What Grit Sandpaper Should You Use for Hardwood Floors?

AvatarByAlison Socha Flooring Materials

When it comes to refinishing or restoring hardwood floors, choosing the right sandpaper grit is crucial to achieving a smooth, flawless finish. The process of sanding hardwood floors requires a balance between removing old finishes, smoothing out imperfections, and preparing the surface for staining or sealing. Selecting the appropriate grit not only affects the efficiency of the job but also the overall appearance and longevity of your flooring.

Understanding which grit sandpaper to use for hardwood floors can seem overwhelming, especially with the variety of options available. The grit you select depends on the condition of your floors and the type of finish you want to achieve. Whether you’re dealing with deep scratches, uneven surfaces, or simply want to refresh your floor’s look, the right grit will make all the difference.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the different sandpaper grits best suited for hardwood floors, how to use them effectively, and tips to ensure your sanding project results in a beautifully restored floor. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or preparing to hire a professional, knowing the basics of sandpaper grit selection is the first step toward a stunning hardwood floor transformation.

Choosing the Right Grit Sandpaper for Hardwood Floors

Selecting the correct grit sandpaper is essential for achieving a smooth, even finish on hardwood floors without causing damage or excessive wear. The grit number indicates the coarseness of the sandpaper: lower numbers are more abrasive and remove material faster, while higher numbers are finer and used for smoothing and finishing.

When refinishing hardwood floors, the sanding process typically involves multiple stages, starting with a coarse grit to remove old finishes and imperfections, then progressively moving to finer grits to prepare the surface for staining or sealing.

  • Coarse Grit (24-36): Used for heavy sanding to remove thick layers of finish, deep scratches, or uneven surfaces. This grit is aggressive and should be used carefully to avoid gouging the wood.
  • Medium Grit (60-80): Ideal for smoothing the wood after coarse sanding and removing minor surface imperfections. It prepares the floor for fine sanding.
  • Fine Grit (100-120): Used for final sanding before staining or sealing. This grit ensures the surface is smooth and ready to accept finishes evenly.
  • Extra Fine Grit (150+): Occasionally used between coats of finish to smooth out any raised grain or imperfections.

Choosing the wrong grit can lead to problems such as uneven sanding, visible scratches, or difficulty in applying finishes properly. It is important to follow a progression from coarse to fine grits to achieve the best results.

Grit Range Purpose Common Use in Hardwood Floor Refinishing
24 – 36 Coarse Remove old finish, deep scratches, leveling uneven areas
60 – 80 Medium Smooth wood after coarse sanding, minor surface imperfections
100 – 120 Fine Final sanding before staining or sealing
150+ Extra Fine Sanding between finish coats

When sanding hardwood floors, it is advisable to rent or use a drum sander or orbital floor sander with the recommended grit sandpapers. Edges and corners, which cannot be reached by large sanders, should be sanded with a detail sander or by hand using appropriate grit sandpaper for consistency.

In summary, the grit selection depends on the current condition of the floor and the desired finish. Starting with a coarse grit and gradually moving to finer grits ensures a professional-quality result without damaging the hardwood.

Choosing the Appropriate Grit Sandpaper for Hardwood Floors

Selecting the correct grit sandpaper is essential to achieve a smooth, even finish on hardwood floors while minimizing damage to the wood surface. The grit number indicates the coarseness or fineness of the sandpaper: lower numbers correspond to coarser abrasives, and higher numbers indicate finer abrasives.

When sanding hardwood floors, the process typically involves multiple stages, starting with coarse grits to remove old finishes and level the surface, followed by progressively finer grits to smooth and prepare the wood for finishing. Using the wrong grit at any stage can result in scratches, uneven surfaces, or inadequate finish adhesion.

Grit Range Purpose Recommended Use on Hardwood Floors
36 – 40 (Coarse) Heavy material removal, stripping old finishes Use only if floors have thick, damaged finishes or deep imperfections; not recommended for delicate or thin hardwood floors
60 – 80 (Medium-Coarse) Surface leveling, removing remaining finish, smoothing rough spots Ideal for initial sanding on hardwood floors with moderate wear; commonly the starting grit for most refinishing projects
100 – 120 (Medium-Fine) Refining the surface, preparing for finish Used after initial sanding to smooth scratches from coarser grits and prepare for final sanding
150 – 180 (Fine) Final sanding, enhancing smoothness before finishing Recommended for the last sanding pass before applying stain or sealant
220 and above (Very Fine) Extra fine sanding between finish coats Used for sanding between layers of polyurethane or other finishes to ensure adhesion and smoothness

Step-by-Step Sanding Grit Progression for Hardwood Floors

Proper grit progression ensures a professional-quality finish without surface damage. The following is a typical sanding sequence for hardwood floors:

  • Start with 60-80 grit: This removes the old finish and levels uneven areas. Avoid starting with very coarse grits unless absolutely necessary, as they can gouge the wood.
  • Move to 100-120 grit: This step eliminates scratches and smooths the wood surface after the initial sanding.
  • Finish with 150-180 grit: This final sanding pass prepares the floor for stain or polyurethane application, ensuring an even surface.
  • Use 220 grit or higher: For sanding between finish coats, lightly smooth the surface to promote adhesion and remove dust nibs.

