Refinishing Hardwood Floors for a Smooth, Long-Lasting Finish (80–400 Grit Sequence)

Hardwood floors add warmth and beauty to a home, but years of use can leave them scratched, dull, or uneven. Sanding and refinishing restores their appearance, protects the wood, and increases property value. This guide takes you through the process step-by-step, using a proven grit progression from Grit 80 to Grit 400.

Why Sanding is Essential for Hardwood Floor Restoration

Over time, foot traffic, furniture movement, and spills damage the finish of hardwood floors. Sanding removes the worn top layer, smooths imperfections, and prepares the surface for a new, durable protective coating.

Tools & Materials

• Drum sander for large floor areas
• Edge sander for corners and along walls
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Multiple grits of sandpaper
• Wood stain (optional)
• Polyurethane or other floor finish
• Protective gear: mask, goggles, ear protection

Best Grit Sequence for Hardwood Floors

• Grit 80 — Heavy removal of old finish and leveling
• Grit 150 — Refining the surface
• Grit 220 — Pre-finish smoothing
• Grit 400 — Final polishing pass

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation. Remove all furniture, rugs, and baseboards if necessary. Inspect for loose boards or nails and repair them before sanding.
2. Initial sanding. Start with Grit 80 (25-pack) to remove the old finish and even out high spots or deep scratches. Sand along the grain for best results.
3. Surface refinement. Switch to Grit 150 (50-pack) to smooth the surface and remove marks left by the coarse grit.
4. Pre-finish sanding. Move to Grit 220 (100-pack) to prepare the floor for stain or finish, ensuring even absorption.
5. Final sanding. Use Grit 400 (10-pack) to achieve a silky-smooth feel before applying the finish.
6. Dust removal. Vacuum the floor thoroughly and wipe with a tack cloth to remove fine dust particles.
7. Apply stain (optional). If changing the floor color, apply wood stain evenly and allow it to dry according to manufacturer instructions.
8. Apply protective finish. Use multiple thin coats of polyurethane or another floor finish, sanding lightly with Grit 400 between coats for maximum smoothness and durability.

Special Cases

For engineered hardwood floors, avoid heavy sanding to prevent removing the thin wear layer. In such cases, start with a finer grit like Grit 150.

Pro Tips for Success

• Always sand in the direction of the wood grain.
• Change sandpaper frequently to maintain cutting efficiency.
• Work methodically from one side of the room to the other to avoid missed spots.

Aftercare

• Use rugs and mats in high-traffic areas to protect the finish.
• Clean floors regularly with a microfiber mop.
• Recoat every few years to maintain the protective layer.

FAQs

• Can I sand floors myself? Yes, with the right equipment and preparation, DIY floor sanding is possible.
• Do I have to remove all old finish? For best results and durability, yes—the old finish should be completely removed.

Watch & Learn

By following this grit progression—from Grit 80 (25-pack) to Grit 400 (10-pack)—you can restore your hardwood floors to a smooth, beautiful, and durable finish that will last for years.