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Quartz is one of the most popular stones for both interior and exterior design due to its versatility and aesthetic appeal.
If you’re unfamiliar with quartz, it’s an engineered stone made up of about 90 to 95 percent ground quartz with the rest being other materials such as polyester resin which serves as the binder and pigments to give the stone its color. Since quartz is assembled in a factory, the options for designs are endless. As quartz can be used to fit any preference, it is an incredibly popular choice for homeowners and designers alike.
Nowadays, it is commonly used on countertops, floors, and walls. But in some cases, you might need to drill a hole in quartz; let’s explore more about how to go about this process.
Aside from their attractive design, quartz countertops are highly sought-after for their unparalleled durability and long-lasting resilience – proving their immense quartz durability. The manufacturing process of quartz involves a sealing procedure to ensure that the countertops last for a long period. In fact, quartz is considered to be more durable and has a harder surface than granite, another popular option for kitchen and bathroom countertops.
Because of this, these countertops can fit nearly any lifestyle or design preference. On top of that, it’s also easy to look after, making it ideal for households with children. If you’re looking to find out more about caring for quartz countertops, our team at Granite Selection can help! To start, quartz stone slabs are non-porous in nature, which means that they don’t absorb moisture. They’re also resistant to scratches, scuffs, dents, stains, and burns. However, they aren’t completely immune to damage. To ensure that the quartz surface will give you a lifetime of quality, the right maintenance and knowledge are needed.
The durability of quartz is one of its best assets but this also means that performing alterations on the surface will be a difficult task. Drilling a hole in a quartz countertop usually requires professional input, however, doing it yourself is possible only if you use the proper equipment to prevent any lasting damage to the surface. As you can imagine, making a mistake when drilling holes in a quartz countertop will be costly. We’ve outlined information on what you need to know below.
Quartz exceeds the drilling capability of standard metal drill bits, so drilling quartz with a metal drill bit will dull it rapidly. Aside from that, the heat generated by friction can crack the quartz crystal. Drilling quartz countertops usually require a diamond hole drill bit because it’s less likely to chip or damage the top due to heat. You can use other bits, but ensure this bit can cut into the glass, similar to diamond-tipped drill bits.
Before you start drilling, make sure to prepare the counter and work area to reduce the clean-up time once the task is done. Place a bucket beneath the countertop directly under where the hole will be drilled. The bucket will help catch the water that’ll be poured to lubricate the drill bit. The water will help keep the tip of the drill cool and rinse away the debris.
Place the drilling template on the countertop where the hole is to be drilled. While holding the template in place with a steady hand, put the drill bit into the hole and begin drilling.
This is the most important step. Make sure that you work slowly and carefully. Take your time and don’t rush because you can’t undo any costly mistakes. The drill speed needs to be slow and controlled. It’s tempting to apply pressure on the drill, but let it work at its own pace. Once in a while, lift the drill up so water can get under the bit where it makes contact with the countertop. Working with water will help keep the drill bits cool and will make the drilling process a lot smoother.
Stop drilling and remove the template when the cut is about ¼ inch deep.
Form a dam around the hole using modeling clay and fill that area half-full with water. This will help keep the bit lubricated properly.
Continue the drilling process by pumping the drill and adding water as needed for lubrication. Again, make sure to work slowly to prevent any mishaps.
As you get near the end of the hole, reduce the speed of the drill slowly. At this point, you should only let the drill make enough contact to cut the hole. This is to prevent any chipping and cracking of the quartz countertop.
Drilling a hole in a quartz sink requires special care and the right tools. First, you need to make sure that your drill bit is made specifically for masonry or hard materials like engineered quartz.
Next, fill a bucket with cold water and place the sink in it. This will help to dissipate the heat generated when using the drill, preventing it from cracking or otherwise causing damage to your sink.
Once you’ve established where you would like to place the hole, start drilling slowly and increase speed as you go. Keep an eye on the temperature of the sink while drilling; if it gets too hot, stop and take a break until it has cooled off again before continuing.
With a little bit of patience and the appropriate tools, you could easily drill and create a hole without damaging your beautiful quartz sink!
If you’re looking to add a sophisticated sparkle to your kitchen, a quartz backsplash is the perfect way to go. Drilling into quartz isn’t as difficult as it may seem, but make sure to take certain precautions.
Start by gathering the tools and materials you’ll need such as safety glasses and an electric drill with a masonry drill bit that’s slightly smaller than the needed screw size.
Mark your drilling area with a grease pencil or other marking tool and secure your piece of quartz before drilling. Use an SDS rotary hammer or masonry drill to bore through the quartz, making sure not to apply too much pressure. Otherwise, you may end up shattering it.
Lastly, when you’re done drilling, make sure that any sharp edges have been smoothed over for safety purposes.
Drilling a faucet hole is feasible so long as you have the right tools and instructions.
First, use a measuring tape or another tool to measure where you want your faucet hole to be. Then, pick the appropriate drill bit size which is smaller than the diameter of the faucet stem.
Use a socket wrench to secure the drill in place and clamp it onto the countertop or wall before drilling your hole.
Take care not to get carried away – drilling too much will make it harder for you to install your faucet later on. Drill slowly and precisely until you’ve achieved your desired depth for the installation of your new faucet.
After that’s complete, you are all set! By following these simple steps, you should be able to add style and elegance to your home with certainty.
You can drill quartz, but it doesn’t take its beauty away. Our Bianco Pepper quartz project is a great example.
Working with quartz countertops is tricky. One false move and you’ll have to repair or replace the countertop, a costly mistake. This means it’s essential to understand the typical quartz countertops cost associated with such projects. For this reason, most experts recommend hiring a professional such as our team at Granite Selection if you plan to install or make alterations to your quartz countertop to ensure that any mishaps are minimized.
However, working with quartz can also be a DIY project provided that you have the knowledge. Home improvement stores can provide you with the equipment and knowledge regarding how to work with quartz countertops on your own. Make sure that you understand the scope of your project before you decide to hire a professional or do the project on your own.
Quartz is a hard and heavy material and drilling it might be difficult. However, it can be achieved. You just need the proper tools and patience in order for this to be a successful project. Once quartz is cut, it cannot be undone, so be sure to measure accurately and work with the stone carefully and follow each above step carefully. In the case that you run into any mishaps, it’s important to call an expert immediately to assist you.
Granite Selection is a supplier and installer of natural stone countertops for kitchens and bathrooms in the Chicagoland area. Located in Elk Grove Village, IL, we proudly serve Elk Grove and the surrounding areas. If you need help with your kitchen or bathroom quartz countertops, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (888) 906 3317 and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Do you have questions about granite or quartz countertops in Chicago?
Request a free consultation or visit our office.
Can I use tile drill bits if I want to drill a hole on my quartz countertop?
Diamond bits are recommended but yes, you can use tile drill bits. Just make sure that they are the kind that are able to cut into glass.