Brisbane and Gold Coast
Core drilling for clean, accurate penetrations.
A measured way to put a round hole exactly where the services need to run, without cracking the slab or breaking out the surrounding concrete.
The short answer
What is concrete core drilling?
Core drilling uses a rotating diamond bit to cut a clean circular hole through concrete, leaving a smooth edge and an intact core that is removed in one piece. Diameters commonly range from small cable penetrations to openings large enough for drainage and ducting.
It is the usual choice when a penetration needs to be accurate, round and finished without damaging what surrounds it. Sirius reviews the diameter, depth, orientation, reinforcement and access before confirming the approach.
- 01
Service penetrations
Plumbing, electrical, data and ventilation runs that need a clean, correctly sized hole.
- 02
Accurate placement
Holes that must land on a set-out point, angle or level with little tolerance.
- 03
Finished surroundings
Work in completed areas where breaking or hammering would damage nearby surfaces.
A method matched to the site
One hole. Four practical decisions.
The bit is the simple part. Sirius plans the position, the fixing, the reinforcement and the water together before anything is drilled.
Planned result Deep cut. Controlled corners. Clear opening.
- 01
Confirm the penetration
Review diameter, depth, angle and where the hole needs to break through.
- 02
Check what is inside
Consider reinforcement, post-tensioning, conduits and services in the drilling path.
- 03
Set and secure the rig
Choose anchored, vacuum or braced mounting to suit the surface and orientation.
- 04
Control the site
Plan water supply, slurry capture, the removed core and the area below a through-hole.
Common applications
Where core drilling is usually the right call.
The final method depends on the structure and the site. These are common situations where core drilling is considered.
- 01
Plumbing and drainage
Penetrations through slabs and walls for waste, stormwater and supply lines.
- 02
Electrical and data
Conduit and cable routes between levels, rooms and external walls.
- 03
Mechanical services
Openings for air conditioning, ventilation, extraction and pipework.
- 04
Fixings and testing
Holes for balustrade posts, handrails, dowels, anchors and concrete test samples.
Before drilling starts
What is inside the concrete decides how the hole is drilled.
A useful plan covers more than the diameter. It considers reinforcement, what sits directly below the hole, how the rig will be held and where the water and core will go.
- Hole diameter, depth, angle and set-out position
- Slab or wall thickness and whether the hole passes right through
- Known reinforcement, post-tensioning, conduits and structural requirements
- Access, rig fixing method, water supply and slurry containment
For a useful quote
Send the details that shape the method.
Diameters, depths and a photo of the location tell the team most of what they need before the first conversation. Plans or service drawings are useful when they are available.
- Location
- Suburb, site access, the level worked on and where the holes sit in the structure.
- Penetrations
- Diameter, depth, quantity and whether each hole passes right through.
- Structure
- Slab or wall thickness, known reinforcement and any structural information.
- Timing
- Preferred dates, working hours and other trades or site stages to coordinate.
Common questions
Concrete chainsaw answers.
Clear answers about the method, site planning and what to send for a quote.
01What is core drilling used for?
Core drilling creates clean circular penetrations through concrete for plumbing, electrical, data and mechanical services. It is also used for balustrade and handrail fixings, dowels, anchors and concrete test samples.
02What size holes can be core drilled?
Core drilling covers a wide range of diameters, from small cable penetrations through to openings large enough for drainage and ducting. The workable size depends on the structure, access, orientation and how the rig can be secured, so Sirius confirms this for each job.
03Can you core drill through reinforced concrete?
Diamond core bits cut through concrete and reinforcement. Cutting reinforcement still has structural implications, so the location, quantity and size of holes should be reviewed before drilling, and Sirius will raise it when a penetration needs engineering input.
04Do you scan before drilling?
Scanning is recommended wherever reinforcement, post-tensioning or embedded services may sit in the drilling path. Sirius offers concrete scanning and will discuss whether it is warranted for your penetrations.
05How is water and slurry managed?
Most core drilling uses water at the bit to cool it and clear the cut. Water supply, slurry capture and protection of the area below a through-hole are planned around the site before drilling starts.
06Do you provide core drilling across Brisbane and the Gold Coast?
Yes. Sirius Concrete Cutters services residential, commercial and industrial projects across Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Concrete chainsaw quote
Have an opening or difficult cut to plan?
Send the site details to Sirius and talk through the right cutting method for the work.