What Grit Sandpaper Should You Use for Refinishing Hardwood Floors?

AvatarByMahlon Boehs Wood Furniture & Flooring

Refinishing hardwood floors can breathe new life into your living space, transforming worn and tired surfaces into stunning showcases of natural beauty. However, achieving that flawless finish requires more than just a good eye and a bit of elbow grease; it demands the right tools and techniques. One of the most critical components in this process is the grit of sandpaper you choose. Selecting the appropriate grit is essential for effectively removing old finishes, smoothing out imperfections, and preparing the wood for a fresh coat of stain or sealant.

In the world of hardwood floor refinishing, understanding sandpaper grits is key to achieving professional results. The grit number indicates the coarseness of the sandpaper, with lower numbers representing coarser grits that can quickly remove material, while higher numbers denote finer grits that are perfect for polishing and finishing touches. Each stage of the refinishing process requires a different grit to ensure that the wood is properly prepared for the next step, making it crucial to know when and how to use each type effectively.

As you embark on your hardwood floor refinishing journey, knowing the right grit sandpaper to use at each stage can make all the difference. From the initial rough sanding to the final smoothing, understanding the nuances of sandpaper grits will not only enhance

Choosing the Right Grit Sandpaper

When refinishing hardwood floors, selecting the appropriate grit sandpaper is crucial for achieving a smooth, professional finish. The grit level determines the coarseness or fineness of the sandpaper, impacting the efficiency of material removal and the quality of the surface.

For hardwood floor refinishing, a multi-stage approach using different grits is recommended:

  • Coarse Grit (36-60 grit): This initial stage is used for stripping away old finishes and leveling uneven surfaces.
  • Medium Grit (80-100 grit): After the coarse sanding, medium grit is employed to smooth the surface further and remove any scratches left by the coarser sandpaper.
  • Fine Grit (120-150 grit): This final sanding stage prepares the wood for finishing by creating a smooth surface free of imperfections.

The table below summarizes the recommended grit levels and their purposes:

Grit Level Purpose
36-60 Remove old finish and level surface
80-100 Smooth surface and remove scratches
120-150 Prepare wood for finishing

Types of Sandpaper for Hardwood Floors

When refinishing hardwood floors, it is essential to choose the right type of sandpaper. Common options include:

  • Aluminum Oxide: This is a durable choice that resists wear and tear, making it suitable for both hardwood and engineered wood.
  • Silicon Carbide: Known for its sharpness, this type is ideal for wet sanding and works well on harder woods.
  • Garnet: This natural abrasive is suitable for fine sanding and provides a smooth finish but wears out more quickly than synthetic options.

Tools and Equipment

While selecting sandpaper grit is critical, using the right tools enhances the refinishing process. Equipment that should be considered includes:

  • Floor Sanders: Drum sanders or orbital sanders are commonly used for larger areas.
  • Edge Sanders: These are essential for corners and edges where larger sanders cannot reach.
  • Hand Sanding Blocks: Useful for touch-ups and small areas.

By utilizing the proper grit sandpaper alongside the right tools, you can ensure a well-refinished hardwood floor that enhances your space’s beauty.

Choosing the Right Grit Sandpaper

Selecting the appropriate grit sandpaper is crucial for effectively refinishing hardwood floors. The grit number indicates the size of the sandpaper’s abrasive particles, with lower numbers representing coarser grits and higher numbers signifying finer grits. Here’s a breakdown of the grits typically used in the process:

Grit Breakdown for Hardwood Floor Refinishing

Grit Level Purpose Use Case
36-40 Heavy Removal Initial sanding to remove old finish, scratches, and imperfections. Ideal for heavily worn floors.
60-80 Medium Removal Used after the coarse grit to smooth out the surface and prepare for finer sanding.
100-120 Final Sanding Prepares the surface for finishing. Ensures a smooth texture and removes any scratches left by previous grits.
150-220 Buffing and Finishing Used for the final touches before applying the finish. Provides an ultra-smooth surface.

Recommended Sanding Process

  1. Start with Coarse Grit: Begin with 36 or 40 grit sandpaper. This will remove the old finish and any major imperfections.
  2. Progress to Medium Grit: Move to 60 or 80 grit to smooth the floor and eliminate scratches from the coarse sanding.
  3. Finish with Fine Grit: Use 100 to 120 grit for the final sanding, ensuring the surface is smooth and ready for finishing.
  4. Final Buffing: If desired, a last pass with 150 to 220 grit can help achieve an even finer finish.

