Protect Adjacent Areas
Kitchen demolition creates an enormous amount of dust that will infiltrate every corner of your home if not contained. Proper protection takes a few hours but saves weeks of cleanup and potential damage.
Quick Summary
3-4 hours
$100-$400
Day before demo
Entire project
Why Dust Containment Is Critical
Construction dust goes everywhere
Without proper containment, fine drywall dust, sawdust, and debris will coat every surface in your home—including inside closets, on clothing, in electronics, and in your HVAC system. Some homeowners have reported dust appearing in rooms two floors away from their kitchen remodel. The cleanup cost far exceeds the investment in proper barriers.
Demolition is the dustiest phase, but construction continues to generate particles for weeks. Cutting tile, sanding drywall, and even sweeping up debris releases fine dust that travels through air currents. Your protection setup needs to last the entire project.
If you have family members with allergies or respiratory issues, proper containment isn't just about cleanliness—it's about health. Consider having sensitive individuals stay elsewhere during the demolition phase.
Materials You'll Need
Dust Barriers
- 6-mil plastic sheeting - 2-3 rolls (10' x 100')
- Zipper door kits - 2-3 per opening ($8-15 each)
- Painter's tape (blue) - 4-6 rolls
- Duct tape - for reinforcing seams
Floor Protection
- Ram board or rosin paper - for main walkways
- Canvas drop cloths - for adjacent rooms
- 1/4" plywood or Masonite - for work zone
- Carpet plastic film - if protecting carpet
HVAC Protection
- Magnetic vent covers - for metal registers
- Plastic and tape - for non-magnetic vents
- Extra furnace filters - change weekly
Air Quality
- Box fan - for negative pressure
- 20x20 furnace filters - attach to fan
- Air scrubber rental - for heavy demo ($50-75/day)
Step-by-Step Protection Setup
Cover All HVAC Vents First
Before any demolition begins, cover every supply vent (where air blows out) and return vent (larger grilles where air is sucked in) in the kitchen and adjacent rooms. Magnetic covers work best for metal registers. For non-magnetic vents, use plastic sheeting sealed with tape.
Important: Also cover vents in rooms above the kitchen if you have a two-story home. Dust travels up through return air systems and can coat an entire second floor.
Install Plastic Barriers at Entry Points
Hang 6-mil plastic sheeting from ceiling to floor at every doorway or opening leading into the kitchen. The plastic should extend at least 12 inches past the opening on each side. Tape the top and sides securely—the seal needs to be airtight.
Zipper Door Installation
- 1. Cut plastic 6-8 inches wider than the doorway
- 2. Tape plastic securely across the top and sides
- 3. Apply the adhesive zipper strip to the plastic
- 4. Cut through the plastic along the zipper line
- 5. Test the zipper opens and closes smoothly
Seal Gaps and Cracks
Dust finds the tiniest openings. Use painter's tape to seal:
- Gaps under doors (use door sweeps or rolled towels behind tape)
- Around door frames where plastic meets wall
- Any cracks or openings in the ceiling
- Around pipes and electrical conduits
- Switch plates and outlets (tape over entirely if not in use)
Protect Floors in Work Paths
Contractors will walk through your home carrying materials and debris. Protect the path from your exterior door to the kitchen with layered protection: first a layer of rosin paper or ram board, then drop cloths over high-traffic areas.
For hardwood floors: First apply painter's tape over the seams between boards (dust settles in cracks), then layer ram board, then drop cloths. Never drag anything across hardwood—always lift and carry.
Set Up Negative Air Pressure
Create negative pressure in the work zone so air flows INTO the kitchen rather than out. This keeps dust contained. The simplest method is a box fan in a window, blowing OUT, with a furnace filter taped to the intake side.
DIY Negative Air Setup
- 1. Place a box fan in a kitchen window, facing OUT
- 2. Tape a 20x20 furnace filter to the back of the fan
- 3. Seal around the fan with plastic and tape
- 4. Run continuously during demolition
- 5. Replace filter when it becomes gray
Protect Adjacent Room Contents
Even with barriers, some dust will escape. In rooms adjacent to the kitchen, cover upholstered furniture with plastic sheets. Close closet doors and seal with tape. Remove or cover electronics, artwork, and anything that dust could damage.
