Floor Sanding Dust: What to Expect and How We Minimize It

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: Dust. It is the number one concern for anyone getting their floors sanded. Will it be everywhere? Will I be finding it in my cornflakes for weeks?

Technology has improved drastically, but it is important to have realistic expectations. Here is the honest truth about floor sanding dust.

The "Dustless" Reality

We use advanced, truck-mounted or portable cyclonic vacuum systems. These capture dust at the source—the moment the sandpaper hits the floor.

• Old machines: 30-50% capture rate. (Dust cloud visible).
• Our machines: 95-98% capture rate. (Invisible dust).

This means we don't hang plastic sheets over every doorway because we don't need to.

What You Will See

While we capture the vast majority of dust, a tiny amount of very fine "flour-like" dust may escape, primarily during the edging process or when emptying containment bags outside.

Expect: A fine layer on skirting boards, window sills, and perhaps the top of door frames. It is comparable to a week's worth of normal household dust accumulation.

Our Containment Protocols

To protect your home, we take extra steps:

1. HEPA Filtration: Our vacuums filter out microscopic particles.
2. Seal Offs: If we are only sanding one room, we close the door and seal the gap to prevent drafts carrying dust to the rest of the house.
3. Final Vacuum: We vacuum every inch of the floor, walls, and sills before we apply any finish to ensure the room is sterile.

What You Can Do

Help us keep your home clean:

• Remove what you can: Take down curtains and remove knick-knacks.
• Cover the rest: Throw sheets over bookcases or non-movable furniture.
• Seal electronic vents: Dust is attracted to static electricity (TVs, computers).

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

• Technical Details of Our Dust System
• Preparation Guide