Generally, countertops are 1 to 1 ¼ inches thick for kitchen surfaces including island countertops. For bathrooms, they tend to be ¾ of an inch thick. Drilled holes are mostly needed to install sinks and plumbing, but can cause a lot of damage if done incorrectly.
The cost of drilling a hole in quartz can range from $200 to $500, depending on how many holes need to be drilled, the size you need them to be, and the thickness of the countertop. The expense of drilling also includes the diamond head drill bit required to cut through quartz.
Quartz countertops are trendy due to their durability and the variety of color and design options available. There are some concerns about drilling holes in the quartz for things like faucet installations. Continue reading below to learn how you can drill holes in your countertops safely.
Drilling Holes in Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are engineered stone surfaces that tend to be very hard material.
This lends to its durability and looks just as nice as granite or marble countertops.
The strength of the countertop can make it difficult to drill or cut, especially if you do not have the right tools.
To drill holes in quartz countertops, you would need diamond bits and drills that will allow the quartz to be cut precisely.
I recommend the DECKRKAT Diamond Core Drill Bit from Amazon.com. This drill will leave a clean cut and reduce the risk of cracking or splitting in your countertop.
Additionally, after you cut the quartz, it will need to be sanded with a 200 grit sandpaper pad.
You would continue working up to finishing with an 800 grit sandpaper pad.
You would then need to seal it with a quartz-approved sealant.
This means more tools and time, which means a professional may come in handy.
READ:
DIY Vs. Professional Drilling
Drilling the holes in your quartz countertop can be a DIY project.
However, you will need a drill with a diamond head drill bit.
These could run you quite a bit of money, but you risk damaging the quartz without them due to the heat the drill creates.
If you decide to do the job yourself, you will need a few things:
- A clean work area with few distractions
- A sturdy table or sawhorse to hold the quartz during drilling
- A bucket to catch the dust and water used when drilling
- A template that is not paper. The water used can cause it to weaken.
- Safety equipment such as goggles
Once you start to drill:
- Start slowly
- Do not add pressure
- Pour water on the drilled area every 15-20 seconds to prevent overheating
- After drilling ¼ of an inch, create a clay dam around the hole and fill it with water
- Continue drilling, pumping the drill up and down while not adding pressure
Be sure to clean your tools before putting them away.
You can clean off any residual clay with a plastic scraper.
If you are new to cutting quartz, it is best to refer to a professional to save time and money.
They can do the job quickly and efficiently and are also trained to handle problems along the way, such as cracking and splitting.
Though the work sounds pretty straightforward, you should still hire a professional.
Professionals will already have the tools and the experience needed for the job, saving you time and money.
You would not need to spend the extra money on the diamond drill and bits.
Plus, if a mistake is made and the countertop does crack, the professionals will cover it.
If You Chip Your Quartz Countertop
Few things are as frustrating as having a DIY job that you mess up.
So what do you do if you decided to drill the holes and did them wrong, chipped the quartz, or make changes to things like your faucet (going from narrow set to wide set, for example)?
You can repair the chips in your countertop using acrylic adhesive, epoxy, or a clear resin.
The best option is clear, fast-setting epoxy.
Fill the scratch or chip with the resin and let it set for 24 hours. It will harden as it dries.
You can use a razor blade to smooth off any leftover resin gently.
Conclusion
The cost of drilling holes in quartz can vary depending on the number of holes you need and the thickness of the countertop itself.
Getting a few different quotes from professionals to compare would be a good idea. The rate ranges between $200 to $500.
Although you could drill holes in your quartz countertop yourself, it is better to call in a professional.
This is due to the tools’ availability and the experience in fixing mishaps if something chips or cracks.
Cheers, tools owners!
