Drilling a hole in a granite countertop typically costs $75-$250 for one standard opening, with an average quote near $150. The final price depends on hole diameter, stone thickness, access, location, and whether a fabricator must make a separate trip.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One standard hole | $75 | $150 | $250 | Usually 1-1.5 inches wide |
| Large or specialty hole | $125 | $225 | $350 | Often 2 inches or larger |
| Additional hole on same visit | $40 | $75 | $125 | May cost less when bundled |
| DIY diamond hole-saw supplies | $15 | $35 | $70 | Tool rental or replacement bit may add cost |
What one granite countertop hole usually costs
A contractor typically charges $75-$250 to drill one standard hole in an installed granite counter. The average is about $150 for a straightforward opening for a faucet, soap dispenser, or filtered-water tap. Fabricators may charge more if the job requires a minimum service fee or travel to the home.
Most quotes assume a hole up to about 1.5 inches across, accessible countertop, and ordinary 1-1.25-inch stone. A larger opening, reinforced edge, or difficult work area can push the total toward $250-$350. Assumptions: U.S. metro-area pricing, standard granite, normal access, and no plumbing work.
Budget around $150 for a routine single hole, but confirm the service minimum before booking.
How drilling labor and diamond tooling appear on quotes
The drilling charge commonly includes a skilled worker, a diamond core bit, water to cool the cut, and cleanup. A separate mobilization or minimum charge may make a short job cost more than its hands-on time suggests. The following ranges are common quote components, not guaranteed line items.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High | Pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drilling labor | $50 | $100 | $175 | About 1-2 hours |
| Diamond bit and wear | $10 | $25 | $50 | Per hole allowance |
| Trip or minimum charge | $25 | $60 | $125 | Per visit |
| Dust and water protection | $0 | $15 | $40 | Per job |
| Extra hole during same visit | $40 | $75 | $125 | Each additional opening |
Some fabricators quote one flat amount rather than separate labor and tool fees. If labor is itemized, a rate of roughly $75-$125 per hour is typical, but minimum billing can apply.
Ask whether the quote covers the trip, bit wear, water containment, and cleanup.
Why hole diameter and granite thickness change the price
Hole size is a direct cost driver because wider cuts remove more stone and take longer. A 1-1.5-inch opening for many faucets is usually the least expensive; openings around 2-3 inches for dispensers or accessories may cost $125-$275. Exact clearance should match the fixture manufacturer’s template.
Countertops around 1.25 inches thick are generally simpler to drill than 2-inch slabs or built-up edges. Extra thickness, a tight backsplash, or a hole near a seam can increase labor or require a fabricator’s assessment. Contractors may decline a location too close to an edge because drilling can crack the stone.
Confirm the fixture diameter and hole location before work starts; an oversized or misplaced opening may not be repairable.
Can a fabricator charge more for an installed countertop?
Yes. Drilling a loose slab in a shop is usually easier to control than working over installed cabinets, where water, dust, and tool access need protection. An in-home service visit may add $25-$125 for travel or minimum labor, particularly when the counter is outside the fabricator’s normal service area.
For a single hole, a plumber may offer the service but may subcontract stone cutting or charge for specialized equipment. A countertop fabricator is often the more direct choice for granite. Compare quotes based on the same diameter, location, access conditions, and cleanup responsibility.
Installed-counter pricing can reflect setup and travel as much as the few minutes of actual cutting.
Three realistic granite drilling quotes by job size
A basic faucet opening in an accessible 1.25-inch counter could total about $125-$175, including one visit and standard cleanup. A second 1.25-inch soap-dispenser hole drilled during that same visit might add $40-$100, bringing the combined bill to approximately $165-$275.
A 2.5-inch opening in a 2-inch slab may cost $200-$350, particularly if access is restricted or a reinforced edge requires extra care. If the counter is not installed, a shop may quote roughly $75-$175 instead, depending on its minimum charge and whether the piece is already at the facility.
Compare the total for the same scope rather than judging a quote by its per-hole price alone.
What removal, travel, and fixture work can add
Drilling alone does not include connecting a faucet, filter, or soap dispenser. A plumber may charge $100-$250 for a basic fixture installation, depending on access and existing shutoff valves. If the new fixture requires a different opening, confirm that the stone contractor and plumber agree on the diameter before either starts.
Removing an old fixture can add about $25-$100 when it is included as a separate task. Remote locations, same-day requests, or a second trip may add $50-$150 or more. Plumbing changes, cabinet modification, or repair of damaged stone are separate work and can substantially raise the total.
Keep stone cutting and plumbing scope clearly separated in the written estimate.
How to lower the price without risking the slab
Bundling two or more openings in one appointment can reduce the per-hole charge because the contractor makes one trip and one setup. If the countertop is being replaced or removed, ask whether the fabricator can drill the opening at the shop; easier access may lower the labor charge.
Provide the fixture model, hole template, countertop thickness, photos, and preferred location when requesting quotes. This helps avoid a second visit and prevents drilling the wrong diameter. Do not choose a low quote that skips water control or safe distance checks near edges and seams.
DIY may appear cheaper: a diamond hole saw often costs $15-$70. However, drilling granite requires steady control and water cooling; a slipping bit or crack can cause repair or replacement costs far above a professional fee. For an installed slab or an expensive countertop, compare bundled professional quotes before attempting DIY.