Best Sandpaper for Leveling Wooden Table Legs Before Staining

Wooden table legs are prone to dents, scratches, and uneven wear, especially on dining and coffee tables. Before staining, sanding is essential to level surfaces and ensure even color absorption. The right sandpaper grits help you achieve a smooth, consistent finish that highlights the natural beauty of the wood.

Why Sand Table Legs?

Unlike flat tabletops, table legs have curves, edges, and corners that make sanding trickier. Sanding removes imperfections, evens out the wood grain, and prepares the surface for stain or paint. Without sanding, finishes may absorb unevenly and look patchy.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sanding sponges for curves and rounded legs
• Detail sander or folded sheets for corners
• Orbital sander for square or flat legs
• Vacuum with brush attachment
• High-quality silicon carbide sandpaper sheets

Best Grit Sequence for Table Legs

• 100 grit: Removing scratches, dents, and old finishes.
• 150 grit: Smoothing curves and edges.
• 220 grit: Final sanding for a stain-ready surface.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Wooden Table Legs

1. Start with 100 grit. Use 100 grit (25-pack) to strip away heavy damage or finishes.
2. Smooth with 150 grit. Switch to 150 grit (50-pack) to refine curves and create even surfaces.
3. Finish with 220 grit. Sand lightly with 220 grit (100-pack) for a silky finish ready for stain or paint.
4. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with a tack cloth before applying stain.

Special Cases

For turned legs with ornate details, wrap sandpaper around a dowel to reach grooves. For antique legs, avoid coarse grits below 100 to preserve character and fine shaping.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain, even on curves, to prevent scratches.
• Work in small sections for consistent results.
• Prime or stain immediately after sanding to avoid moisture absorption.

Aftercare

• Apply at least two coats of protective finish after staining.
• Re-sand lightly every few years to refresh finishes.
• Keep leftover sandpaper stored flat and dry for future projects.

FAQs

• Do I need fine grits above 220? Not usually—220 is ideal for stain absorption.
• Can I use a belt sander? Not recommended—too aggressive for curved table legs.

Watch & Learn

Sanding table legs properly ensures smoothness and consistent stain results. Shop our furniture sanding collection for the right grits to complete your refinishing project.