How To Choose the Right Sandpaper for Wood Projects

June 2024 · 4 minute read

Sandpaper is ubiquitous in the wood shop, and there are so many variations it can be overwhelming to a beginner. Is it best to sand to 180 or 220? What are those spongy sanding blocks for? Why are some sandpapers different colors?

The world of abrasives can be vast and tricky to grasp, but let’s stick to what’s generally useful in the wood shop. I’ll give you all the information you need to be successful in your sanding endeavors on your next project.

Understanding Sandpaper for Wood: Grit Size

The first thing you need to understand is grit size. Sandpaper is nothing more than tiny particles, most often made of metal compounds, that adhered to a backing — often, paper. The size of those particles determines the grit size.

The lower the number, the larger the particle size and the coarser the sandpaper will be. That removes material faster while leaving a rougher surface. The higher the number, the smaller the particles, which leave a smoother surface. There’s no end to how long and how fine you can sand, but for our purposes we’ll focus on four main grit ranges.

Bonus fact: Europe has a different grit scale than the U.S. If ever you see the grit size labeled P-180 or P-220, that’s the European scale. And while it’s not an exact equivalent, it’s close enough. I consider it basically the same.

Hand Sanding vs. Machine Sanding

Depending on your sanding setup, you may need different styles of sandpaper. The most common are as follows:

Hand sanding

Machine sanding

Note: Here are Family Handyman’s picks for the best sanders for wood projects.

Types of Sandpaper

Here are the basic industry terms:

Choosing the Right Sandpaper for Your Woodworking Project

Despite all these grit ranges and abrasives types, choosing the right sandpaper for your woodworking project is simple if you follow these general guidelines.

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