How to Sand Wood Tabletops for a Perfect Finish (60, 100, 150, 240 Grit Guide)

Whether you’re building a new dining table or refinishing an old one, sanding is the key to a smooth, professional surface. Tabletops need to be perfectly even and free of scratches to highlight wood grain and accept stain or finish evenly. This guide shows how to sand wood tabletops step by step using 60, 100, 150, and 240 grit sandpaper.

Why Sanding Tabletops Matters

Tabletops see constant use—scratches, dents, and uneven finishes are common. Sanding levels the surface, removes old coatings, and ensures stain or polyurethane bonds properly. A proper grit sequence gives you a smooth, durable finish that looks great for years.

Tools You’ll Need

• 60–240 grit sandpaper – coarse to fine for full progression.
• Orbital sander – speeds up large flat surface sanding.
• Sanding block – for edges and touch-ups.
• Tack cloth & vacuum – removes dust before finishing.
• Wood stain or polyurethane – to protect and beautify the tabletop.

Best Grit Sequence for Tabletops

• 60 grit: Removes old finish and heavy damage.
• 100 grit: Levels the wood surface after coarse sanding.
• 150 grit: Refines scratches and preps for finishing.
• 240 grit: Final smoothing for a silky, finish-ready surface.

Step-by-Step Sanding Process

1. Start with 60 grit. Strip paint, varnish, or deep scratches using 60 grit (25-pack).
2. Smooth with 100 grit. Refine the surface using 100 grit (50-pack).
3. Prep with 150 grit. Eliminate sanding marks and prepare for stain using 150 grit (25-pack).
4. Finish with 240 grit. Achieve a smooth, touch-friendly surface using 240 grit (100-pack).
5. Clean thoroughly. Wipe with tack cloth before applying stain or clear coat.

Special Cases

For hardwoods like oak, stopping at 150 grit helps stain absorb evenly. For softwoods, finishing at 240 grit prevents blotchy finishes. Veneered tables require caution—never start coarser than 100 grit to avoid sanding through the veneer.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain for best results.
• Sand all sides evenly to avoid warping.
• Replace sandpaper frequently—dull sheets burnish instead of cutting.
• Test stain on scrap wood sanded to the same grit sequence before applying.

Aftercare

• Reapply polyurethane or finish every few years for durability.
• Use coasters and mats to prevent water rings.
• Lightly re-sand with fine grit if scratches develop, then refinish.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand new wood tabletops? Yes—factory surfaces still need sanding for even stain absorption.
• Can I skip from 60 to 150 grit? No—always progress through intermediate grits for smooth results.
• What grit is best before staining? 150 grit for hardwoods, 180–240 grit for softwoods.

Watch & Learn

For professional tabletop refinishing, shop our wood sanding collection.