How to Sand Hardwood Floors Before Refinishing: A Complete Guide

Refinishing hardwood floors begins with proper sanding to remove old finish, scratches, and imperfections. Whether you’re restoring oak, maple, or pine, the right sandpaper grit and sanding technique will help you achieve a beautiful, smooth floor. This SEO-optimized guide walks you through sanding hardwood floors before refinishing step-by-step.

Why Sand Hardwood Floors?

Sanding removes damaged surface layers and prepares the wood to absorb stain or finish evenly, ensuring long-lasting beauty.

Best Sandpaper Grits for Hardwood Floor Sanding

• 36–60 grit sandpaper: For heavy removal of old finish and surface imperfections.
• 80–100 grit sandpaper: For smoothing rough spots and transitions.
• 120–150 grit sandpaper: For final smoothing before staining or sealing.

Step-by-Step: How to Sand Hardwood Floors

1. Clear the room and vacuum floors thoroughly.
2. Start sanding with 36–60 grit sandpaper using a floor sander or by hand for small areas.
3. Move to 80–100 grit to remove scratches and smooth surfaces.
4. Finish with 120–150 grit for an even, smooth finish.
5. Vacuum and clean all dust before staining or sealing.

Tips for Effective Floor Sanding

• Use a sanding block or edge sander for corners and edges.
• Sand with the wood grain to avoid scratches.
• Wear protective gear and ventilate well.

FAQs

• Can I sand hardwood floors by hand? Yes, but it’s time-consuming and best for small areas.
• Do I need to sand before staining? Always—to ensure even absorption.

Watch & Learn

Shop coarse to fine sanding sheets for floors at eQualle and learn more flooring tips on our DIY blog.