• Keep sanders moving to prevent gouges.
• Replace sandpaper as soon as it dulls—clogged sheets can burnish wood.
• Always sand with the grain for final passes.

Aftercare

• Allow stain or finish to cure fully before placing furniture.
• Use felt pads on furniture to protect the new finish.
• Clean with hardwood-safe products to extend life.

FAQs

• Can I sand engineered wood floors? Only if the veneer is thick enough—usually at least 3mm.
• How many times can hardwood be refinished? Solid wood floors can typically be sanded 4–6 times in their lifetime.
• Do I need to sand between coats of polyurethane? A light pass with 220–320 grit improves adhesion.

Watch & Learn

With patience and the right grits, your wood floors can look brand new again. Browse the full range of wood sanding sheets to keep your project on track.