To install a faucet in your kitchen counter top, you need to drill faucet holes for the plumbing outlets. These holes are also called tap holes because they allow the supply lines to connect to the tap. Each double handle faucet has either two or three faucet shafts, each requiring a hole in the counter top.
Some single handle faucets have a base plate that covers up additional holes not used by the faucet, or they only require one faucet hole. If you know which type of faucet you own – centerset or widespread, you can drill faucet holes based on their standard measurements.
Drilling faucet holes: 4 step guide
Outlined below is our simple 4-step guide for drilling faucet holes in kitchen counter tops!
Step 1
Mark the location of the faucet holes on the counter top by measuring the appropriate distance for your type of faucet. Centerset faucet holes are set 4 inches apart on centers, while widespread faucets are set either 6 or 8 inches apart. If your faucet comes with a paper template for drilling faucet holes, place it on the counter top and simply mark the center of each hole with the template.
Step 2
Figure out how wide your faucet holes need to be. Standard width is 1 3/8 or 1 1/4 inches, check your faucet manual for exact widths. Measure and draw the hole to size on the counter top with a marker.
Step 3
Double check the location of the holes by placing the faucet on top of them. Line up the faucet shafts with the marks, make adjustments if necessary.
Step 4
Drill a pilot hole with a 1/8 inch bit and then cut out the hole with a 1 3/8 inch or 1 1/4 inch bit or hole saw. If your hole saw has its own guide bit, place this on the center of your mark and drill the faucet holes carefully.
Step 5
Remove the cores and fit the faucet into the holes.
If the faucet does not fit, cut away the sides of the holes until you can fit the faucet into place. This process also works for bathroom counter faucet holes. Only use this process for drilling faucet holes in wood counter tops.
Learn how to drill faucet holes in stone counter tops.