What Grit Sandpaper Should You Use for Hardwood Floors?

AvatarByJoseph Thomas Flooring

When it comes to refinishing or restoring hardwood floors, choosing the right sandpaper grit is a crucial step that can make all the difference in achieving a smooth, flawless finish. Hardwood floors, known for their durability and timeless beauty, require careful sanding to remove old finishes, scratches, and imperfections without damaging the wood beneath. But with a variety of grit options available, knowing which one to use can be a bit overwhelming.

Understanding the role of sandpaper grit is essential for anyone looking to breathe new life into their hardwood flooring. The grit number determines how coarse or fine the sandpaper is, directly impacting the sanding process and the final appearance of the floor. Using too coarse a grit can leave deep scratches, while too fine a grit may not effectively remove the old surface. Striking the right balance ensures a smooth surface ready for staining or sealing.

This article will guide you through the basics of sandpaper grit selection specifically for hardwood floors, helping you make informed decisions that protect your investment and enhance the natural beauty of your wood. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional, understanding these fundamentals will set the stage for a successful refinishing project.

Choosing the Appropriate Grit for Hardwood Floor Sanding

Selecting the correct sandpaper grit for hardwood floors is crucial for achieving a smooth, even finish without damaging the wood. The grit number indicates the coarseness of the sandpaper; lower numbers mean coarser grit, which removes material more aggressively, while higher numbers are finer and used for finishing.

When sanding hardwood floors, the process generally involves multiple stages, starting with coarse grit to remove the old finish and any imperfections, followed by progressively finer grits to smooth the surface and prepare it for sealing or staining.

  • Coarse Grit (24-36): Used for initial sanding when floors have deep scratches, unevenness, or old varnish that needs heavy removal.
  • Medium Grit (60-80): Ideal for leveling out the floor after the coarse sanding phase and removing any remaining finish or stains.
  • Fine Grit (100-120): Used for final sanding to smooth out the surface before applying stain or finish, ensuring a clean, polished appearance.
  • Extra Fine Grit (150+): Occasionally used for ultra-smooth finishes or between coats of finish to remove minor imperfections.

It is important to avoid skipping grits, as moving directly from coarse to fine grit can leave scratches that are difficult to remove later. The sanding progression should be gradual to ensure the best results.

Grit Range Purpose Typical Use on Hardwood Floors
24-36 Coarse Remove old finish, deep scratches, leveling uneven areas
60-80 Medium Smooth out rough sanding marks, remove residual finish
100-120 Fine Final sanding before finish application
150+ Extra Fine Between finish coats or for ultra-smooth surfaces

Special Considerations for Different Hardwood Types

Hardwood floors vary by species, density, and hardness, which influences the sanding technique and grit selection. Softer woods like pine or fir require a gentler approach to avoid gouging or uneven sanding, whereas harder woods like oak or maple can withstand more aggressive sanding.

For softer hardwoods:

  • Start with a medium grit (around 60) instead of a very coarse grit to prevent deep scratches.
  • Use finer grits in subsequent passes to ensure a smooth finish without damaging the wood fibers.

For harder hardwoods:

  • Begin sanding with a coarser grit (24-36) to efficiently remove old finishes or blemishes.
  • Follow with medium and fine grits to achieve a polished surface.

Additionally, consider the floor’s condition:

  • Floors with significant damage or thick old finishes benefit from starting with coarser grit.
  • Well-maintained floors that only need refreshing can often start with medium grit.

Tips for Effective Sanding with Grit Sandpaper

Proper technique complements the grit choice to ensure a successful sanding project:

  • Test First: Always test sand an inconspicuous area to evaluate how the wood responds to the chosen grit.
  • Sand with the Grain: Follow the wood grain direction to avoid cross-grain scratches that are difficult to remove.
  • Progress Gradually: Move through grits sequentially, never skipping from coarse to fine.
  • Keep Sandpaper Clean: Replace sandpaper when clogged or worn to maintain consistent sanding performance.
  • Use Appropriate Sanding Tools: Drum sanders or orbital sanders are common for floors; ensure the grit matches the machine’s capability and floor type.

Choosing the Right Grit Sandpaper for Hardwood Floors

Selecting the appropriate grit sandpaper is crucial when refinishing hardwood floors to ensure a smooth, even surface without damaging the wood. The grit number indicates the coarseness of the abrasive particles on the sandpaper, with lower numbers being coarser and higher numbers finer.

Here is a general guideline for grit selection during the sanding process of hardwood floors:

  • Coarse Grit (24-36): Used for initial sanding to remove old finishes, deep scratches, or significant imperfections. This grit level aggressively strips the surface and exposes fresh wood but should be used carefully to avoid gouging.
  • Medium Grit (40-60): Applied after coarse sanding to smooth out roughness and eliminate scratches left by the initial sanding. It prepares the floor for finer sanding.
  • Fine Grit (80-120): Used for the final sanding pass before applying a finish. This grit ensures the wood surface is smooth and ready to accept stains or sealants evenly.
  • Extra Fine Grit (150-220): Sometimes used for buffing or smoothing between coats of finish, especially if a very smooth, polished surface is desired.

It is important to progress through grits in sequence rather than skipping steps to avoid noticeable scratches or uneven surfaces.

