Quick answer
Core drilling uses a hollow, diamond-tipped bit to cut a precise cylindrical hole through concrete, block, or masonry. Instead of hammering or chipping, the bit grinds a narrow ring and removes a solid plug — the "core" — leaving smooth walls with little vibration and minimal damage to surrounding material.
What is concrete core drilling?
Because the hole is exact, core drilling is the standard method when a pipe, conduit, duct, or anchor has to pass through concrete. Most rigs are water-cooled, which controls silica dust and keeps the bit from overheating.
Typical applications
- Plumbing penetrations for drain, waste, vent, and supply lines
- Electrical and low-voltage conduit runs through floors and walls
- HVAC refrigerant line sets, condensate drains, and dryer vents
- Anchor holes for railings, columns, and equipment bases
- Floor drains and cleanouts in garages, shops, and basements
- Core samples for structural or compressive-strength testing
Residential and commercial projects
Homeowners & residential
Homeowners usually need one or a few holes — a new bathroom drain in a slab-on-grade house, a dryer vent through a foundation wall, or a conduit run for a detached garage subpanel.
Contractors & commercial
Contractors and facility teams often need multiple penetrations through elevated decks or thick walls, sometimes with scanning beforehand and coordination around occupied spaces.
Factors that affect pricing
We don't publish prices — quotes are based on the details of your project. These are the factors that typically matter:
- Hole diameter (larger bits cost more and cut slower)
- Depth of concrete and whether it is reinforced with rebar or mesh
- Number of holes and whether they are on floors, walls, or overhead
- Access — tight crawlspaces, upper floors, or long hose and power runs
- Whether scanning for embedded utilities or post-tension cables is needed
- Water and slurry management requirements indoors
What to include in your quote request
- Hole sizes and quantity
- Approximate concrete thickness
- Location: floor, wall, or ceiling — and which level of the building
- Photos of the area with something for scale
- Whether the space is finished or occupied
Safety and preparation
- Embedded electrical lines, water pipes, and post-tension cables can be present in slabs. Scanning (GPR) is often recommended before drilling — mention it in your request.
- Wet drilling produces slurry. Clear the area and protect nearby finishes, outlets, and flooring.
- Overhead coring requires a plan to catch the falling core and control water.
Frequently asked questions
What sizes can be core drilled?
Common bits range from about 1 inch to over 12 inches in diameter, and larger sizes exist for specialized equipment. Available sizes depend on the equipment used, so list the diameters you need in your request.
Will core drilling crack my slab?
Core drilling is one of the least disruptive ways to penetrate concrete because it grinds rather than impacts. Cracking is uncommon, and the condition of your slab is evaluated before work begins.
Can holes be drilled through a wall that has rebar?
Yes, diamond core bits cut through reinforcing steel. Cutting structural reinforcement may require an engineer's approval, which can be discussed during your quote.
Is core drilling messy?
Wet coring creates slurry rather than airborne dust. Vacuums, berms, or containment are typically used to manage it, especially indoors.
Ready to get started?
Murfreesboro Concrete Cutting is your local source for concrete cutting, sawing, and core drilling in Murfreesboro and the surrounding communities. Call to discuss your project, or request a free quote and a concrete cutting professional will reach out to you.