If you decide to go with these, you will need water applied to the tip throughout the drilling, and they are more expensive. That said, they work like a treat and last for a very long time. For us it all comes down to the amount of drilling that you will have to do. For most home owners that will be in the kitchen, the bathroom or the utility room. Porcelain tiles need a special drill bit for best results, but any of the sets we mentioned above will get the job done. Other types of tiles and hard surfaces like slate, marble and granite can be drilled through using a tungsten carbide bit, or a diamond tipped bit. Typically, spade bits are a little weaker than normal drill bits. Most often, they will bend when exposed to too much pressure. Hence, spade bits should be used with a softer marble surface, such as tumbled marble. In that situation, complete the last few millimeters of the hole with a standard masonry drill bit. You can get either honed stone or polished stone. Honed tends to be used on floors, and polished on walls or areas with a low foot fall. Slate is usually only used for great looking floors. Marble can also be used for worktops as can slate in some cases.

Core bits are tipped with either diamond or carbide. Core bits have a central pilot bit that holds the bit in place while the outer sections of the bit drill through marble and granite. Core bits are commonly used to make larger holes bigger than 1/2 inch. Spade Bit

Report an Issue

Before you start drilling, create a workspace that is free of people, clutter, and debris. Any clutter near your drilling surface may move once the drill is activated, which could cause your drill to slip. Similar to normal drill bits you may use for metal or wood, the diamond-tipped bit is tipped with diamond chunks. Made for dry drilling, this bit can forge holes in the hardest types of marble in seconds. Carbide Tipped Bit

Important: I’m using a 6mm diamond-tipped drill bit for this demonstration. Also, if you are drilling a finished marble tile surface, get a 6mm standard masonry drill bit as well. I’ll explain the reason in the drilling step. It’s necessary to protect yourself whenever you’re doing a DIY project. Be sure to use proper protective equipment, especially when you are operating a drill. Ear protection and goggles for your eyes will help protect against any dust or debris.

These super-strong bits are made from a compound of tungsten and carbon. They’re commonly used in industrial applications and can cut a hole through tile, concrete, masonry, and marble. Core Bit Once you’ve drilled all the way through the marble, slowly move the drill out of the hole and away from your surface.