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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-01-16 Origin: Site
You’ve picked out the perfect countertop, the color is flawless, and it brings the whole kitchen together. But now you need to install a new soap dispenser or a water filtration tap. You find yourself staring at that pristine surface with a drill in hand, hesitant to pull the trigger.
The fear of cracking a slab of expensive material is real. However, unlike natural stone which can be unpredictable and brittle, engineered surfaces are designed for versatility. This guide answers the most pressing questions about working with this material, ensuring you can make necessary modifications without turning your renovation dream into a cracked nightmare.
Yes, absolutely. One of the primary advantages of artificial stone—often referred to as solid surface—is that it can be cut, routed, and drilled with standard woodworking tools. Because it is composed of acrylic or polyester resins mixed with mineral fillers, it lacks the internal veins and fissures found in natural granite or marble that often lead to unpredictable cracking.
However, "drillable" doesn't mean "indestructible." You cannot approach it with the same aggression you might use on a 2x4 stud. Success requires the right bit, the right speed, and a steady hand.
Using a standard masonry bit designed for concrete is a recipe for disaster. These bits hammer the material, which can cause chipping. Instead, you need bits that slice through the resin binder.
Here is a breakdown of the best tools for the job:
Drill Bit Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
High-Speed Steel (HSS) | Small pilot holes | Only use on softer, pure acrylic surfaces. They dull quickly on harder composites. |
Carbide-Tipped | Standard holes (faucets) | The industry standard. Durable enough to cut through mineral fillers without overheating. |
Diamond Core Bit | Large diameter holes | Essential for modified acrylic or harder quartz-based stones. Provides the cleanest cut. |
Hole Saw (Bi-Metal) | General plumbing | Acceptable for solid surfaces, but must be used at low speeds to prevent melting the resin. |
It matters significantly. Not all artificial stone is created equal. The ratio of resin to mineral filler dictates how the material reacts to friction and heat.
Manufacturers like Koris® produce different series of sheets, and knowing what you have installed will help you adjust your technique.
Material Type | Characteristics | Drilling Advice |
|---|---|---|
100% Acrylic (Pure) | Superior performance, non-porous, thermoformable. | Easiest to drill. Cuts cleanly like hard plastic. minimal risk of cracking if heat is managed. |
Modified Acrylic | Cost-effective, uses polyester resin mix. | Slightly harder and more brittle. Requires sharper bits and slower drilling speeds to avoid chipping. |
Quartz/Engineered Stone | High quartz content (90%+). | Hardest to drill. Requires diamond-tipped bits and water cooling to prevent heat stress. |
To ensure a clean hole without damaging the surrounding surface, follow this procedure.
Apply masking tape over the area where you intend to drill. This serves two purposes: it prevents the drill bit from "walking" (skating across the surface) when you start, and it protects the finish from accidental scratches. Mark your center point directly on the tape.
Heat is the enemy of artificial stone. Excessive friction can cause the resin binder to melt or discolor (scorching), and sudden thermal shock can crack the sheet.
Speed: Set your drill to a low-to-medium speed.
Cooling: For larger holes, spray a little water on the surface or use a spray bottle to keep the bit cool.
Clearing: Lift the bit out of the hole frequently to clear away dust and debris, which traps heat.
If you are drilling all the way through a loose sheet (not yet installed on a cabinet), place a piece of scrap wood underneath the artificial stone. Clamp it tight. This prevents "blowout"—where the drill bit punches through the bottom layer, breaking off a chunk of material rather than cutting a clean exit hole.
Let the tool do the work. Applying heavy downward pressure increases friction. Apply just enough pressure to keep the bit cutting.
If you accidentally chip the edge of the hole, don't panic. One of the massive benefits of materials like Koris® solid surfaces is their reparability. Because the color and pattern run all the way through the material (unlike laminate), minor damage can often be sanded out or filled with a color-matched epoxy adhesive.
Drilling into artificial stone is a straightforward task if you respect the material. By using carbide or diamond-tipped tools and keeping your drill speed low, you can install faucets, run cables, or mount accessories with professional results.
If you are looking for a material that offers the perfect balance of durability and workability for your next project, consider high-quality acrylic sheets. Whether you need the seamless hygiene of pure acrylic or the robust value of modified sheets, choosing a reputable manufacturer ensures your material handles fabrication beautifully.
