Sanding Hardwood Stairs: Safe, Smooth, and Ready for Finish

Hardwood stairs take heavy foot traffic, leading to scratches, dents, and worn finishes. Sanding is essential before refinishing to restore their beauty and ensure safety. This guide explains how to sand hardwood stairs step by step for a durable, polished result.

Why Sand Hardwood Stairs?

Sanding removes old finishes, evens out wear, and prepares wood for stain, paint, or clear coats. Without sanding, finishes may peel, look uneven, or fail to protect the wood.

Tools You’ll Need

• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets (60–400 grit)
• Hand sander or sanding block
• Sanding sponges for corners and edges
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Stain, paint, or clear coat
• Protective gloves, mask, and goggles

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 60–80 grit: Strip old finish and level deep scratches.
• 120 grit: Smooth the surface after coarse sanding.
• 180 grit: Refine wood for even texture.
• 220–400 grit: Final sanding before stain or topcoat.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Hardwood Stairs

1. Prepare the area. Remove stair runners or carpeting and clean the surface.
2. Start with 80 grit. Use 80 grit (25-pack) to strip old finishes.
3. Smooth with 120 grit. Switch to 120 grit (50-pack) for a more even surface.
4. Refine with 180 grit. Use 180 grit (100-pack) to prepare for finishing.
5. Finish with 220–400 grit. Sand lightly for a silky texture before applying stain or clear coat.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with tack cloth.
7. Apply finish. Stain, paint, or seal as desired.

Special Cases

For ornate stair railings or spindles, use sanding sponges or folded sandpaper to reach curves and details. For veneer-topped stairs, avoid coarse grits that may cut through the thin layer.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to avoid scratches.
• Work slowly on stair edges for safety and precision.
• Replace sandpaper frequently for consistent results.

Aftercare

• Protect stairs with rugs or runners in high-traffic areas.
• Clean with wood-safe cleaners to maintain finish.
• Reapply protective coats every few years.

FAQs

• Do I need to remove all old stain? Yes, sanding ensures even absorption of new finishes.
• Can I use a floor sander on stairs? Not recommended—hand sanding provides better control on narrow surfaces.
• What grit is best before staining? 180–220 grit prepares wood for stain absorption.

Watch & Learn

Sanding hardwood stairs restores beauty and ensures lasting protection. Stock up on wet/dry sandpaper sheets—packs of 25, 50, and 100 available across all grits. Shop stair sanding sheets here.