Got a $10K quote for part refinish job and part installation of new solid flooring. Is the $500-600 option I have for a "dustless" [lol] system sanding worth it or is it just a sell to over worried homeowners (like my wife)?

Thx.

It depends on the "dustless" system the contractor is using. I have heard the Oneida works great, as does Bona's Atomic dust collection systems. Some are merely vacuum cleaners like shop vacs and don't work all that well. Going dustless benefits the contractor as well as the homeowner and most contractors offering "dustless" or dust collection systems do charge extra for it. They need to get something for what they are offering and recoup some of their investment. It sounds as if the contractor is adding about 5% to the job for going dustless. I can tell you, without it, there will be dust.

Okay, then it sounds like it's worth it and I'll have no problem doing it.

hey, we have a 2 story foyer with ceramic tile and carpet going up the steps and in the upstairs hallway. I'm covering the stairs with carpet adhesive as well as sheets, will the dust from the demo or the post-installation sanding make it to the upstairs (just an rail up there looking down onto the foyer)?

Yes it will, expecially if windows are open, It will blow stuff everywhere. I never seen the big dustless systems on a job, We have a smaller one and it works good but remember the phase DUST LESS, not no dust. The biggest cluprit with us is the buffer with the UFO attachment, Maybe the bigger systems are better but $20 worth of plastic and BLUE tape will save you big time if the dust less system isn't what you expected.
Steve

Seems to me it should be the same cost with the dustless system...

It is going to take them less time cleaning up before coating, or they will be recoating at their expense, because of all the grit in the finish, from the dust and in the air falling in their finish topcoats.

Not necessarily! We actually did just fine producing quality finishes prior to these "dust extraction" systems. It is mostly a matter of cleaning properly, the floor and the surrounding area. Dust extraction equipment only collects a majority of sanding dust. The finisher still needs to vacumm and tack well, and these are the things that make for a better finished floor.

coming from my standpoint as a homeowner, I was more concerned about the "dustless" system affected the rest of the house where there will be no hardwood flooring work done. We have our 1st child coming within 2-3 weeks, new carpet upstairs, etc. I know I'll be doing some vacuuming afterwards but the less the better.

Well worth it imo. I have known people who it has taken a week of dusting to get all the dust out of every nook and cranny in the house.