Granite countertops are popular with builders and homeowners because of the stone’s durability and beauty. It comes in an endless variety of colors, patterns, and finishes, making it very versatile when you’re trying to match colors and designs. These factors keep it very popular, despite the fact that it’s among the most expensive building materials.

Mining the Granite

While granite is very dense and hard, it’s also very brittle, making it tricky to work with. Mining, processing, and shipping granite is a long and labor-intensive process, which is why it’s so expensive. Massive boulders are taken from a quarry, cut down to a transportable size, and shipped off for processing. Large industrial saws shave off layer after layer to create usable-size slabs that are easier to handle. After further processing and polishing, the marble is then sent off to a distributor to be sold to the end-user.

Drilling the Holes

Once the finished product is ready for installation, holes will need to be cut for the plumbing and the sink. A diamond drill bit for granite, a diamond hole saw, and a diamond saw blade are requisite tools for cutting the slab. Using diamond-plated blades and bits will give a very clean and precise cut. Diamond plating is very aggressive and will provide a quick, clean cut through the stone and minimize the risk of cracking the slab. A basic high-speed steel or carbide tipped masonry bit or blade would not provide the tool life necessary to successfully cut the granite, and it would take more than one to complete the job. Using this type of tooling would result in a short life and multiple tool changes frustrating the user and potentially damaging the granite.

Cutting the Holes

The process for cutting holes for sink basins and faucets is straightforward. Lay masking or duct tape along the approximate path of the cut lines. Make sure any lines are at least one inch away from the edge of the granite, as cutting too close to the edge will increase the risk of cracking. Measure and mark the cut line for the sink or plumbing on the tape. The tape gives the blade something to grab onto until it cuts far enough into the granite that it won’t slip. Soak a sponge in water and squeeze it along the cut line—this will keep the dust down and the bit cool.

On the first pass, score the granite enough to see the cut line without the tape. Make two more passes, cutting a bit deeper each time until the middle piece is free. Then, put on a sanding pad and sand the edges. They don’t have to be as smooth and shiny as the surface, just smooth enough that they aren’t jagged and rough.

This is a brief snapshot of the process involved—it’s by no means a detailed description. If you aren’t confident in doing this yourself, there are many professionals who have the tools and know-how to do it for you.