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Advancements in product formulations and manufacturing processes are enhancing the performance and efficiency of abrasive wheels and discs being used in the construction sector for cutting, grinding and polishing materials such as metal, wood and stone.
As industries continue to innovate, demand for specialized abrasive solutions continues to rise, upturning the misconception that one type of abrasive fits all applications.
With a growing interest in more environmentally friendly construction practices, manufacturers in the abrasives market say the general outlook remains positive heading into 2026.
CS UNITEC
From a sales perspective, Scott Saunders, national sales director for CS Unitec, says the outlook for flap discs use continues to remain strong as flap discs provide a great alternative to hard bond grinding discs.
“They do a great job with less chance of gouging the steel by using a flap disc,” he says. “There are two schools of thought, make these as cheap as possible or manufacture a high-quality flap disc that has more benefits.”
Flap discs are not all the same. Saunders says it is a big misconception within the industry that cheaper flap discs work as well as the higher quality discs.
“End users are looking for safer, more productive discs that also can provide some relief to the environment,” he says, noting that more companies are selling a trimmable flap to reduce waste of abrasive.
According to Saunders, CS Unitec’s line of Plantex discs save both time and money, while also improving performance for the worker and impact on the environment. The backing pads of the Plantex discs are made of natural hemp, eliminating fiber glass dust, while offering natural noise and vibration dampening characteristics.
“The hemp backing pad is biodegradable compared to the competition which uses fiber glass or plastic,” Saunders says. “As companies try and become more carbon dioxide neutral, our Plantex discs work well to help companies achieve this environmental standard.”
Per design, the discs are completely self-trimmable, so for the first time 100% of the abrasive cloth can be used.
Saunders says the Sunfire has a micro-crystalline ceramic grain for removal of difficult to machine materials. With a 40/60 hybrid blend abrasive, only one disc is required to both grind and finish
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| Festool has unveiled the GRANAT PROfile, its first-ever soft foam abrasive designed for surface preparation on complex shapes such as moldings, carvings, trims, etc. |
FESTOOL
Heading into 2026, Rick Bush, senior marketing manager at Festool, notes that one of the main challenges facing the construction industry is the uncertainty surrounding tariffs and global trade policy.
Many high-quality tools and components, like those used in Festool products, are sourced globally to ensure top-tier performance and durability. Shifts in tariff regulations can directly impact product pricing and availability, creating unpredictability for both manufacturers and distributors.
“It’s more important than ever for distributors to stay informed, plan proactively, and maintain flexible inventory strategies to navigate potential disruptions and continue delivering value to their customers,” Bush says.
He suggests that the safest bet for distributors is to “have bread on the shelf,” or in other words, be sure to stock what customers need, when they need it.
“For high-demand categories like abrasives, lighting, and sanding tools, maintaining a well-managed inventory with a thoughtful safety stock buffer can make all the difference,” Bush says. “This not only ensures a steady supply and minimizes backorders but also builds trust and reliability with your customer base.”
He notes that Festool is committed to supporting its distribution partners with consistent product availability and innovation.
Like many tools, abrasives are among those where assumptions are made that one type fits all applications.
“While general-purpose abrasives may offer broad usability, they rarely deliver optimal performance for specific tasks,” Bush says, noting that factors like grit size, grit type, coat structure (open vs. closed), and backing material all influence how an abrasive performs in relation to material removal, clog resistance or adapting to different surfaces.
He says the abrasives industry is being driven by rising performance expectations as contractors are seeking abrasives that cut faster, last longer and work cleaner. Specifically, he pointed to the growth within the residential paint and remodeling market.
“As homeowners and professionals alike demand higher-quality finishes, painters are increasingly recognizing the importance of proper surface preparation,” Bush says. “This shift is driving demand for high-performance abrasives that help coatings adhere better, reduce callbacks, and deliver longer-lasting results.”
He says Festool sees the trend firsthand and continues to support it with purpose-built abrasives.
“These demands are reshaping how abrasives are developed, with a focus on efficiency, durability, and dust control,” he says. “At Festool, we take a systems-based approach by engineering our abrasives to work in harmony with our tools and dust extraction systems.”
The intent is to ensure optimal cutting performance while maintaining a cleaner workspace.
Bush says Festool remains committed to delivering such solutions to meet the needs of professionals, whether it’s the GRANAT line or its newest GRANAT PROfile foam-backed abrasives.
Festool’s GRANAT line is engineered with a range of backings and grit dispersions tailored to specific needs. Recently, the company introduced, the GRANAT PROfile line, a foam-backed abrasive designed to conform to complex profiles, delivering faster, more efficient material removal with precision.
“This foam-backed abrasive is designed to conform to complex shapes and profiles, allowing users to tackle detailed sanding work with power tools instead of relying Solely on hand sanding,” Bush says. “The result is faster material removal, greater consistency, and significant time savings, especially for professionals working on intricate surfaces.”
He says it is a breakthrough that redefines what abrasives can do and illustrates Festool’s strategic priority to continue driving a more performance-based approach.
“We believe that the best finishes come from pairing the right tool with the right abrasive, and we’re committed to engineering abrasives that maximize efficiency, durability, and surface quality,” Bush says.
LEARN MORE
This article originally appeared in the December 2025/January 2026 issue of Contractor Supply magazine. Copyright, 2025 Direct Business Media.
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