How to Sand Wooden Floors with a Drum or Orbital Sander (36–220 Grit)

Refinishing hardwood floors transforms worn surfaces into like-new beauty. The most critical step is sanding, which removes old finishes, levels boards, and prepares the wood for stain or polyurethane. Using the correct grit progression with a drum or orbital sander ensures professional results.

Why Sand Floors?

Over time, hardwood floors develop scratches, dents, and worn finishes. Sanding strips away old coatings and smooths imperfections, giving you a fresh surface for refinishing. Without sanding, new finishes won’t adhere evenly and imperfections will remain visible.

Tools You’ll Need

• Drum sander or orbital floor sander
• Edge sander or detail sander for corners
• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets and rolls (36–220 grit)
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Safety gear: mask, goggles, ear protection

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 36 grit: Heavy removal of old finish and leveling uneven boards.
• 60 grit: General smoothing after coarse sanding.
• 100 grit: Blending and prepping for stain or sealer.
• 150–220 grit: Final smoothing for bare wood before finishing.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Prep the room. Remove furniture, cover vents, and clean the floor.
2. Start with 36 grit. Use 36 grit (50-pack) for aggressive stripping of finishes.
3. Refine with 60 grit. Smooth surfaces with 60 grit (50-pack) rolls or sheets.
4. Prep with 100 grit. Use 100 grit (100-pack) for consistent, even surfaces.
5. Finish with 150–220 grit. Sand lightly with 220 grit (100-pack) before staining or sealing.
6. Edge sanding. Use edge or detail sanders along walls and corners.
7. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with tack cloths before applying finishes.

Special Cases

For engineered hardwood, sanding is limited—check veneer thickness before starting. For softwoods like pine, avoid sanding past 150 grit to allow better stain penetration.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain of the wood.
• Keep the sander moving to avoid drum marks or gouges.
• Replace sandpaper frequently—worn grits can burnish wood instead of cutting.
• Work in overlapping passes for even sanding.

Aftercare

• Allow finishes to cure fully before moving furniture back.
• Use rugs and felt pads under furniture to protect refinished floors.
• Reapply polyurethane every 5–7 years in high-traffic areas.

FAQs

• Do I need a drum sander? For large areas, yes. Orbital sanders are slower but easier for beginners.
• Can I sand floors by hand? Only for very small sections or spot repairs—machines are necessary for whole rooms.
• What grit is best before staining floors? 100–150 grit is ideal for stain absorption.

Watch & Learn

Sanding floors is the foundation of long-lasting, beautiful finishes. Stock up on extra coarse grits, medium sheets, and fine sandpapers to complete your hardwood floor refinishing project.