Sanding Wooden Stairs Before Refinishing: Safe, Smooth & Durable Results

Wooden stairs take heavy daily use, which leads to worn treads, scratches, and faded finishes. Before staining, painting, or sealing, sanding is essential to restore beauty and ensure durability. Here’s a step-by-step guide to sanding stairs properly with the right grits.

Why Sand Wooden Stairs?

Stairs are high-traffic areas that collect dents, scuffs, and layers of old finish. Sanding removes these imperfections, evens out surfaces, and provides a strong base for refinishing. Without sanding, new coatings won’t adhere well and wear down quickly.

Recommended Tools

• Wet/dry silicon carbide sandpaper sheets
• Orbital sander for flat treads
• Sanding sponge for edges and corners
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Respirator, ear protection, and goggles

Choosing the Right Grit Sequence

• 60 grit: Removes old finish and deep scratches.
• 100 grit: Smooths surfaces after coarse sanding.
• 150 grit: Refines surface for stain or paint.
• 220 grit: Final prep before sealing or clear coating.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Wooden Stairs

1. Prep the area. Remove runners or carpet, nail heads, and staples. Cover nearby areas to contain dust.
2. Start with 60 grit. Strip away finish and scratches using 60 grit (25-pack). Work evenly across each tread.
3. Move to 100 grit. Smooth with 100 grit (50-pack) to refine the surface.
4. Continue with 150 grit. Use 150 grit (100-pack) to prepare wood for stain or paint.
5. Finish with 220 grit. Lightly sand with 220 grit (100-pack) for a professional, paint-ready surface.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with tack cloth before finishing.

Special Cases

Painted stairs: May need multiple passes with 60 grit to remove old layers.
Softwood stairs: Sand gently to avoid gouging.
Detail edges: Use sanding sponges for tight corners and profiles.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the wood grain for the best results.
• Work tread by tread—don’t rush through.
• Use bright lighting to spot scratches before applying finish.

Aftercare & Next Steps

• Apply stain or paint evenly across each tread after sanding.
• Seal with polyurethane or stair-specific finish for durability.
• Allow full curing before heavy foot traffic resumes.

FAQs

• Do I have to sand between coats of finish? Yes—use 320 grit lightly for a silky final coat.
• Can I use a belt sander? For large flat treads, yes—but be cautious not to gouge edges.
• How long does sanding stairs take? Typically 2–4 hours depending on condition and size.

Watch & Learn

Sanding stairs may feel labor-intensive, but it’s the foundation for a safe, smooth, and durable finish. With the right grit sequence and care, your refinished stairs will look beautiful and last for years.