How to Sand Hardwood Floors Before Refinishing (60, 80, 100, 120 Grit Guide)

Refinishing hardwood floors is one of the best ways to restore beauty and extend their lifespan. The key to success is sanding with the right grit sequence. Starting with coarse grits to remove old finish and scratches, then progressing finer to smooth the wood, ensures floors are ready for stain or polyurethane. This guide explains how to sand hardwood floors using 60, 80, 100, and 120 grit sandpaper.

Why Sanding Floors Matters

Floor sanding removes old finishes, evens out wear, and eliminates deep scratches. Without proper sanding, new finishes won’t bond evenly, and imperfections remain visible. Each grit step is critical to achieving professional-grade results.

Tools You’ll Need

• Drum or belt sander – for main floor sanding.
• Edge sander – reaches corners and edges near walls.
• Orbital sander – smooths surfaces between grits.
• 60–120 grit sandpaper sheets & belts – for step-by-step refinement.
• Vacuum & tack cloths – for dust removal between stages.

Best Grits for Hardwood Floors

• 60 grit: Removes old finish, paint, or heavy scratches.
• 80 grit: Smooths rough surface after coarse sanding.
• 100 grit: Refines wood, preparing for final smoothing.
• 120 grit: Leaves a clean, even surface for stain or polyurethane.

Step-by-Step Floor Sanding

1. Start with 60 grit. Strip off old varnish or paint. Use 60 grit (25-pack) for aggressive removal.
2. Move to 80 grit. Smooth out 60-grit scratches and level the surface. Stock up with 80 grit (50-pack).
3. Smooth with 100 grit. Refines the texture and prepares the floor for finer sanding. Use 100 grit (100-pack).
4. Finish with 120 grit. Provides a smooth, stain-ready surface. Try 120 grit (10-pack) for finishing passes.
5. Clean up thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe with tack cloth before applying stain or finish.

Special Cases

For engineered hardwood, avoid coarse grits below 80 to protect thin veneers. For very damaged floors, start with 36–40 grit before moving to 60 grit. Always test hidden areas first to ensure you don’t oversand.

Pro Tips

• Sand in the direction of the wood grain whenever possible.
• Replace sandpaper often—dull paper burns wood instead of cutting.
• Overlap sanding paths slightly for consistent results.
• Work systematically, finishing one grit across the whole floor before moving to the next.

Aftercare

• Apply stain or polyurethane immediately after sanding to prevent dust contamination.
• Use area rugs and felt pads on furniture legs to protect the finish.
• Recoat floors every few years to extend life without full sanding again.

FAQs

• Can I skip from 60 to 100 grit? No—each step removes scratches from the previous grit.
• Do I need to sand between polyurethane coats? Yes, lightly with 220–320 grit for adhesion.
• Will sanding remove deep gouges? It helps, but very deep damage may require wood filler.

Watch & Learn

For large refinishing jobs, stock up from our full wood sanding collection.