Tips for Effective Sanding

  • Always Sand in the Direction of the Grain: This prevents scratches and ensures a more uniform finish.
  • Use a Floor Sander: For larger areas, a drum sander or orbital sander is recommended for even sanding.
  • Keep the Floor Clean: Vacuum and sweep between sanding stages to remove dust and debris, which can cause scratches.
  • Test in an Inconspicuous Area: Before starting on the main area, test the sanding process in a less visible spot to ensure desired results.

Additional Considerations

  • Type of Wood: Different hardwoods may require adjustments in grit levels based on their hardness and finish.
  • Condition of the Floor: Extremely damaged floors may necessitate starting with a lower grit than normal.
  • Dust Control: Consider using sandpaper designed for dust containment systems to minimize cleanup and improve air quality.

By following these guidelines, you can select the appropriate grit sandpaper and effectively refinish your hardwood floors, achieving a professional-quality finish.

Choosing the Right Grit Sandpaper for Refinishing Hardwood Floors

Emily Carter (Senior Flooring Specialist, TimberWorks). “For refinishing hardwood floors, starting with a coarse grit sandpaper, such as 36 or 40 grit, is essential to effectively remove the old finish and any imperfections. This initial step is crucial for achieving a smooth surface before progressing to finer grits.”

James Thompson (Certified Wood Flooring Inspector, National Wood Flooring Association). “After the initial sanding with coarse grit, I recommend moving to 60 or 80 grit sandpaper. This helps to refine the surface and prepare it for the final sanding stage, ensuring that the new finish adheres properly and looks professional.”

Laura Mitchell (Professional Refinishing Contractor, FloorCraft Solutions). “Finally, for the last pass, using 120 grit sandpaper is ideal. This grit smooths out any remaining scratches and provides a flawless surface for the application of the finish, resulting in a beautifully refinished floor that highlights the wood’s natural beauty.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What grit sandpaper should I start with for refinishing hardwood floors?
Begin with 36 or 40 grit sandpaper to remove the old finish and level the surface. This coarse grit effectively tackles imperfections and prepares the floor for finer grits.

What grit sandpaper is best for the final sanding of hardwood floors?
For the final sanding, use 120 to 150 grit sandpaper. This fine grit smooths the surface and prepares it for the application of finish, ensuring a professional appearance.

How many grit levels should I use when refinishing hardwood floors?
Typically, you should use three to four grit levels: start with 36 or 40 grit, move to 60 or 80 grit, then finish with 120 to 150 grit. This progression ensures a smooth and even surface.

Can I skip grits when sanding hardwood floors?
It is not advisable to skip grits, as each grit level serves a specific purpose in the sanding process. Skipping grits can lead to an uneven surface and poor adhesion of the finish.

How often should I change sandpaper when refinishing floors?
Change sandpaper as it becomes clogged or worn. Typically, this may be after every room or every 200-300 square feet, depending on the condition of the floor and the grit being used.

Is it necessary to sand between coats of finish on hardwood floors?
Yes, it is necessary to lightly sand between coats of finish using a fine grit, such as 220 grit. This step promotes better adhesion of subsequent coats and enhances the overall finish quality.
In the process of refinishing hardwood floors, selecting the appropriate grit sandpaper is crucial for achieving a smooth and professional finish. Typically, the sanding process begins with a coarse grit, such as 36 or 40, to effectively remove the old finish and any surface imperfections. This initial step is essential for preparing the wood for subsequent sanding stages.

As the refinishing progresses, it is important to transition to medium grits, such as 60 or 80, to refine the surface further and eliminate scratches left by the coarser sandpaper. Finally, a fine grit, typically around 100 to 120, is used to achieve a smooth finish that enhances the wood’s natural beauty and prepares it for the application of stains or sealants. Each stage of sanding plays a vital role in ensuring the durability and aesthetic appeal of the refinished floor.

In summary, the selection of grit sandpaper for refinishing hardwood floors should follow a systematic approach: starting with coarse grits for removal, moving to medium grits for refinement, and concluding with fine grits for a polished finish. Understanding this progression not only contributes to a successful refinishing project but also helps in maintaining the integrity and longevity of hardwood flooring.

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Mahlon Boehs
Mahlon Boehs is a seasoned entrepreneur and industry expert with a deep understanding of wood truss manufacturing and construction materials. As the President of Timberlake TrussWorks, LLC, Mahlon played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s reputation for quality and precision. His leadership ensured that each truss met rigorous structural standards, providing builders with dependable components essential to their projects.

Beginning in 2025, Mahlon Boehs has shifted his focus to education and knowledge-sharing through an informative blog dedicated to wood truss manufacturing. Drawing from his extensive experience in the field, he provides in-depth insights into truss design, material selection, and construction techniques. This blog serves as a valuable resource for builders, contractors, and homeowners seeking practical guidance on truss systems and structural integrity.