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Stone counter tops are very hard and difficult to cut without the right tools. In order to drill faucet holes into a stone counter top like granite, or even cultured marble, you need a power drill and a diamond tipped drill bit that looks like a coring bit or hole saw.

But don’t be fooled, even with the right tools you have to execute the cut properly in order to make a clean, accurate hole. Follow this process to drill more accurate holes in stone counters

Step 1

Mark the location of the faucet holes on the stone with a visible marker in either black or white. White works well on patterned stone counter tops like dark marble or granite. Use your faucet hole template, or measure the location of the faucet shafts and transfer the measurements onto the stone. Measure twice for accuracy!

Step 2

To drill faucet holes in stone, place the edge of an appropriately sized diamond-tipped stone drill bit on the outer mark of your hole with the drill at an angle.

Step 3

Tilt the drill as you cut your hole to create a starter ring about 1/4 inch deep into the stone counter top.

Step 4

Remove the bit. Wet the area, replace the bit and continue to drill out the hole, stopping every 10 seconds or so to let the bit cool. Run water over the drill bit as you cut to increase lubrication and cool off the bit.

Step 5

Continue to drill until the hole is complete. Repeat the process to drill holes in the counter top for the other faucet shaft and center hole, if applicable.

TIP: Do not drill faucet holes in stone without water to cool the bit. Drilling without stopping intermittently will damage the bit because it will get extremely hot.

Learn how to drill faucet holes in wood counter tops.