Can sink holes be DIY-cut into granite countertops at home?
Asked by Xavier Wood 
7 months ago
Last Updated: May 23, 2024
Do you think it’s doable to cut out a sink hole in granite on your own?
Yeah, I mean you could do it, but honestly I wouldn’t recommend it. If you don’t really know how to cut granite or if you don’t have the proper tools and blade, there’s a chance you could end up breaking the blade and hurting yourself or someone else pretty badly
There are more responses similar to this in my group:
Which kind of blades do you use?
I no longer work with granite. I had a really scary incident with a turbo blade breaking many years ago.
Hasn’t experienced that yet, but he’s only been in the industry for 4 years. We rely on these black and red blades, not sure of their exact name, but they’re specifically for dry cutting and come in sizes 5 and 6. We use them for all sorts of tasks. The Delton blades make me nervous because they flex so much.
I’m pretty sure that what happened to me wasn’t because of the blade. I think it was more about my technique. Cutting granite without a guide is a whole different ball game compared to cutting porcelain tile.
I’ve found myself switching back and forth between the two a lot in recent years, .
If you have experience with fabrication and the right respirator for the dust, then yes. But if you’re an amateur, it’s a safety hazard. Stone is heavy and can crack easily, plus professional installers have insurance for that. If you want to DIY, consider using materials like concrete, laminate, butcher block, or epoxy.
Bianca Terminello man made quartz is practically indestructible 😂😂😂
‘s poster indicates that it is granite, not quartz.
Bianca Terminello suggests man-made quartz as a good option for DIY projects.
Absolutely, it can be done.
Yes.
If you have the right tools and don’t mind dealing with dust and slurry, you can give it a go. Using a vacuum can help, but it might still be messy. Are you willing to give it a shot? Bob the Builder would say, ‘Yes you can!’👍
I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re prepared to make mistakes.
Definitely give it a try. Rent a chainsaw and get the job done.
You could, but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you have experience cutting masonry. Hiring counter top installers isn’t too costly. The materials are expensive, and they will replace it if they break anything.
I usually handle a lot of my own projects, but I wouldn’t attempt to cut a hole myself. Just ask a house builder where they get their countertops and go there.
First, reinforce the weak spots with steel or fiberglass rods. Make kerfs on the backside of the weak spots, as well as on the front and back of the sink. Then secure the rods in place with the appropriate structural epoxy. DIY top mounting is doable, especially with quartz due to its superior strength compared to natural stone.
Do you own any power tools with specific make and model and a dust collection system?
My husband works as a plumber and he’s helped friends by cutting holes for them so they could switch from a single hole faucet to a triple hole setup. It can be done with the right tools and some patience.
They were inquiring about a sink cutout, not a faucet hole…
Ah now I understand, whoops.
This job requires a professional with the right tools. It’s best not to attempt it without the proper equipment.
No need to tackle this task alone! I suggest hiring a professional or renting the necessary tools. And don’t forget to keep everything wet!
Yep, usually people use an angle grinder with a hole saw diamond blade attachment since they have higher speed than a drill. However, you can still use a drill with the same bit. To avoid dust, make sure to apply water while drilling, as granite can damage the bit. The important thing is to start the hole straight to prevent it from moving around. There are various methods to prevent the hole saw bit from moving, I recommend using a tub. Drilling and cutting granite is something I do regularly. Keeping the water running constantly is crucial.
You’re definitely not using a hole saw to cut a sink cutout. 😄
Do you read carefully? They were seeking advice on cutting for a three-hole sink base. In my response, I mentioned that when cutting granite, water is crucial. Just wanted to clarify, not trying to be rude.
Nope, they were inquiring about a sink hole, not a faucet hole. Do you actually read and understand?
Hey, you’re right. I could’ve sworn the post mentioned going from one hole to three. It’s like the post changed after I read it. The only time I’d cut out a sink hole is if it’s a drop-in. My bad.
No need to worry, .
Cutting out a sink can be tricky. I recommend leaving it to the experts since stones are expensive to replace.
It’s technically doable, but the chances of pulling it off without any mishaps are pretty slim.
I’m debating whether to spend $50-$60 on hiring someone or investing $300 in tools from Harbor Freight for a one-time use. It might take me half a day to complete the task if I do it myself.
But imagine all the extra tools I’d have! 😉
Where can I find for $50-60? I’m definitely willing to pay that price.
