Dustless hardwood floor sanding is a popular request from homeowners. It’s more efficient than regular sanding and it’s healthier because it helps you maintain the indoor air quality. It also requires less cleanup.
What is dustless sanding?
This process creates less dust than the standard sanding process. With the proper system in place, about 99% of the dust that would otherwise be released into the air is captured and contained in a 
way that makes it easy to dispose of.
Although it’s called a “dustless” process, in reality it’s not completely dust-free. There will always be a small amount of dust created and released into the air during any hardwood floor finishing process.
However, a proper dust control system will take care of the vast majority of the dust created during the sanding process.
The advantages of dustless hardwood floor sanding
It’s great for people with asthma and dust sensitivities. It’s also a good idea to use the dustless sanding process when you’re working with vulnerable populations like children, or when working in a hospital or rehabilitation facility.
It’s also a great idea because it can help cut down on finish problems, since many hardwood floor finish problems are caused by dust that isn’t properly removed from the floor before proceeding to the next step in the installation process.
Dustless sanding usually takes less time than a standard sanding process would because there is less cleanup involved — no need to hire a cleaning company to come in after the job to clean up.
Note that you can’t throw caution to the wind when using a dustless sanding setup. For example, you still should tack the floor in between each coat of finish. But if you have the proper system in place, the majority of the dust should be taken care of.
What equipment do we recommend?
There are several systems available to help you create a dustless sanding environment, from complete dust control systems to sanders with self-contained dust control. Here are three systems we recommend:
#1: Oneida Dust Deputy – The Dust Deputy is a powerful cyclone-style separator. You hook it up to a vacuum, and the Dust Deputy captures and contains 99% of the dust created by your sander. The Dust Deputy is extremely efficient and effective at capturing and then filtering any dust created during the sanding process while helping your vacuum maintain its suction power.
#2: Lagler Trio – The Lagler Trio features integrated dust control, so there’s no need for an outside vacuum when using the Trio. The Lagler Trio offers integrated, sensor-monitored dust suction and dust-free disposal. A unique dust seal which allows the large dust collection hose–which is integrated into the chassis of the machine–pick up dust and debris. Fine dust is brought through the pleated filter, while heavier dust is cycloned down to a self-contained bag, which is easy to remove.
#3: American Sanders RS-16 DC Buffer – The DC model of the RS-16 allows for dustless buffing. Hook up the American Sanders RS-16 DC to a vacuum like one of the Festool CT vacuums to prevent dust from entering the air, thus preserving indoor air quality for yourself and your clients.
There are many reasons to start offering dustless sanding to your clients. If nothing else, it will help you attract a new segment of homeowners who are concerned about indoor air quality. Luckily, you don’t need to get much equipment to get started! For more information browse our hardwood floor vacuums, call us at (800) 737-1786, or email info@cityfloorsupply.com.
I did not know that dustless sanding can help cut down on finish problems. Keeping your hardwood floor in good condition would be a great way to have it last longer. You’d probably want to get it sanded by a professional, someone who knows the dustless method, so that it can get done correctly and with the proper tools.
We are moving into a new home and someone suggested to me that I have the floors sanded. I was looking to learn about the advantages of this project. It is good to know that floor sanding is great for people with asthma and dust sensitivities. I am glad to learn that dustless sanding does not take much time because clean up is minimal. We will definitely look into this option before moving into our new home.
While sandless refinishing is good for superficial cleaning and restoring shine, it can’t remove most forms of damage, such as scratches. For that, you’ll need to sand the floor.
Wow, I never knew that the dustless hardwood floor would be excellent for people with asthma and dust sensitivities. My mom is thinking of having a floor remodeling because it has visible cracks and holes. Moreover, it is highly recommended to use a hardwood floor dustless refinishing since it is very easy to clean.
How do you remove sanding dust from hardwood floors?
We would recommend using a dust containment system such as the Oneida Vortex – https://www.cityfloorsupply.com/p/oneida-vortex-dcs-portable-dust-containment-system/24313