How to Sand Wooden Floors for Refinishing

Hardwood floors add warmth and value to any home, but daily use can leave them scratched, dull, or stained. Sanding is the critical first step in refinishing, restoring the natural beauty of the wood and preparing it for stain or sealant. Here’s a complete guide to sanding wooden floors.

Why Sand Floors?

Sanding removes old finishes, scratches, and dents while leveling uneven boards. It also opens the wood grain, allowing stain or polyurethane to bond evenly. Skipping sanding results in uneven color, poor adhesion, and visible damage.

Tools You’ll Need

• Drum sander or orbital floor sander
• Edge sander for corners and borders
• 9x11 in sandpaper sheets for detail sanding
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Protective gear: respirator, goggles, ear protection

Best Grit Sequence for Floors

• 36–40 grit: Removes old finish and deep scratches.
• 60–80 grit: Smooths boards and blends surfaces.
• 100–120 grit: Final pass for a stain- or seal-ready surface.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Floors

1. Prep the room. Remove furniture and cover vents to control dust.
2. Start with coarse grit. Use 40 grit (25-pack) to strip finishes and flatten boards.
3. Smooth with medium grit. Apply 80 grit (50-pack) to refine surfaces.
4. Finish with fine grit. Use 120 grit (100-pack) for a silky surface ready for stain or sealant.
5. Edge sanding. Use sandpaper sheets with a block to reach corners and tight spots.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe with tack cloth before applying finishes.

Special Cases

For engineered wood, avoid aggressive sanding—start with 80 grit. For antique floors, lighter sanding helps preserve character while refreshing the surface.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain for a uniform finish.
• Replace sandpaper often—worn sheets scratch instead of smoothing.
• Do multiple light passes instead of forcing coarse grit aggressively.

Aftercare

• Apply stain or polyurethane immediately after sanding.
• Recoat floors every few years to maintain durability.
• Use rugs and furniture pads to protect the finish.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand to bare wood? Yes—refinishing requires removing old finishes completely.
• What grit before staining? 100–120 grit gives the best results.
• Can I sand floors by hand? Only for small repairs—large areas require power sanders.

Watch & Learn

Restore your hardwood floors with eQualle’s 9x11 in sandpaper sheets, available in coarse to fine grits. Shop floor sanding sheets here.