How to Sand Wooden Stairs for Refinishing and Safety

Wooden stairs take a beating from daily foot traffic, leading to worn finishes, scratches, and sometimes slippery surfaces. Sanding stairs before refinishing restores their beauty, improves traction, and ensures new finishes bond properly. This guide explains how to sand stairs step by step with the correct grit sequence.

Why Sand Wooden Stairs?

Sanding removes old coatings, levels scratches, and eliminates rough spots. It also prepares the surface for stain or paint, ensuring even coverage and long-lasting durability. Without sanding, finishes may peel, look blotchy, or fail prematurely.

Tools You’ll Need

• Detail sander for stair edges and corners
• Orbital sander for treads and risers
• 9x11 in sandpaper sheets (wet or dry use)
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Protective gear: dust mask, goggles, knee pads

Best Grit Sequence for Stairs

• 80 grit: Removes old finish and rough spots.
• 150 grit: Smooths scratches and levels the surface.
• 220 grit: Final sanding before applying stain or paint.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Wooden Stairs

1. Prep the area. Remove carpets, nails, or staples and clean debris.
2. Start with 80 grit. Use 80 grit (25-pack) on treads and risers to strip old finishes.
3. Smooth with 150 grit. Apply 150 grit (50-pack) to refine surfaces and blend edges.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Use 220 grit (100-pack) for a smooth, finish-ready surface.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth before applying finish.
6. Apply stain or paint. Finish with polyurethane or non-slip paint for durability and safety.

Special Cases

For intricate banisters or spindles, hand sanding with sponges is best. For exterior stairs, always use a weather-resistant finish after sanding.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain to prevent scratches.
• Change sandpaper often—stairs collect heavy dirt and clog sheets quickly.
• Wear knee pads to stay comfortable during sanding sessions.

Aftercare

• Inspect stairs annually for wear and refinish when needed.
• Use rugs or stair runners to reduce heavy traffic damage.
• Clean regularly with wood-safe cleaners to preserve the finish.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand stairs to bare wood? Only if refinishing—light sanding with 220 grit is enough for repainting.
• What grit before applying polyurethane? 220 grit ensures the smoothest surface for adhesion.
• Can I sand by hand? Yes—hand sanding works for edges, corners, and detailed areas.

Watch & Learn

Restore your stairs with eQualle’s 9x11 in sandpaper sheets, designed for wet or dry use. Available in 25, 50, and 100 packs. Shop stair sanding sheets here.