Refinish Wooden Stair Treads with 60, 240, and 3000 Grit Sandpaper

Wooden stair treads see heavy foot traffic, leading to scratches, dents, and worn finishes. Using 60, 240, and 3000 grit sandpaper, you can restore their beauty and make them safer to walk on.

Why This Method Works

60 grit removes old finish and heavy wear. 240 grit smooths the surface for even finish application. 3000 grit burnishes the surface for a silky, professional-grade touch before sealing.

Tools & Materials

• Wet/dry sandpaper: 60 grit (50-pack), 240 grit (25-pack), 3000 grit (50-pack)
• Orbital sander and sanding block
• Vacuum or dust brush
• Microfiber cloths
• Wood stain, paint, or polyurethane

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 60 grit: Strip old finish and level damage. (50-pack)
• 240 grit: Smooth for finish application. (25-pack)
• 3000 grit: Burnish for a silky finish. (50-pack)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation. Remove any carpets or coverings, then clean the treads to remove dirt and debris.
2. Coarse sanding. Use 60 grit sandpaper to strip the old finish and level out scratches or dents.
3. Intermediate smoothing. Switch to 240 grit sandpaper to refine the surface before final sanding.
4. Final burnish. Lightly sand with 3000 grit sandpaper for a smooth, professional-grade finish.
5. Apply finish. Stain, paint, or seal the treads, letting each coat dry fully before applying the next.

Special Considerations

Work carefully on edges to maintain uniform dimensions and avoid rounding corners.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to achieve consistent results.
• Vacuum between grit changes to prevent scratches from dust.
• Apply a slip-resistant finish for safety.

Aftercare

• Clean regularly with a damp cloth to remove dirt.
• Recoat as needed to maintain durability and appearance.

FAQs

• Can I skip 240 grit? No—jumping from 60 to 3000 grit will leave visible sanding marks.
• Will 3000 grit make the stairs slippery? Not if you use a slip-resistant topcoat.
• Does this work on painted stair treads? Yes—60 grit will remove paint before smoothing with finer grits.

Watch & Learn

Get your wet/dry sandpaper kit and bring your wooden stairs back to life.