How to Sand Wooden Tabletops Before Finishing (100, 150, 180, 220 Grit Guide)

Wooden tabletops highlight natural grain and beauty, but they must be sanded properly for a flawless finish. Whether you’re staining, sealing, or painting, the right grit sequence ensures even absorption and a silky-smooth surface. This guide explains how to sand tabletops step by step using 100, 150, 180, and 220 grit sandpaper.

Why Sanding Tabletops Matters

Tabletops often show scratches, dents, and uneven wear. Sanding removes these imperfections and creates a uniform surface for stain or finish. Without sanding, finishes may look blotchy or peel prematurely.

Tools You’ll Need

• 100–220 grit sandpaper – medium to fine for progressive smoothing.
• Orbital sander – speeds up work on large flat surfaces.
• Sanding block – perfect for edges and corners.
• Vacuum & tack cloth – removes sanding dust.
• Wood stain or polyurethane – for finishing after sanding.

Best Grit Sequence for Tabletops

• 100 grit: Levels surfaces and removes scratches.
• 150 grit: Smooths wood after initial sanding.
• 180 grit: Prepares wood for stain or sealer.
• 220 grit: Final sanding for a silky, finish-ready surface.

Step-by-Step Tabletop Sanding

1. Start with 100 grit. Remove scratches and uneven spots using 100 grit (50-pack).
2. Smooth with 150 grit. Refine surface texture using 150 grit (25-pack).
3. Refine with 180 grit. Prep the tabletop for finish with 180 grit (25-pack).
4. Finish with 220 grit. Create a smooth, paint or stain-ready surface using 220 grit (100-pack).
5. Clean thoroughly. Remove all dust before applying finish.

Special Cases

For hardwoods like oak, stopping at 180 grit can help stain absorb evenly. For softwoods like pine, finishing with 220 grit prevents blotchiness. Veneered tabletops should not be sanded below 150 grit to avoid sanding through the thin layer.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to avoid scratches.
• Use light, even pressure to maintain flatness.
• Replace paper frequently—tabletops wear sandpaper quickly.
• Test finishes on a small section before applying to the whole piece.

Aftercare

• Protect tabletops with mats and coasters.
• Dust regularly to preserve finish.
• Lightly re-sand with 220 grit before recoating finishes.

FAQs

• Can I skip 150 grit? No—each grit smooths scratches from the previous one.
• Do I need to sand new tabletops? Yes—factory surfaces still require sanding for finish adhesion.
• What grit should I stop at before staining? 180–220 grit works best depending on wood type.

Watch & Learn

For flawless furniture refinishing, explore our wood sanding sandpaper collection.