Sanding Hardwood Floors: Step-by-Step Guide for a Perfect Refinish

Refinishing hardwood floors can transform your home—but success depends on proper sanding. A clean, level surface lets stain and sealer bond evenly, while the right grit sequence prevents swirl marks or blotches. This guide walks you through sanding hardwood floors like a pro, from rough leveling to the final fine finish.

Why Sand Hardwood Floors

Over time, wood floors collect scratches, dents, and old finish layers that dull their beauty. Sanding removes these imperfections, evens out boards, and opens the grain for new stain or sealant. Done correctly, it restores both smoothness and natural luster.

Tools & Materials

• Drum or belt floor sander
• Edge sander or detail sander
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Wood filler (for gaps or cracks)
• Silicon carbide sandpaper: 60 Grit (25-pack), 100 Grit (50-pack), and 180 Grit (100-pack).

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 60 grit: Strips old finish and levels boards.
• 100 grit: Smooths scratches and refines the grain.
• 180 grit: Prepares for stain or sealer with a smooth touch.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Hardwood Floors

1. Prep the room. Remove furniture, baseboards, and vents. Clean thoroughly to avoid clogging the paper with debris.
2. Begin with 60 Grit (25-pack). Sand diagonally across the boards first to remove finish and flatten uneven planks. Then sand with the grain to level out scratches.
3. Move to 100 Grit (50-pack). Sand with the grain in slow, steady passes. Use an edge sander for corners and perimeters where the main sander can’t reach.
4. Finish with 180 Grit (100-pack). Go over the entire floor for a uniform texture. Vacuum between grits to prevent scratching from loose dust.
5. Inspect and clean. Check for swirl marks using a flashlight held at floor level. Wipe down with a damp cloth or tack rag before staining.

Special Cases

For parquet floors, sand in multiple directions following the pattern. For engineered hardwood, check the veneer thickness—only sand if it’s at least 3 mm thick. Always fill nail holes or gaps before the final sanding pass to ensure smooth results.

Pro Tips

• Keep the sander moving—staying in one spot can gouge the wood.
• Replace sandpaper frequently for consistent performance.
• Sand each grit twice: once across the grain, once along it, for perfect leveling.
• Use fine-grit hand sanding along baseboards for professional edge blending.

Aftercare

• Apply wood conditioner before staining for even color.
• Let the first sealer coat dry fully before applying additional coats.
• Recoat every few years to maintain durability and shine.
• Clean floors only with pH-balanced wood cleaner—avoid water soaking.

FAQs

• Can I skip straight to fine grit? No—start coarse to remove old finish effectively, or finer grits won’t cut evenly.
• Should I sand between coats of finish? Yes, use 220 grit lightly between sealer coats for a silky feel.
• Can I rent a floor sander? Absolutely—most home improvement stores offer rentals for DIY refinishing.

Watch & Learn

Using 60 Grit (25-pack), 100 Grit (50-pack), and 180 Grit (100-pack) guarantees smooth, even, and beautiful hardwood floors ready for stain or sealant—bringing natural warmth and polish back to your home.