Revive Old Wooden Floors with the Right Sandpaper Grits (60, 100, 180, 240 Guide)

Wooden floors bring warmth and character to a home, but over time scratches, dents, and worn finishes dull their beauty. With the right sandpaper sequence, you can transform old floors into smooth, polished surfaces ready for staining or sealing. Floor sanding doesn’t need to be intimidating—it's all about following the correct grit progression and maintaining control.

Why Floor Sanding Matters

Every step you take on a floor compresses fibers and exposes the finish to wear. Sanding not only removes the old finish but also levels out imperfections and restores the natural grain of the wood. Done properly, sanding extends the life of your floors and enhances their value.

Tools for Floor Sanding

• Drum sander and edge sander (available at most rental stores)
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Knee pads for comfort
• Multiple grits of sandpaper sheets for corners and edges

Best Grits for Floor Refinishing

• 60 grit (50-pack) — Cuts through old finish and deep scratches.
• 100 grit (100-pack) — Smooths rough sanding marks and prepares the wood.
• 180 grit (50-pack) — Creates a finer surface for stain or sealer.
• 240 grit (25-pack) — Leaves a silky texture for topcoats.

Step-by-Step: Floor Sanding Process

1. Prepare the room. Remove furniture, cover vents, and check for loose nails or staples.
2. Cut with 60 grit. Use a drum sander with 60 grit sandpaper to strip the old finish. Overlap passes slightly for even results.
3. Smooth with 100 grit. Switch to 100 grit sheets to remove coarse marks and begin leveling the floor.
4. Refine with 180 grit. Use 180 grit sandpaper for a cleaner surface ready for finishing.
5. Finish with 240 grit. Hand sand corners and edges with 240 grit sheets for a uniform final texture.
6. Vacuum thoroughly. Remove dust before applying stain or sealant.

Special Cases

• Pet stains: May require deeper sanding with 60 grit to remove discoloration.
• Engineered wood: Has a thinner veneer layer—avoid over-sanding.
• Uneven boards: Spend extra time with coarse grits to level dips and rises.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain for the best finish.
• Change sandpaper frequently—dull sheets scratch instead of cutting.
• Edge sanders and hand sanding complete what the drum sander misses.

Aftercare

• Seal floors immediately after sanding to prevent moisture absorption.
• Use felt pads under furniture to avoid fresh scratches.
• Recoat floors every few years to maintain shine and protection.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand between coats of finish? Yes, a light pass with 240 grit improves adhesion.
• How much wood does sanding remove? Usually less than 1/16”, safe for multiple refinishings.
• Can I DIY without a drum sander? Small rooms can be done with orbital sanders, but it’s more time-consuming.

Watch & Learn

Refinishing floors at home is a rewarding project when you use the right sandpaper grits. Stock up on wood sanding sheets and restore your floors to their original beauty.