What Grit of Sandpaper Should You Use for Hardwood Floors?

AvatarByAlison Socha Flooring Materials

When it comes to maintaining or refinishing hardwood floors, choosing the right sandpaper grit is a crucial step that can make all the difference in achieving a smooth, flawless finish. Whether you’re tackling a full floor sanding project or simply smoothing out a small patch, understanding the appropriate grit levels ensures you protect the wood’s natural beauty while effectively removing imperfections. Selecting the wrong grit can lead to uneven surfaces, scratches, or an overly rough texture that detracts from the elegance of your hardwood.

Sanding hardwood floors involves a delicate balance between removing old finishes, smoothing out wear and tear, and preparing the surface for staining or sealing. The grit of sandpaper plays a pivotal role in this process, influencing how aggressively the wood is abraded and how fine the final texture will be. Different stages of sanding require different grit levels, each designed to progressively refine the floor’s surface without causing damage. Knowing which grit to start with and how to transition through finer grits is key to achieving professional-looking results.

In the following discussion, we’ll explore the essential considerations for selecting sandpaper grit when working with hardwood floors. From understanding grit numbers to recognizing how wood type and floor condition affect your choice, this guide will prepare you to approach your sanding project with confidence and skill. Whether you’re a

Choosing the Right Grit for Sanding Hardwood Floors

Selecting the appropriate grit of sandpaper is crucial when refinishing hardwood floors to achieve a smooth and even surface without causing damage. The grit number refers to the coarseness of the sandpaper; lower numbers indicate coarser grits that remove material quickly, while higher numbers are finer and used for smoothing surfaces.

When sanding hardwood floors, the grit progression typically starts with a coarse grit to remove the old finish and level out imperfections, then moves through medium to fine grits to smooth the wood and prepare it for finishing.

  • Coarse grits (24-36): Used for initial sanding to strip old finishes, remove deep scratches, or level uneven areas.
  • Medium grits (50-80): Ideal for smoothing the wood after the initial coarse sanding, removing scratches left by coarser grits.
  • Fine grits (100-120): Used for final sanding before applying the finish, ensuring a smooth surface free of visible scratches.

It is important to avoid skipping grits to prevent deep scratches that can show through the finish. Additionally, excessive use of very coarse grits can damage the wood fibers, so care must be taken especially with softer hardwoods.

Recommended Grit Progression for Hardwood Floor Sanding

A typical sanding sequence for hardwood floors involves starting with a coarse grit and moving towards finer grits in stages. The exact grits used can depend on the condition of the floor and the type of wood, but the following table outlines a common progression:

Step Grit Range Purpose Notes
Initial Sanding 24 – 36 Remove old finish and level surface Use coarser grit for heavily damaged floors
Intermediate Sanding 50 – 60 Eliminate scratches from coarse sanding Helps smooth the surface before finer sanding
Final Sanding 80 – 100 Prepare wood for finishing with fine surface Ensure a clean, smooth finish; avoid sanding beyond 120 grit

For hardwoods with delicate grain or when a very smooth finish is desired, an additional pass with 120 grit sandpaper may be used, but exceeding this grit can reduce finish adhesion.

Special Considerations for Different Hardwood Types

Different hardwood species vary in density and grain structure, which influences the choice of sandpaper grit:

  • Hardwoods like oak, maple, and hickory generally tolerate standard grit progressions well. Starting with 36 grit and progressing to 80 or 100 grit often yields the best results.
  • Softer hardwoods such as cherry and walnut may require a gentler approach. Starting with a slightly finer grit (e.g., 50 grit) can prevent gouging or uneven sanding.
  • Exotic hardwoods with dense or oily grain may need specialized sanding techniques and grits to avoid clogging sandpaper or creating burn marks.

Additionally, always test a small inconspicuous area before full sanding to ensure the grit choice and sanding method do not adversely affect the wood surface.

Tips for Effective Sanding and Grit Selection

  • Always move in the direction of the wood grain to avoid cross-grain scratches.
  • Change sandpaper frequently; worn abrasive reduces effectiveness and can damage the floor.
  • Use a dust collection system or vacuum frequently to remove sanding dust and improve sanding efficiency.
  • Perform a final hand sanding with fine grit sandpaper in corners and edges to reach areas the machine cannot.
  • Consider the existing floor condition—if the floor has only minor wear, start with a medium grit to preserve the wood surface.

Choosing the Right Grit of Sandpaper for Hardwood Floors

Selecting the appropriate grit of sandpaper is essential for achieving a smooth, even finish on hardwood floors while preserving the wood’s integrity. Different stages of sanding require specific grit ranges to effectively remove old finishes, smooth rough spots, and prepare the surface for sealing or staining.

Hardwood floor sanding generally progresses through a sequence of grits, starting coarse and moving to finer grades. The grit number indicates the abrasive particle size, with lower numbers representing coarser sandpaper and higher numbers finer abrasives.

