Granite is a very popular countertop choice. It is made of natural stone which makes it hard and dense, and extremely strong. It has elegant colors and intricate patterns that will surely give your kitchen an added aesthetic boost. Granite is a staple on upscale real estate kitchens.
Granite is usually bought and installed as a single slab covering the entire countertop surface. This is why, when you think of adding fixtures in the future, it is not advisable to drill directly through the granite. It is highly encouraged to consider alternative methods of installing countertop fixtures as any error might cause permanent damage to the granite slab instantly reducing its value. So think twice before grabbing that drill and poking holes in your countertop. Asking for professional help is also a wise route.
If you really have to. If you have done your homework, explored alternatives, and still decided that drilling is the way to go. Here are a few steps to consider to ensure a safe job and improve your chances of success.
Make sure that the work area is safe and secure. If you have pets in the house, secure a perimeter so they don’t accidentally wander while you are drilling. It is also best to have someone watch the kids and keep them away from your workspace while you are drilling.
Safety equipment is a must. Make sure you wear protective goggles as loose debris and dust may come flying out. The dust may also irritate your airways so a protective mask is needed. Lastly, since you are dealing with drilling natural stone, loud vibrations will be observed. An earplug can come in handy.
Determine the size of the hole and the location you are drilling. Measure twice, drill once. It goes without saying that once you determine the size of the hole you should prepare a right sized drill bit for the job.
Mark the area that you will be drilling. A marker or sharpie dot may be enough for smaller holes. Use a template for larger holes. Take your time in marking properly as drilling on granite affords you no second takes.
If you are concerned that the drill bit will slip, you can clamp scrap wood over the area to be drilling and place a marker on the wood. This ensures that the drill bit will not be wobbly when it reaches the granite.
Clamp scrap stone directly underneath the area to be drilled. This prevents chipping on the granite. Make sure you clamp on both sides of the stone to ensure stability.
Securely install the right sized drill bit on the drill. Any loose attachments may end up in a nasty hole, not to mention the safety hazards it poses. Also, make sure that the drill bit is designed for granite or natural stones and has enough depth to go through the stone. A diamond core drill bit is recommended if available.
Place the drill on top of the marked location and apply light pressure. Let the drill do its job. Drill at a steady speed until the drill bit makes a deep enough mark on the granite. Then you can carefully speed up from there. You may drill with water or drill dry. If you do choose to use water, you can make a pool around the marker with putty.
Continue drilling until you reach the scrap stone underneath. When drilling for multiple holes, make sure to let the drill bit cool before starting to drill the next hole.
You can drill granite, but it doesn’t take its beauty away. Out Thunder Wave granite project is a great example.
Granite is an elegant and premium material for countertops. It is known for being strong and durable but it still needs proper care and maintenance as it can chip and crack with misuse.
Always make sure you consider why you will be drilling and if it is absolutely essential as drilling has its risk factors. A few handy skills and techniques are also needed.
If you need professional help in drilling or modifying your granite countertops, call Granite Selection. We are the premier natural stone authority in the Chicagoland Area. We have a stone yard with 14,000 slabs of the highest quality natural stones to provide you a wide range of choices. We are located at Elk Grove Village, Illinois, and will service the surrounding 70-mile area. We provide supplies and quality services for any of your natural stone needs. Call us at (888) 906 3317, we’re excited to hear from you.
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