Restoring Hardwood Floors for a Smooth, Professional Finish (60–320 Grit Sequence)

Hardwood floors add warmth and elegance to any home, but daily foot traffic, furniture movement, and accidental spills can leave them scratched, worn, and dull. By sanding and refinishing, you can bring back their original beauty and durability. This guide covers a complete hardwood floor restoration process from Grit 60 to Grit 320 for a professional-quality result.

Why Sanding is Essential for Hardwood Floor Restoration

Sanding removes the old finish, smooths out scratches and dents, and prepares the surface for a new protective coating. The right grit progression ensures the finish adheres evenly and looks flawless.

Tools & Materials

• Floor sander for large open areas
• Edge sander for perimeter sanding
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Multiple grits of sandpaper
• Wood stain or floor finish
• Clear polyurethane or other floor sealant
• Protective gear: mask, goggles, ear protection

Best Grit Sequence for Hardwood Floors

• Grit 60 — Removing old finish and leveling uneven boards
• Grit 120 — Refining the surface after coarse sanding
• Grit 220 — Pre-finish smoothing
• Grit 320 — Final sanding for a sleek, professional texture

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation. Remove all furniture, rugs, and floor coverings. Check for nails or staples sticking above the surface and set them flush.
2. Initial sanding. Start with Grit 60 (100-pack) to strip away the old finish and level the floor surface. Sand in the direction of the wood grain for consistent results.
3. Surface refinement. Move to Grit 120 (10-pack) to remove coarse sanding marks and smooth the surface.
4. Pre-finish sanding. Switch to Grit 220 (25-pack) to prepare the wood for stain or sealant, ensuring even absorption.
5. Final sanding. Finish with Grit 320 (50-pack) for a smooth, touch-ready surface before applying the finish.
6. Dust removal. Vacuum the floor thoroughly and wipe it down with a tack cloth to remove all dust before applying stain or sealant.
7. Apply stain or finish. Apply in thin, even coats, following the grain. Allow each coat to dry fully before adding the next.
8. Protective coating. Use polyurethane or another durable floor finish. Sand lightly with Grit 320 between coats for a flawless result.

Special Cases

If your floor has deep gouges or uneven boards, you may need multiple passes with Grit 60 before moving up to finer grits.

Pro Tips for Success

• Work in sections to maintain even sanding pressure.
• Replace sandpaper frequently to maintain efficiency and prevent burn marks.
• Allow finishes to cure fully before moving furniture back onto the floor.

Aftercare

• Use rugs or mats in high-traffic areas to prevent wear.
• Clean regularly with a hardwood-safe cleaner.
• Recoat the surface every few years to maintain durability.

FAQs

• Can I sand engineered hardwood floors? Only if the wear layer is thick enough; otherwise, refinishing may damage the floor.
• Should I use oil- or water-based polyurethane? Oil-based offers richer color and durability, while water-based dries faster and has less odor.

Watch & Learn

By following this grit progression—from Grit 60 (100-pack) to Grit 320 (50-pack)—you can restore your hardwood floors to a beautiful, durable finish that will last for many years.