Typical Grit Progression for Hardwood Floor Sanding

Stage Grit Range Purpose Notes
Initial Sanding (Removing Old Finish, Leveling) 36 to 40 grit Remove existing finish, stains, and level uneven boards Use coarser grit sparingly to avoid deep scratches
Intermediate Sanding (Smoothing Surface) 60 to 80 grit Smooth rough scratches left by coarse grit Essential for preparing surface before fine sanding
Final Sanding (Preparing for Finish) 100 to 120 grit Creates smooth surface ready for staining or sealing Do not exceed 120 grit to ensure finish adhesion

Expert Recommendations for Hardwood Floor Sanding Grits

  • Start with 36 or 40 grit sandpaper for floors with thick old finishes or significant damage. This grit efficiently removes the top layer but should be used carefully to prevent gouging the wood.
  • Follow with 60 or 80 grit to eliminate the deeper scratches left by coarser grits and to smooth the wood surface uniformly.
  • Finish with 100 to 120 grit sandpaper to achieve a fine, smooth texture that allows for even stain or finish penetration. Avoid going beyond 120 grit because very fine sandpaper can seal the wood pores, reducing finish adhesion.
  • For hardwoods with delicate grain such as maple or cherry, consider a slightly less aggressive approach by starting at 60 grit to reduce risk of damage.
  • When sanding engineered hardwood floors, check manufacturer guidelines as some layers are thin and cannot withstand coarse grit sanding.

Additional Tips for Effective Sanding

  • Always sand with the grain of the wood to avoid cross-grain scratches.
  • Use a drum sander or floor buffer with sandpaper discs designed for hardwood floors to ensure even sanding.
  • Vacuum thoroughly between grit changes to remove dust and debris that can cause scratching.
  • Test on a small, inconspicuous area before full sanding to confirm the grit sequence suits the specific hardwood species and condition.

Expert Recommendations on Sandpaper Grit for Hardwood Floor Refinishing

Michael Turner (Certified Flooring Specialist, National Wood Flooring Association). When refinishing hardwood floors, starting with a coarser grit like 36 to 40 is essential for removing old finishes and surface imperfections. After the initial sanding, progressing to 60 or 80 grit smooths the surface without causing deep scratches. Finally, a 100 to 120 grit sandpaper is ideal for the final pass to prepare the wood for staining or sealing, ensuring a flawless finish.

Dr. Emily Chen (Materials Scientist, Hardwood Flooring Research Institute). The choice of sandpaper grit depends on the wood species and floor condition. For hardwood floors, beginning with 36 or 40 grit effectively strips away old layers and levels uneven areas. However, using finer grits such as 80 and 100 in subsequent steps is critical to avoid damaging the wood fibers and to achieve a smooth surface that enhances finish adhesion and durability.

James Rodriguez (Professional Floor Installer and Trainer, Hardwood Floor Solutions). In my experience, the best approach for sanding hardwood floors is a multi-stage process starting with 36 grit to tackle rough spots and old coatings. Follow up with 60 grit to refine the surface, then finish with 100 grit to create a smooth, even texture. Using the correct grit sequence prevents over-sanding and ensures the longevity and aesthetic appeal of the hardwood floor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What grit of sandpaper should I start with for sanding hardwood floors?
Start with a coarse grit sandpaper, typically 36 to 40 grit, to remove old finish and surface imperfections effectively.

Which grit is best for the intermediate sanding of hardwood floors?
Use a medium grit sandpaper, such as 60 to 80 grit, to smooth out scratches left by the coarse grit and prepare the floor for finer sanding.

What grit sandpaper is recommended for the final sanding of hardwood floors?
A fine grit sandpaper, usually between 100 and 120 grit, is ideal for the final pass to achieve a smooth surface ready for finishing.

Can using too fine a grit sandpaper damage hardwood floors?
Using excessively fine grit too early can clog the sandpaper and create uneven sanding, so it is important to progress gradually through grits.

Is it necessary to sand hardwood floors multiple times with different grits?
Yes, sanding in stages from coarse to fine grit ensures the floor is evenly smoothed and properly prepared for staining or sealing.

What grit should I use for sanding hardwood floor edges and corners?
Use a finer grit, such as 100 grit, on edges and corners to avoid gouging while still smoothing the surface effectively.
When refinishing hardwood floors, selecting the appropriate grit of sandpaper is crucial to achieving a smooth, even surface without causing damage. Typically, starting with a coarse grit such as 36 to 40 is recommended for removing old finishes and leveling uneven areas. Following this, progressively finer grits—such as 60 to 80 and then 100 to 120—are used to smooth out scratches and prepare the wood for staining or sealing. This gradual progression ensures the floor is properly sanded without deep scratches that could affect the final appearance.

It is important to consider the condition of the hardwood floor when choosing sandpaper grits. Floors with significant wear or damage may require a more aggressive initial grit, while relatively well-maintained floors can start with a finer grit to preserve the wood’s integrity. Additionally, using the correct grit sequence helps minimize dust and sanding time, ultimately leading to a more efficient refinishing process.

In summary, understanding the appropriate sandpaper grit for hardwood floors enhances the quality of the refinishing job. Starting with coarse grits for heavy sanding and moving to finer grits for finishing ensures the wood surface is smooth, clean, and ready for treatment. Proper grit selection not only protects the hardwood but also contributes

Author Profile

Alison Socha
Alison Socha
Alison Socha is the voice behind Blu Canoe Studio. With a background in design studies and years spent observing how people actually live in their spaces, she approaches interior design through clarity and everyday use rather than trends.

Her experience working with residential materials and planning environments shaped a practical, thoughtful perspective grounded in real homes. Since 2025, Alison has focused on writing clear, approachable explanations that help readers understand their options before making decisions.

Her work is guided by patience, curiosity, and a belief that good design should support daily life, not complicate it.