Sanding Hardwood Stairs: Grit Guide for Safe, Smooth, and Beautiful Results

Hardwood stairs take daily abuse from foot traffic, leading to scratches, dents, and worn finishes. Proper sanding restores their beauty and prepares the wood for new stain or polyurethane. This guide covers the grit sequence, tools, and techniques for sanding hardwood stairs effectively.

Why Sand Stairs?

Sanding removes old finishes, evens out scratches, and opens the grain for stain or sealer. Skipping this step can lead to uneven color, poor adhesion, and a finish that wears out quickly.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sandpaper sheets in multiple grits
• Sanding block or hand sander (for edges)
• Orbital sander (optional for treads)
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Protective gear (mask, safety glasses, knee pads)

Best Grit Sequence for Hardwood Stairs

• 60 grit: Removes old finish and deep scratches.
• 100 grit: Smooths surface after coarse sanding.
• 150 grit: Prepares wood for stain or sealer.
• 220 grit: Final sanding for a smooth finish.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Hardwood Stairs

1. Prep the area. Cover railings and walls with masking tape and plastic sheeting.
2. Strip old finish. Use 60 grit (25-pack) to remove varnish, paint, and heavy wear.
3. Smooth the surface. Switch to 100 grit (50-pack) to even out sanding marks.
4. Fine sanding. Use 150 grit (100-pack) for a clean, uniform texture before stain.
5. Final pass. Finish with 220 grit (25-pack) to achieve a silky smooth surface.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe down every step to remove all dust.
7. Apply stain or finish. Use even strokes to highlight the wood’s natural grain.

Special Cases

For rounded stair noses, fold sandpaper to fit curves. For deep gouges, use wood filler before final sanding. Always sand risers by hand for precision.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain to avoid cross scratches.
• Work one step at a time to stay consistent.
• Use wet/dry sandpaper for ultra-fine finishing before polyurethane.

Aftercare

• Apply protective finish to resist foot traffic wear.
• Recoat every few years to maintain durability.
• Clean with a damp mop—avoid excess water.

FAQs

• Do I need a floor sander? No—stairs are best sanded by hand or with a small orbital sander.
• Can I skip 150 grit? It’s possible, but 150 grit helps stain absorb evenly.
• How long does sanding stairs take? Expect 2–4 hours depending on stair size and condition.

Watch & Learn

With patience and the right grit sequence, hardwood stairs can be restored to stunning condition. Stock up on 60 to 220 grit sandpaper sheets for your next stair refinishing project.