Limestone is not hugely popular as a tile though it is really good if you are trying to create a rustic look. Unfortunately limestone is very porous so will need regular sealing. It isn't a tile we would recommend. Travertine offers neutral tones such as sandstone. Like limestone it is also very porous so will need regular sealing. If used in small amounts in walls it can look great but is subject to staining easily. Spade bits are weaker than regular bits and could bend under too much pressure. It's best to use this bit on soft types of marble, such as tumbled marble.

Most marble cuttings needed for a larger home renovation use a wet tile saw. However, for smaller circular cuts in your kitchen or bathroom, you'll need a drill bit to penetrate marble. Need an extra electrical outlet or room for a power cord? Here’s how to drill through marble safely. Types of Marble Drill Bits 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

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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.

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. Once you’ve drilled all the way through the marble, slowly move the drill out of the hole and away from your surface. If you just need a single hole use a cheap masonry bit and then throw it away. If you need several holes then buy a set of decent quality bits. 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.

Before drilling a hole through marble, you have to choose the right bit. These bits are easy to use with your regular drill or a hammer drill. Diamond Tipped Bit These diamond-tipped drill bits are similar to regular drill bits. They are tipped with diamond chunks and are most suitable for dry drilling. These drill bits can penetrate the hardest marble surfaces in a few seconds.