eQualle Sandpaper Sheets for Refinishing Hardwood Stairs (60–220 Grit Guide)

Hardwood stairs take constant foot traffic, leading to scratches, worn finishes, and uneven surfaces. Refinishing them requires proper sanding, and eQualle 9x11 inch Wet/Dry Sandpaper Sheets deliver the grit range to strip old finishes and prepare the wood for stain or sealant.

Why Sanding Stairs is Important

Stairs endure more wear than most wood surfaces. Sanding removes old coatings and smooths rough spots, ensuring stain or polyurethane adheres evenly. Without sanding, refinished stairs may peel, look uneven, or wear prematurely.

Tools You’ll Need

• Orbital sander and detail sander
• Sanding block for corners
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Stain or polyurethane
• eQualle Wet/Dry Sandpaper Sheets

Best Sandpaper Grits for Stair Refinishing

• 60 Grit (25-pack) — Removes old finish and heavy scratches.
• 100 Grit (50-pack) — Smooths rough wood after stripping.
• 150 Grit (100-pack) — Prepares surfaces for stain.
• 220 Grit (25-pack) — Final sanding for a smooth, stain-ready surface.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Hardwood Stairs

1. Prep the area. Remove carpeting, nails, and debris from stair surfaces.
2. Sand with 60 grit. Strip away old finish and level scratches or dents.
3. Switch to 100 grit. Smooth surfaces and reduce coarse sanding marks.
4. Refine with 150 grit. Prepare the wood for even stain absorption.
5. Finish with 220 grit. Lightly sand for a silky, paint- or stain-ready surface.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and tack cloth to remove dust before finishing.
7. Apply stain or polyurethane. Use thin, even coats for durability.

Special Cases

For oak stairs, sanding to 220 grit ensures smooth stain application. For softer woods like pine, avoid over-sanding above 220 grit, as it can close pores and reduce stain absorption.

Pro Tips

• Sand along the grain of the wood to avoid scratches.
• Use detail sanders or folded sandpaper for corners and edges.
• Replace sheets as soon as they clog for best performance.

Aftercare

• Reapply polyurethane every few years to maintain durability.
• Clean stairs with wood-safe cleaners—avoid harsh chemicals.
• Use rugs or runners to minimize wear on high-traffic steps.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand between polyurethane coats? Yes, lightly with 220 grit for adhesion.
• Can I sand stairs by hand? Yes, but orbital sanders speed up large flat areas.
• How long does stair refinishing take? Typically 2–3 days including drying time.

Watch & Learn

Restore beauty and durability to your steps with eQualle Sandpaper Sheets (9x11 in, Wet or Dry). Explore the wood sanding collection for your next stair refinishing project.