SERVING METROWEST & GREATER BOSTON
Dust-controlled hardwood sanding
Sanding equipment connected to HEPA-filtered dust collection helps capture dust close to where it is created, with containment and surface protection used where needed.
SOURCE CAPTURE
Connected at the sanding equipmentDust collection connects directly to sanding tools.
HEPA FILTRATION
≥99.97% at 0.3 µm*EPA’s benchmark for HEPA filter efficiency.
HOME PROTECTION
Containment + surface protectionNearby surfaces and adjoining areas are considered before sanding begins.
*99.97% refers to filter efficiency for 0.3-micron particles passing through the HEPA filter—not the percentage of all dust captured in a home.
WHAT “DUSTLESS” MEANS
How we control sanding dust
“Dustless sanding” is a common term, but sanding still creates dust. Our process focuses on collecting dust close to the sanding source, limiting movement into nearby areas, protecting surrounding surfaces, and cleaning the work area before finishing.
SOURCE CAPTURE
Dust collection at the sanding equipment
Dust-control equipment is connected directly to the sanding tools so collection begins where dust is generated rather than relying only on cleanup after it settles.
Direct connection
Sanding equipment connects to dust collection.
Collection close to the source
Dust is drawn away during sanding rather than only addressed afterward.
Filtration
Collected air passes through the filtration system before discharge according to the equipment setup.
HOME PROTECTION
Protection around the work area
Before sanding begins, we review nearby cabinetry, built-ins, adjoining rooms, stairs, equipment routes, and other surfaces that may need protection or separation.
How dust collection works
- 1. Sanding head
- 2. Dust port
- 3. Hose
- 4. Collection system
- 5. HEPA filtration
Final cleaning remains part of the process.
Simplified flow; equipment configurations vary.
FINAL PREPARATION
Cleaning before stain or finish
After sanding, the floor and work area are cleaned and inspected before stain, sealer, or finish is applied.
Inside our refinishing process
Swipe to view the photos
Examples from separate projects, showing equipment, preparation, and a finished floor.
VIEW REFINISHING PROCESSDust control on site
Equipment connection
How effectively the sanding tool is connected to collection.
Edges & corners
Detail sanding can involve different equipment.
Room layout
Doorways, stairs, open plans, and adjoining rooms affect containment.
Floor condition
Old coatings, repairs, gaps, and damaged areas can change the work.
Equipment movement
Hoses, cords, bag changes, and equipment routes matter.
Final cleaning
Collected dust is only one part of preparing the floor for finish.
Equipment connection
How effectively the sanding tool is connected to collection.
Edges & corners
Detail sanding can involve different equipment.
Room layout
Doorways, stairs, open plans, and adjoining rooms affect containment.
Floor condition
Old coatings, repairs, gaps, and damaged areas can change the work.
Equipment movement
Hoses, cords, bag changes, and equipment routes matter.
Final cleaning
Collected dust is only one part of preparing the floor for finish.
DUST CONTROL METHODS
Dust collection and cleanup
| Method | What it does |
|---|---|
| Source capture | Collects dust at the sanding equipment |
| HEPA filtration | Filters particles carried through the collection system |
| Containment | Helps limit movement into adjoining areas |
| Surface protection | Protects nearby fixed surfaces and belongings |
| Final cleaning | Removes remaining accessible dust before finishing |
Source capture
Collects dust at the sanding equipment
HEPA filtration
Filters particles carried through the collection system
Containment
Helps limit movement into adjoining areas
Surface protection
Protects nearby fixed surfaces and belongings
Final cleaning
Removes remaining accessible dust before finishing
HEPA FILTRATION
HEPA filter efficiency
Minimum theoretical HEPA efficiency at 0.3 µm
EPA’s reference particle size for the HEPA efficiency benchmark
This describes particles passing through the filter. It does not mean that 99.97% of all dust created during a flooring project is captured.
Technical references
- U.S. EPA — What is a HEPA filter?
- U.S. EPA — Air Cleaners and Air Filters in the Home
- OSHA — Wood Dust / Local Exhaust Ventilation
These sources explain general filtration and source-control principles. They are not certifications of Accolade’s jobsite performance.
Dust-control questions
Is hardwood floor sanding completely dust-free?
Sanding creates dust. We use connected collection equipment, surface protection and cleanup to reduce what spreads. Some dust can remain.
Do your sanding machines connect to dust collection?
Yes. Sanding equipment connects directly to dust collection so dust can be drawn away close to where it is generated. Detail work and different sanding tools may require different setups.
Will there still be cleanup afterward?
Yes. We clean the floor and work area before stain, sealer, or finish. Source capture does not replace final cleaning.
Do I need to leave the house during sanding?
Occupancy depends on the work area, access, sanding scope, finish system, drying requirements, and household needs. We discuss the plan before work begins; HEPA filtration alone does not determine whether you can stay.
Can older hardwood floors be sanded with dust control?
Often, yes. We first assess the floor’s condition, remaining thickness, previous coatings, and any repairs needed to determine whether sanding is appropriate.
Does 99.97% mean my house will be 99.97% dust-free?
No. The 99.97% figure refers to HEPA filter efficiency at 0.3 µm for air passing through the filter. It is not a measurement of total jobsite dust capture.
Is an air purifier the same as source capture?
No. Room air filtration works on air already circulating in the space. Tool-connected collection captures dust close to where it is generated.
Tell us about your floors
Tell us where the project is, which rooms are involved and what condition the floors are in. Photos are helpful if you have them.
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