Dust-controlled sanding.A cleaner process, explained.
What dust collection does, what HEPA actually means, and what to plan before your hardwood floors are sanded.
SEE HOW IT WORKSControl the dust where the work happens.
Dust-controlled sanding uses collection equipment connected to sanding tools to capture dust close to where it is created. It is part of a wider plan that includes protecting nearby areas and cleaning the work zone.
Dust-controlled does not mean dust-free. Edges, corners, repairs, equipment changes, and movement through the site can still leave dust that needs attention. No room-wide removal percentage is promised here.
From the floor to the collection system.
The aim is to collect dust before it spreads. The exact path and filtration depend on the sanding tool and collection equipment used for the job.
Capture near the source
The sanding tool’s collection connection draws dust toward the extraction system as the floor is worked.
Collect & contain
Hoses carry collected material into the system’s collection bag or container. Connections and maintenance matter.
Filter the exhaust
The filter handles particles carried in the extracted air. Ask which filter and complete collection system are being used.
Illustrative sequence—not a diagram of a specific Accolade machine. Some equipment combines collection and filtration in one unit.
OSHA identifies collection near the source as an engineering control for wood dust. Its guidance concerns worker exposure; it is not a residential dust-free certification. Read OSHA’s control guidance.
What “HEPA” actually tells you.
At least this theoretical particle-removal efficiency for a HEPA filter.
The particle size used in EPA’s explanation of that efficiency.
These figures describe filtration of air passing through the filter—not the percentage of all dust removed from a room.
Filter performance ≠ whole-home performance. A HEPA rating alone does not establish how much dust a sanding setup captures. It also does not verify the equipment used on your project. Ask about the complete system.
Source: EPA — What is a HEPA filter? General filter information, not an Accolade performance claim.
Collection is not the same as room filtration.
ITS ROLEDraws dust from the sanding tool.
ITS LIMITDoes not eliminate every escaped or settled particle.
ITS ROLECan supplement source control by filtering circulating air.
ITS LIMITDoes not replace tool-connected collection or cleanup.
ITS ROLEHelps separate the work zone and protect nearby surfaces.
ITS LIMITDoes not collect dust generated by the machine.
ITS ROLEAddresses dust left on accessible work surfaces.
ITS LIMITDoes not make an active sanding area ready for household use.
EPA describes air filtration as a supplement to source control and ventilation—not a way to remove every pollutant. Read EPA’s air-filtration guidance.
A little planning makes the work easier.
Use these six checks to discuss responsibilities before the crew arrives. Checkmarks are optional and are not saved.
Have a sensitive household? Raise respiratory sensitivities and occupancy concerns before scheduling. A dust-control system is not a guarantee that staying in the home will be appropriate.
A cleaner process. Still a skilled craft.
Dust collection supports the sanding process; it does not replace an appropriate abrasive sequence, careful edging, repair decisions, or preparation for the chosen finish.
A worn finish and a damaged board are different problems. The floor’s condition helps determine whether sanding, focused repairs, or replacement makes sense.
Know what to expect.
Will there be absolutely no dust?
No. Collection is intended to reduce dust spreading from the work, not to guarantee zero dust. Ask about protection, detailed sanding, and cleanup as part of the scope.
Does 99.97% mean my home will be 99.97% dust-free?
No. EPA’s figure describes HEPA filter efficiency at a specified particle size. It is not a measurement of dust remaining in your home or an Accolade dust-removal claim.
Is a room air purifier the same as a dust-containment vacuum?
No. Room filtration works on air circulating through the room. Tool-connected extraction collects near the sanding source. The two have different roles.
Can furniture remain in the rooms being sanded?
The scheduled floor area needs to be accessible. Confirm furniture removal and storage arrangements before work begins rather than assuming items can stay covered in the middle of the room.
Can damaged boards be repaired before sanding?
Often, but the extent of damage, floor construction, available replacement wood, and agreed scope determine the approach. Repairs should be evaluated before the main sanding sequence.
Does dust control also decide when I can move back in?
No. Sanding dust and finish-related occupancy restrictions are separate issues. Follow the exact finish system’s instructions and your site-specific plan for ventilation, access, furniture, rugs, and normal use.
Clear claims. Clear limits.
This homeowner guide explains control methods, not measured air quality at a particular jobsite. Equipment capability must be confirmed for the actual system. Occupational exposure limits are not used as residential clearance targets.
- EPA — What is a HEPA filter?
Definition and the meaning of 99.97% at 0.3 microns. - OSHA — Wood Dust: Possible Solutions
Engineering controls and collection at the source. - EPA — Air Cleaners and Air Filters in the Home
Filtration’s supporting role and its limitations.
Tell us about your floors.
We’ll talk through the floor condition, preparation, dust-control approach, and finish choices for your project.