Having a home project where you need to make a hole in your quartz countertop can be daunting since quartz is a durable and hard material. Nevertheless, with the right set of tools and techniques, you can take this project head-on.
You can drill a hole through quartz countertops using a diamond drill bit. Depending on the type of hole, you can use a standard diamond tip drill bit. For bigger holes that can accommodate faucets, use a hollow diamond drill bit.
In this article, I will discuss some characteristics that give quartz such an excellent reputation and why you need to plan appropriately when working on your quartz countertop. I will also explain the steps involved in drilling a quartz countertop correctly so as to avoid injury and damage to your tools, or workpiece.
Why Is Quartz So Hard To Drill Through?
Quartz is made up of 90-95 percent natural material, with the remaining 5 percent being polyester resin which gives it durability.
On the Mohs hardness scale, quartz lands on the number 7, which means it can only be drilled with materials harder than itself.
The safest bet is to use a diamond-tipped drill bit since diamond is the hardest natural material.
But even with a diamond drill bit, you must be careful and take appropriate measures to ensure that the countertop doesn’t crack or chip off.
If you’re like me, you’d want to undertake a project like this yourself.
However, I would carefully read through this article to equip myself with the proper knowledge to finish the job successfully.
The reason is that mistakes made on your quartz countertop will rob your countertop of its quality and finish.
You could also end up with misaligned holes that won’t serve your purpose.
If you are unsure of the level of expertise required for a task like this, you shouldn’t hesitate to call in a professional who’s done this a hundred times.
Which Diamond Drill Bit Should You Use?
There are plenty of options out there when it comes to diamond drill bits.
It all depends on the type of hole you need to make.
Suppose you need to drill a small hole; a standard diamond-tipped drill bit will do the job.
On the other hand, if you are looking to drill a bigger hole, the Toolocity SCB0134D Drill (available on Amazon.com) will be the perfect tool to help you successfully finish this and many future projects.
How To Drill a Hole in a Quartz Countertop?
This part has a few crucial steps that you need to follow to avoid any mishaps and damage to the material you are working with.
Keep in mind that safety should always come first when handling power tools.
Gather all the tools you’ll need to finish the job.
Typically, you will need the following:
- Diamond-tipped drill bit
- Cordless drill
- Template
- Plumber’s putty
- Bucket
- Glass of water
Once you have all you need, go through the following steps:
- Wear protective gear, including safety glasses and gloves. To get this project going, grab your safety goggles and gloves to ensure you do not injure your eyes or hands. When drilling through quartz, you might hit the crystal’s natural fracture points, launching tiny but sharp pieces of quartz into the air. Also, due to the friction, your tool can get heated up which could burn your hands.
- Prep your work area and minimize any distractions. Clean your working area and ensure no unnecessary cords or cables are lying around. This will prevent any mishap when handling your power tool and command your focus on the task at hand. Place the bucket underneath the countertop where you make the hole to collect any debris.
- Prepare and place the template to ensure accurate positioning of the holes. This step is helpful because it helps you make holes with pinpoint accuracy. I use paper or masking tape to create a template after taking the necessary measurements. Paste the masking tape on the countertop and draw the guidelines for the holes.
- At this point, you will need an outline.This will give you an idea of where the hole needs to be once you surround the template with putty filled with water.
- Use the plumber’s putty to create a tiny pool of water. Take the putty and make a round circle that can hold a small amount of water inside. This helps keep the drill bit cool and prevents any cracks in the quartz due to the high level of friction. After the putty is in place, fill it with water but do not overfill it since that can create a splash. Once the template and plumber’s putty are in place, start drilling.
- Now that we have a template with a carved-out circle where the hole needs to be, it’s time to start drilling. Drill into the quartz guided by the template and dig into it just a little. Use water while doing this. It is critical to remember to work slowly and not to apply excessive pressure on the drill.
- Take intervals and pull out the drill bit to allow water to penetrate the drilled hole before continuing. I must reiterate here that you need to drill slowly to avoid damage to the quartz countertop, which can be very costly.
- Finish the job on the low-speed setting and remove the template. Once you reach the bottom, switch to a lower speed setting on your drill and refrain from putting extra pressure on it. Remove the template and admire your handiwork with a cold one because you deserve it.
Conclusion
Now that you know everything about drilling through a quartz countertop, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work.
Remember, always use protective gear when handling power tools, and never hesitate to consult a professional.
Getting through a project like this can seem hard at first, but there’s not much to it.
All you need is this guide, your tools, and a little caution.
Soon, you’ll be drilling quartz countertops like a professional.
Cheers, tools owners!