I know someone near Nashville, TN who used to run a home improvement store. They would recommend a company that charged $25 for a straight cut, $50 for a sink cut, another $50 to mount the sink, $20 for a radius corner, plus a base price per square foot for installs. They’ve also hired this company for personal projects like vanities and cutting boards.
My ass lol, 50-60
Hey , where are you living that the prices aren’t that high?
I’ve never paid someone to cut holes, but the contractors who work with granite in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia are quite expensive. I handle it on my own now
I’m aware of the rates that plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and others are charging just to make a house call these days… haha
Must have been around 1972, I guess.
I’ve never had a granite guy come out just to drill a hole before… haha
Could you let me know the name of the company is affiliated with? I’m looking for someone in that vicinity.
Yeah, you could give it a shot, but is it worth the potential risk?
Do not attempt that
Yes, I need it for a drop-in sink. I saw it being done. Using a diamond blade on an angle grinder makes the cut easy. They had someone keeping the blade wet while cutting outside. When cutting inside, they didn’t use water but had another person holding a vacuum hose. In another instance, they cut inside and ended up with dust in one of the undermount drawer slides, causing a grinding sound.
The 7″ diamond wheel on an angle grinder may not cut deep enough, so it’s a good idea to have someone spray water on the cut while you grind and to have a backstop to catch the dust and sludge. You may need to chisel the corners and make multiple plunges into the line, then chisel out the slices. Clean up the backside with the grinder and chisel. The hole should be good, but doesn’t have to be perfect.
Using a hole saw could be helpful for the corners.
Mentioned that it should be an undermount, not a drop-in, so the hole needs to be precise.
What are you trying to accomplish exactly? I specialize in working with stone. Are you attempting to create a hole for an over mount, under mount, or a faucet hole as many have suggested?
Under mount
You’re going to need a diamond blade, they also have what’s called a diamond plate, we refer to it as a fine plate along with carbides stones and a stone shaper. Depending on the material, there are diamond polishing pads from 1 to 4. For natural stones, use a 50-1500 polishing/honing setup and make sure you have a backer for those pads. There are dry ones available, but they’re not very effective and stop working after 400, so it’s best to stick to the wet ones. I can offer you more advice if you let me know the exact type of stone you are working with. You might have better luck using an under/over mount stainless steel and simply using a diamond blade with a right angle grinder. It’s a simpler approach with more room for error. Opt for a higher-end blade that doesn’t require water. Start by making straight cuts, then angle the cut to remove the center and clean out the corners. I can walk you through the process if you want. Remember, DO NOT TWIST THE BLADE WHILE CUTTING. This can cause it to bind up and potentially pop out, leading to scratches on the surface.
Of course! But it’s probably not going to turn out right unless someone skilled is doing it – I’m talking about professionals doing DIY in their spare time.
Sure, no problem! Just let me know if you need any further assistance.
It’s a piece of cake
Pay like a pro
I wouldn’t recommend it, but you could grab a small piece of granite to practice before attempting it on the benchtop.
We decided to purchase three 12-foot quartz slabs and tackle the project on our own. Starting with the smaller cuts, we will then move on to the island and larger pieces. Luckily, we got each slab for just $100.
Null
Anything is possible, but be careful not to ruin a good piece of granite. It’s best to practice on a scrap piece first. Also, remember not to make straight cuts on the corners to avoid them breaking when pressure is applied.
If you’re unsure, hiring someone may be a better option to avoid the cost of replacing the entire counter.
I wouldn’t recommend attempting it without any prior experience, but it can be done.
Absolutely! You have the ability to create a sink hole in granite on your own, just make sure you have the necessary tools and a steady hand. You’ll require a circular saw with a diamond blade and a drill for the corners. Begin by outlining the sink on the granite. Create holes in the corners to serve as starting points for your cuts. Then, use the circular saw to carefully cut along the lines. This task demands precision and patience, so don’t rush. Remember, prioritize safety: wear protective eyewear and a dust mask. Best of luck with your project!
Robert
For an undermount sink, it has to be done perfectly. I believe it’s worth paying for perfection. Either hire someone to do it right or risk paying for a flawed job later.
Is it worth the risk of messing up and having to pay double to try doing it yourself, or is it better to have a professional handle it properly from the start?
I tried it with an under mount once. I wouldn’t suggest it. The time I spent on all the intricate curves and polishing was crazy.
Yep! When we installed the vessel sink, we used a diamond hole bit to drill a hole. One of us drilled while the other sprayed it with water.
Definitely!
If you’re dealing with cutting granite, it’s best to hire a professional to avoid having to replace the entire thing later on.