How to Drill a Hole in Solid Surface Counter Tops

Guide

In many cases, when you purchase a solid surface countertop the holes are already drilled to allow for the installation of faucets. However, this is not a rule. If you purchased a solid slab of stone for your countertop, you need to drill out the holes.

You need holes in your countertop to mount faucets.

Because many holes require holes larger than 1-inch in diameter, you will need specialized drill bits called “hole-saw drill bits.” Since you are drilling through stone, you need a hole-saw bit with a diamond tip or one designed for masonry. This will ensure you can drill your hole large enough and without destroying your countertop.

Things You Will Need

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  • Duct tape
  • Marker
  • Masonry hole-saw
  • Variable speed hand drill
  • Cutting oil

Tip

If the solid countertop happens to be Formica or wood, follow the same process. However, you can use a standard carbide or high-speed steel hole-saw bit and forgo the cutting oil.

  • Place a piece of masking tape over the surface of the countertop where you want to drill the hole. Masking tape prevents the drill front slipping around and provides a surface that you can easily mark.

  • Measure the location where you want to drill the hole. Measure twice, cut once is a very important rule when drilling into expensive stone countertops. Place an X on the tape where you want to drill.

  • Drip the drill bit located in the center of the hole-saw and the tip of the hole-saw into a container of cutting oil.

  • Place the tip of the drill bit over the X, set your drill speed between 100 and 200 revolutions per minute and hold the drill bit at a 90-degree angle to the countertop. If the hole is too close to the backsplash to allow you to hold the drill at a 90-degree angle, use a right angle hand drill.

  • Turn on the drill and apply slight downward pressure on the drill. Allow the cutter to do the work, do not force the bit through the material. Pour a small amount of cutting fluid around the edge of the hole-saw as it goes into the material. This will help to keep the saw cool. Continue this until you break through to the other side.

    • The Drip Cap

    • In many cases, when you purchase a solid surface countertop the holes are already drilled to allow for the installation of faucets.
    • However, this is not a rule.
    • If you purchased a solid slab of stone for your countertop, you need to drill out the holes.
    • Place a piece of masking tape over the surface of the countertop where you want to drill the hole.

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