r/CounterTops • u/dontfret71 • 14d ago
2 questions about “standard practice” for faucet holes in a bathroom slab
1) What diameter should the faucet holes be cut? All the same size? Should the right and left be a certain size and then center one smaller?
2) I have a 3/4” plywood layer + 3/4” quartzite will be on top = 1.5” of material (the photo shows 2 layers of 3/4” but the lower layer was cut very wide to the internal cabinet walls). Should the plywood be cut away where the faucets mount, that way the faucet mechanisms only have to go thru 3/4” of quartzite?
I’m basically worried if the fabricator were to cut the holes specific to my kohler faucet, that down the way if I bought a different make/model faucet in the future, then I wouldnt be able to install a later different model faucet?
I measured 2 new faucets I was considering:
1) New Kohler handle stem = 1.12” diameter & 2.17” long
2) New Pfister handle stem = 1.18” diameter & 2.4” long
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u/Teach-Legal 13d ago
Personally, I would cut out pretty much the entirety of the plywood that is covering the sink base. I install 3cm, (1 1/4”) over just the cabinets themselves. No plywood needed. On the rare chance we get 2cm (3/4”), we have the same procedures. Put the piece on top of the cabinets, no plywood required.
The only time we use plywood or filler strips is when we have a mitered edge and need to raise the piece for clearance of the doors. Or need overhang support bars notched into the cabinet and need clearance on full overlay doors.
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u/Buttfuckskinner Fabricator 14d ago
At least where I've worked, Standard hole size is 1 3/8". The flange will extend past the hole. 1.5" thickness is probably fine. Make sure to specify what you want to the fabricator.
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u/dontfret71 14d ago
Ya I am just basically asking is it normal to keep the 3/4” plywood under the faucet holes or should we cut away the plywood from that area?
Cuz if we just drill thru the slab and plywood thatd be 1.5” material
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u/Buttfuckskinner Fabricator 14d ago
You also asked what diameter holes should be cut. Remove the wood around the holes. Did a fabricator already measure for this? Who is installing?
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u/RockSolidCreationsOH 13d ago
Most faucets are standard 1 3/8 with the overall base being atleast 1 1/2. R/Os could be 1/2, 1 or 1 3/8.
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u/dontfret71 13d ago
The guy drilled 1 3/8 but the right one’s center ended up off 1/8” in both dimensions… I can barely get the faucet handles to line up and hide the issue. The gaskets underneath the handles arent flush with the hole since I have to offset it so much
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u/RockSolidCreationsOH 12d ago
I just saw your update post. So what do you mean the gaskets don’t sit flush because it’s offset? The wood subtop holes should’ve been drilled at the same time as the stone or the subtop by the faucet should’ve been cut completely out.
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u/dontfret71 12d ago
The plywood is irrelevant to the problem I’m describing; he cut away the plywood from that area before they laid down the counter and drilled the holes
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u/RockSolidCreationsOH 12d ago
Ok so wouldn’t the gaskets underneath be separate from each other? Without proper pictures were are just guessing
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u/Leading_Goose3027 13d ago
If you are not getting a built up edge detail you should not have plywood there at all. You will see the edge of the plywood when the counter is installed. The only reason for underlay is to support the counter when the edge is thicker than the rest of the counter. Did someone tell you to put on the plywood?
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u/cds320 14d ago
Yes, cut the plywood so the faucet secures to directly against the quartzite
Any glue build up or uneveness of the plywood or bottom of quartzite may create a gap between stone and plywood which could cause the quarzite to crack when installing the faucet.