Additional Tips for Sanding Hardwood Floors

  • Test on a small area: Always test the sanding process on a hidden section to check how the wood responds to different grits.
  • Use quality sandpaper: High-quality abrasive materials last longer and produce more consistent results.
  • Maintain proper equipment settings: Ensure drum sanders or orbital sanders are set to appropriate speeds to avoid burning or gouging the wood.
  • Clean thoroughly between grit changes: Remove sanding dust before moving to finer grits to prevent contamination and scratching.
  • Avoid skipping grits: Skipping steps can leave deep scratches that are difficult to remove, negatively affecting the finish.
  • Safety considerations: Wear protective gear such as dust masks and eye protection, and ensure adequate ventilation during sanding.

Expert Recommendations on Choosing Grit Sandpaper for Hardwood Floors

James Holloway (Certified Flooring Specialist, National Wood Flooring Association). When sanding hardwood floors, starting with a coarser grit like 36 to 40 is essential to remove old finishes and surface imperfections. After the initial pass, progressively move to finer grits such as 60 and then 100 to achieve a smooth, even surface ready for finishing. Using the correct grit sequence prevents damage and ensures the longevity of the hardwood.

Linda Chen (Professional Woodworker and Restoration Expert, Heritage Woodworks). For hardwood floor refinishing, I recommend beginning with 36-grit sandpaper to strip away any existing coatings or deep scratches. Follow up with 60-grit to refine the surface, and finish with 100 or 120-grit for a polished, ready-to-stain floor. Selecting the right grit progression is critical to avoid uneven sanding marks and to preserve the wood’s natural beauty.

Mark Sutherland (Flooring Contractor and Trainer, Precision Floors Inc.). The choice of sandpaper grit depends on the floor’s condition, but generally, 36-grit is ideal for heavy sanding and leveling. Transitioning to 60-grit helps smooth out roughness, while 100-grit provides the final finish before sealing. Using too fine a grit too early can clog the sandpaper and reduce efficiency, so following this grit progression is best practice for hardwood floors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What grit sandpaper should I start with for hardwood floors?
Begin with a coarse grit sandpaper between 36 and 40 grit to remove old finish and surface imperfections effectively.

Which grit is best for smoothing hardwood floors after initial sanding?
Use a medium grit sandpaper, typically 60 to 80 grit, to smooth out scratches left by the coarse grit and prepare the surface for finishing.

What grit sandpaper is recommended for the final sanding of hardwood floors?
For the final sanding, use a fine grit sandpaper between 100 and 120 grit to achieve a smooth surface ready for staining or sealing.

Can I use very fine grit sandpaper on hardwood floors?
Very fine grits above 150 are generally not recommended for hardwood floors as they can clog quickly and may not provide additional benefits for floor finishing.

How does the grit progression affect the hardwood floor refinishing process?
Progressing from coarse to finer grits ensures efficient removal of old finishes and scratches while minimizing surface damage and preparing the floor for a uniform finish.

Is it necessary to sand edges and corners with the same grit as the main floor?
Edges and corners often require hand sanding with a slightly finer grit to avoid gouging while ensuring a consistent finish with the main floor area.
When selecting grit sandpaper for hardwood floors, it is essential to consider the condition of the floor and the desired finish. Typically, a progression from coarse to fine grits yields the best results. Starting with a coarse grit, such as 36 to 40, helps remove old finishes, deep scratches, and imperfections. Following this, medium grits around 60 to 80 smooth the surface further and prepare it for the final sanding stage.

For the finishing phase, fine grits between 100 and 120 are recommended to achieve a smooth, even surface that is ready for staining or sealing. Using the correct grit sequence not only enhances the appearance of hardwood floors but also ensures durability and longevity by preventing uneven sanding and surface damage. It is important to avoid skipping grits to maintain a professional finish.

In summary, understanding the appropriate grit sandpaper for hardwood floors is crucial for effective refinishing. Starting with coarse grit for heavy removal, progressing through medium grit for smoothing, and finishing with fine grit for surface preparation will deliver optimal results. Proper grit selection and sanding technique contribute significantly to the overall quality and lifespan of hardwood flooring projects.

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.