Step 1: Set up the Poles

The ZipWall kit includes four lightweight, reusable aluminum poles that extend from floor to ceiling and are held in place by internal spring tension. Start by adjusting all four poles until they are the proper lengths from the floor to the ceiling (Image 1).

Step 2: Drape the Plastic Sheeting

Next, take a large piece of plastic sheeting and push it up with the ZipWall poles to hold it to the ceiling. Pull the plastic taut across the top to close all gaps. Do all four corners, starting at the top, to create an enclosure around your workspace that's sealed off from the rest of the house (Image 1).

Next, tuck the plastic tarp under the ZipWall pole-legs on the floor. The internal pole springs make it easy to lift and tuck in the plastic.

Step 3: Add a Vacuum to Collect Dust

You can take the ZipWall one step further: Take a shop vacuum or your home’s vacuum cleaner, poke the hose nozzle underneath the ZipWall and turn it on. This creates negative air-pressure within the enclosure that will prevent airborne dust from escaping, and at the same time the vacuum will collect the dust as you work.