Do You Really Need to Sand Plywood? (Most People Overdo It)

Sanding plywood seems like a necessary step in every project.
But here’s the truth:

Most people sand plywood more than they should.

And in many cases, over-sanding actually makes the result worse, not better.

Let’s break down when sanding is necessary, when it’s not, and how to do it correctly.

Plywood Is Already Sanded (Most of the Time)

Many plywood panels, especially those used for cabinets or furniture, come pre-sanded from the factory.

This means:
That you don’t need aggressive sanding before using them.

What to do instead:

• Inspect the surface
• Only sand if you feel roughness or imperfections

Over-Sanding Can Damage the Surface

Plywood has a thin top veneer.

If you sand too much, you can:

• wear it down
• expose lower layers
• ruin the finish completely

Fix it:

• Use light pressure
• Stick to fine grit sandpaper (220)

Sanding Is for Finishing, Not Fixing Everything

Sanding is meant to:

• smooth minor imperfections
• prepare the surface for finishing

It’s NOT meant to fix:

• bad cuts
• deep damage
• structural issues

You Only Need Light Sanding Between Coats

If you're applying paint, stain, or finish:

You don’t need heavy sanding every time.

Best practice:

• Light sanding between coats
• Clean surface before applying the next layer

When You SHOULD Sand

Sanding is useful when:

• prepping for paint or stain
• smoothing edges slightly
• removing minor surface imperfections

Final Thoughts

Sanding plywood isn’t always necessary, and overdoing it can actually damage your project.

The key is knowing when to sand and when to leave the surface as it is.

Less is often more.

Choose the Right Plywood from the Start

Starting with a smooth, high-quality panel reduces the need for sanding and improves your final result.

You can find reliable hardwood plywood panels at Lowe's for your next build.

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