Sand the Staircase

What happens in this clip

Once all risers, treads, and landing flooring are installed, it's time to sand the entire staircase. Begin with 80-grit sandpaper on a random orbital sander to smooth out any imperfections, remove glue residue, and level minor height differences. Work your way through finer grits, typically 120-grit, then finish with 220-grit sandpaper for a smooth, ready-to-finish surface. Use a detail sander or sanding block for corners and tight spots that the orbital sander cannot reach. Connect your sander to a dust extractor or shop vac to minimize dust, and thoroughly clean all surfaces with a tack cloth or vacuum before moving to the next step.

Goal: Achieve a smooth, uniform surface for finishing

What's used

Tools

• Detail Sander / Sanding Block
• Hand sanding with sandpaper
• edges
• and tight spots.
• Dust Extractor / Shop Vac
• Dust Mask
• Random Orbital Sander
• more aggressive)
• Vibrating sander
• Safety Glasses
• Tack Cloth

Materials

• 120-grit Sandpaper
• 220-grit Sandpaper
• 80-grit Sandpaper

About the full video

This project details the transformation of an old, carpeted staircase into a beautiful hardwood staircase. It involves removing the existing carpet and treads, precisely measuring and installing new risers and treads, laying matching hardwood flooring on the landings, and finally sanding, staining, and applying a durable topcoat for a polished, long-lasting finish.

Step 4 of 11: Clean and Sand Stair Surfaces

After repairs, vacuum the stairs thoroughly to remove any dust or debris. Wipe down the surfaces with a tack cloth or a slightly damp rag. Next, use an orbital sander with medium-grit sandpaper (e.g., 80-120 grit) to sand the entire surface of each tread and riser. This will remove any remaining residue and create a uniform, smooth surface. Follow up with fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 180-220 grit) for a smoother finish. Clean off all sanding dust thoroughly.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Get a Hardwood Look on Carpeted Stairs

1. Step 1: Remove Carpet and Padding

   • 0:04–0:34 Remove Old Carpet and Padding
   • 0:21–0:50 Remove the Carpet
   • 0:44–2:00 Remove Old Carpet

2. Step 2: Remove Staples and Nails

   • 0:31–0:55 Remove Tack Strips and Staples
   • 0:13–0:38 Remove Carpet and Prep for Installation
   • 1:19–1:49 Remove Staples and Protruding Nails

3. Step 3: Inspect and Repair Stair Structure

   • 0:09–0:14 Repair and Prepare Stair Structure
   • 1:40–2:44 Prepare Surface by Filling Holes
   • 3:59–6:57 Replace Damaged Stair Treads or Risers

4. Step 4: Clean and Sand Stair Surfaces

   • 1:05–1:18 Vacuum Dust and Perform Fine Sanding
   • 0:51–0:57 Strip Old Finish from Tread Surfaces
   • 0:37–0:41 Sand the Staircase (this video)

5. Step 5: Measure and Cut Hardwood Treads and Risers

   • 6:09–11:07 Measure and Cut Treads
   • 0:43–0:52 Measure and Cut New Treads
   • 3:40–6:00 Measure and Cut Risers

6. Step 6: Install Hardwood Risers

   • 0:35–0:46 Install the Riser Boards
   • 2:49–3:19 Install Retro Risers
   • 3:55–5:35 Cut and Install Stair Risers

7. Step 7: Install Hardwood Treads

   • 10:00–11:40 Install Hardwood Treads and Risers
   • 0:49–2:35 Install the Tread and Nosing Components
   • 2:35–4:25 Secure New Stair Treads

8. Step 8: Install Stair Nosing (if applicable)

   • 4:41–5:53 Cut and Install Nosings
   • 0:37–0:41 Install Stair Nose Trim
   • 13:39–14:45 Measure and Install Stair Nosing

9. Step 9: Fill Nail Holes and Gaps

   • 16:00–16:30 Apply Wood Filler for Finishing Touches
   • 0:55–1:21 Apply Wood Filler to Blemishes
   • 0:07–0:25 Inspect and Fill Imperfections

10. Step 10: Sand Repaired Areas and Final Surface

    • 2:44–3:20 Sand Surfaces and Control Dust
    • 1:21–1:35 Sand and Clean Stairs
    • 1:47–2:00 Fill and Sand Risers

11. Step 11: Apply Finish (Stain and Sealant)

    • 0:45–0:59 Apply Protective Topcoat
    • 11:09–11:34 Apply Protective Wood Top Coat
    • 2:01–2:44 Apply Polyurethane Sealer