Floor Protection by Type
Hardwood Floors
Hardwood requires the most protection. Dust gets between boards and is nearly impossible to remove completely.
- Layer 1: Painter's tape over seams between boards
- Layer 2: Ram board (heavy-duty floor paper) taped at seams
- Layer 3: Drop cloths in high-traffic areas
- Layer 4: Plywood sheets in the main work zone
Tile or Stone Floors
Tile is more forgiving but grout can stain and chips happen easily from dropped tools.
- Layer 1: Ram board or contractor's paper over entire surface
- Layer 2: Plywood or Masonite in work zone
- Tape all seams to prevent dust infiltration
Carpet
If you have carpet adjacent to the kitchen (common in dining rooms or living areas):
- Use carpet protection film (sticky side down) as the first layer
- Add drop cloths or ram board over film
- Replace protection film weekly as it loses adhesion
- Plan for professional carpet cleaning after project
Vinyl or Laminate
These floors scratch easily but are relatively easy to protect.
- Ram board or contractor's paper is usually sufficient
- Add drop cloths in high-traffic paths
- Use furniture pads under any heavy equipment
Maintaining Protection During the Project
Your initial setup will degrade over time. Zipper doors get torn, tape loses adhesion, and floor coverings shift. Plan for regular maintenance:
Daily Checks
- Zipper doors close fully
- Floor protection hasn't shifted
- Box fan is running
- No new dust escaping to living areas
Weekly Tasks
- Replace furnace filter
- Repair torn plastic barriers
- Re-tape loose edges
- Clean dust from fan filter
- Vacuum adjacent room floors
Contractors may not maintain your barriers
Some contractors are meticulous about dust control; others are not. Make your expectations clear upfront, include dust containment requirements in your contract, and check the barriers yourself each evening after the crew leaves.
Special Considerations
Open Floor Plans
If your kitchen opens directly to living areas without walls, you'll need to build a temporary wall from floor to ceiling using 2x4 frames covered with plastic. This is more work but essential for open layouts. Consider hiring your contractor to build it.
Pets in the Home
Keep pets away from the construction zone. Dust is harmful to their respiratory systems, and they can track debris throughout the house. Set up baby gates or keep them in a designated pet area on a different floor if possible.
Older Homes (Pre-1978)
Homes built before 1978 may have lead paint. If your kitchen has painted surfaces that will be disturbed, you need EPA-certified lead-safe work practices. This requires additional containment and cleanup protocols. Test before demolition.
High-End Finishes Nearby
If you have expensive finishes adjacent to the kitchen (marble floors, custom millwork, antique furniture), consider having those items professionally covered or temporarily removed to storage. The cost is minor compared to potential damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep construction dust from spreading throughout my house?
The key is creating a sealed barrier between the work zone and your living space. Use 6-mil plastic sheeting with zipper doors at all entry points. Cover all HVAC vents with plastic or magnetic covers to prevent dust from circulating. Create negative air pressure by placing a box fan with a furnace filter blowing outward in a window. For major demolition, rent an air scrubber. Change your furnace filter weekly during construction.
Should I cover my HVAC vents during a kitchen remodel?
Yes, absolutely. Cover all supply vents (where air blows out) and return vents (where air is sucked in) in and adjacent to the kitchen. Construction dust in your HVAC system can circulate throughout your entire home and potentially damage the equipment. Use magnetic vent covers, plastic sheeting with tape, or specialty vent covers. Remove covers only when contractors need climate control.
What thickness plastic sheeting should I use for dust barriers?
Use 6-mil plastic sheeting for dust barriers. Thinner plastic (2-4 mil) tears easily and doesn't block fine dust particles effectively. For high-traffic areas where contractors walk through frequently, consider reinforced plastic or build a simple wood frame doorway with a zipper door. The extra investment in quality materials prevents dust from infiltrating your living space.
How do I protect hardwood floors during kitchen construction?
Layer protection for best results: first apply painter's tape to seams between boards (to prevent dust infiltration), then cover with ram board or contractor's paper, followed by drop cloths in high-traffic areas. Tape all seams. For the actual work zone, use 1/4-inch plywood or Masonite sheets to protect against dropped tools and heavy equipment. Never drag appliances or materials across unprotected floors.