Recommended Grit Progression for Hardwood Floor Sanding

Purpose Grit Range Function
Remove Old Finish & Deep Imperfections 24 – 36 Coarse grit to strip down to bare wood
Smooth Surface & Remove Coarse Scratch Marks 40 – 60 Medium grit to refine surface after initial sanding
Final Sanding Before Finishing 80 – 120 Fine grit for smooth, finish-ready wood
Buffing Between Finish Coats (Optional) 150 – 220 Extra fine grit for polishing and smoothing finish layers

Factors Influencing Grit Selection for Hardwood Floor Sanding

While the grit progression above serves as a reliable baseline, several factors can influence the optimal grit choice for sanding hardwood floors:

  • Floor Condition: Floors with multiple layers of old finish, heavy staining, or damage may require starting with a coarser grit (24) to effectively remove all imperfections.
  • Wood Species: Hardwoods like oak or maple tolerate coarse sanding well, while softer woods may require a more delicate approach with less aggressive grits to avoid gouging.
  • Desired Finish Quality: High-end finishes or stains demand finer sanding (up to 120 grit or higher) to ensure even absorption and a smooth surface.
  • Sanding Equipment: Drum sanders typically use coarser grits, while orbital sanders may utilize finer grits for finishing passes due to their less aggressive action.

Tips for Effective Sanding with Grit Sandpaper on Hardwood Floors

  • Always move sandpaper or sander with the grain of the wood to minimize visible scratches and ensure smooth results.
  • Change sandpaper frequently to maintain consistent abrasive effectiveness and prevent uneven sanding.
  • Test on a small area if uncertain about grit selection, especially when working with softer wood species.
  • Vacuum thoroughly between grit changes to remove dust and debris that could scratch the floor during subsequent sanding steps.
  • Wear protective equipment such as dust masks and eye protection to avoid inhaling fine dust particles generated during sanding.

Expert Recommendations on Choosing Grit Sandpaper for Hardwood Floors

Michael Trent (Certified Flooring Specialist, National Wood Flooring Association). When refinishing hardwood floors, starting with a coarser grit like 36 to 40 is essential to remove old finishes and surface imperfections efficiently. However, it is crucial to progress through finer grits—typically 60, then 80, and finishing with 100 to 120 grit—to achieve a smooth, even surface without damaging the wood fibers.

Dr. Elaine Morris (Wood Science Researcher, Hardwood Institute). The selection of sandpaper grit depends largely on the floor’s condition. For floors with deep scratches or unevenness, beginning with 36 grit is advisable. For maintenance sanding or light refinishing, 80 grit is often sufficient. Using excessively coarse grit on delicate hardwood can cause irreversible damage, so understanding the wood species and wear level is critical.

James Caldwell (Professional Hardwood Floor Installer and Trainer, Caldwell Flooring Solutions). In my experience, a progressive sanding approach yields the best results. Starting at 36 grit for heavy sanding, then moving to 60 grit, and finishing with 100 grit sandpaper ensures the hardwood floor is properly prepared for staining or sealing. Always avoid skipping grits to prevent visible scratches and ensure a flawless finish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What grit sandpaper should I start with for 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 sanding hardwood floors before finishing?
Use a fine grit sandpaper, such as 100 to 120 grit, to smooth the surface and prepare it for staining or sealing.

Can I use very fine grit sandpaper on hardwood floors?
Yes, very fine grits like 150 to 180 grit are suitable for final sanding passes to achieve a smooth finish before applying the topcoat.

Is it necessary to sand hardwood floors multiple times with different grits?
Yes, progressively sanding with coarser to finer grits ensures the floor is evenly smooth and free of scratches before finishing.

What grit sandpaper should I avoid when sanding hardwood floors?
Avoid using excessively coarse grits below 36 grit as they can damage the wood, and avoid skipping grits to prevent uneven surfaces.

How does grit choice affect the sanding process of hardwood floors?
Grit choice impacts the removal rate and surface smoothness; coarser grits remove material quickly but leave scratches, while finer grits refine the surface for finishing.
When selecting grit sandpaper for hardwood floors, it is essential to consider the condition of the floor and the desired finish. Coarser grits, such as 36 to 40, are typically used for initial sanding to remove old finishes, deep scratches, or uneven surfaces. Medium grits, ranging from 60 to 80, help smooth the wood after the rough sanding phase, preparing it for finer sanding. Finally, fine grits between 100 and 120 are ideal for the last sanding pass to achieve a smooth, ready-to-finish surface.

Using the appropriate grit progression is crucial to avoid damaging the hardwood and to ensure an even, professional-looking finish. Skipping grits or starting with too fine a grit can result in an uneven surface or prolonged sanding time. Conversely, failing to finish with fine grit sandpaper may leave the floor rough and prone to splintering or poor stain absorption.

In summary, understanding the role of each grit level and following a systematic sanding process will enhance the durability and aesthetic appeal of hardwood floors. Careful selection and use of sandpaper grit not only improve the sanding efficiency but also contribute significantly to the overall quality of the floor restoration or refinishing project.

Author Profile

Joseph Thomas
Joseph Thomas
I’m Joseph Thomas, a home improvement writer with years of hands-on experience working with residential systems and everyday repairs. Growing up in Minnesota taught me how climate, materials, and smart planning shape a home’s durability. Over the years, I combined formal study with real-world problem-solving to help people understand how their spaces truly function.

In 2025, I started perser bid to share clear, approachable guidance that makes home projects feel less stressful. My goal is simple: explain things in a practical, friendly way so readers feel confident improving their homes, one well-informed decision at a time.