Concrete Coring: A Complete Guide to Core Drilling, Equipment & Applications

September 10, 2026

Concrete Coring: A Complete Guide to Core Drilling, Equipment & Applications

We hope this can be a guide to learning how to core drill but also to help those understand when it is best to call in a professional. Concrete is built to be strong, durable and long-lasting—but that strength can make modifying an existing structure a challenge. When a project requires a precise opening through a concrete wall, floor, slab or other structural element, concrete coring provides a controlled solution.

It is important to learn the applications and methods to that you can deliver a professional cut with efficiency, safety and accuracy.

What Is Concrete Coring?

Also known as concrete core drilling, concrete coring uses specialized diamond-tipped cylindrical steel tubes to create clean, accurate openings. It is commonly used for plumbing, electrical, mechanical, drainage, ventilation and other construction applications.

Unlike conventional impact drilling, core drilling removes a precise section of material rather than breaking apart the surrounding concrete. This makes it particularly useful when an opening needs to be accurately positioned and the surrounding structure needs to remain intact.

Concrete coring can be used on:

Concrete floors and slabs
Structural walls
Foundations
Bridge structures
Parking structures
Roadways
Industrial facilities
Commercial buildings
Infrastructure projects

Depending on the equipment and project requirements, core holes can be drilled at different diameters, depths and angles.

CanWest Diamond Products sells Core bits from ¾” diameter up to 24” diameters with steel tube lengths varying from 16” to 20” long. Longer diameter tubes are better for cutting at an angle or uneven surface, so the core drill is able to take a deeper sample. Larger steel tubes is a popular choice for most concrete demolition experts, plumbers, electricians, and mechanical professionals.

What Is Concrete Coring Used For?

Concrete core drilling is used across virtually every area of commercial and industrial construction. Some of the most common applications include:

Plumbing and Drainage

Core drilling creates openings for plumbing lines, drains and sewer connections. Accurate hole placement helps trades install piping without unnecessary demolition.

For your use on residential projects, most waste and sink drain pipes range from 2”-2.5” diameter cores. Then for larger items like soil stacks, toilet drains, and larger PVC openings will us 3”-4” diameter core.

Electrical Installations

Electrical conduits and other services often need to pass through concrete floors and walls. Concrete coring provides clean penetrations for installations such as setting flush electrical junctions and switch boxes, individual cable entry points, EV charger routes, and basic conduit installs.

Mechanical and HVAC Systems

Large mechanical systems frequently require penetrations for ductwork, piping and ventilation. In residential projects coring is used for kitchen or bathroom exterior fan vents. They can also be used for spigot fans and duct vents. Then in Commercial or industrial cases you would use a 2” to 6” larger diameter core bit for ductwork, main pipes, and heavy utility lines.

Sewer and Utility Connections

Coring is commonly used when connecting new services to existing concrete structures, including sewer tie-ins, utility corridors and other infrastructure. These core drill bit sizes can change based on wither you are installing sewer laterals or installing utility conduits.

Structural Modifications

Renovation and construction projects may require new penetrations through existing concrete. Professional coring allows contractors to create these openings while carefully managing the surrounding structure.

Concrete Testing

Core drilling can also be used to remove cylindrical concrete samples for testing and evaluation.

Why Use Diamond Core Drilling?

The most important component of modern concrete coring is the synthetic diamond core bit.

Diamond segments are extremely hard and can cut through concrete efficiently while producing a relatively clean opening. Diamond core drilling is particularly effective when working with reinforced concrete or other dense construction materials due to the synthetic chips in the segments having a higher grinding ability to eat away at tougher materials.

Compared with traditional drilling methods, professional diamond core drilling can provide:

Precise hole dimensions
Cleaner openings
Reduced vibration
Less surrounding damage
Efficient drilling through reinforced concrete
Openings at specific angles and depths

For larger commercial and industrial projects, this precision can help reduce and keep other trades moving according to schedule.

Types of Concrete Coring Equipment

The equipment used for a concrete coring project depends on the size, location, depth and material being drilled.

Handheld Core Drills

Handheld equipment can be useful for smaller openings and locations where mobility is important. These systems are particularly practical when working in confined or difficult-to-access areas.

Rig-Mounted Core Drills

Rig-mounted systems provide additional stability and control. They are commonly used for larger-diameter holes, deeper drilling and applications where exact positioning is critical.

Electric Core Drills

Electric equipment can be an effective option for many indoor applications and locations where access to other power sources is limited.

Hydraulic Core Drills

Hydraulic systems provide substantial power and are well suited to demanding industrial and infrastructure applications.

Large-Diameter Core Drilling

Some projects require exceptionally large openings or deep drilling through heavily reinforced concrete. Specialized equipment and experienced operators are essential for these applications.

CanWest Diamond Products has core bits available ranging from 1/4" to 24" core bits. If you are not sure of the size you need, you can also call to talk with Dave, our Diamond Expert, he can help get you the exact size and amounts needed to get your project completed. We have multiple shipping options available and discounts on bundles!

CanWest Concrete has concrete coring equipment that is capable of drilling holes ranging from ¼ inch to 52 inches in diameter, with equipment available for different depths and angles. Get a estimate today.

How Does Concrete Core Drilling Work?

While the equipment may vary from project to project, the basic process is relatively straightforward.

1. Assess the Project

The first step is understanding exactly where the opening needs to be located, its required diameter and depth, and what the opening will be used for.

2. Identify Embedded Materials by Scanning

Before drilling, the concrete should be assessed for embedded items such as reinforcing steel, electrical conduit and post-tensioning components.

This is where concrete scanning can be extremely valuable. Ground-penetrating radar can help identify materials hidden inside the concrete before drilling begins. Scanning can prevent some very costly mistakes from happening on your project site and is highly recommended.

3. Set Up the Equipment

The appropriate drill and core bit are selected based on the project requirements. The equipment is positioned and secured according to the operating manual to maintain accuracy throughout the drilling process.

4. Begin Core Drilling

The diamond bit rotates against the concrete, gradually cutting a cylindrical opening. Water may be introduced during wet drilling to cool the bit, control dust and improve cutting performance.

5. Remove the Core

Once the required depth has been reached, the concrete core is removed from the opening.

6. Clean and Prepare the Area

Depending on the project, the resulting opening may then be prepared for plumbing, electrical, mechanical or structural work.

Why Concrete Scanning Should Come Before Coring

One of the most important parts of a successful concrete coring project happens before the drill ever touches the concrete.

Existing concrete can contain reinforcement, electrical conduits, post-tensioning cables and other embedded components that aren't visible from the surface.

Concrete scanning helps contractors understand what is inside the slab or wall before drilling.

At CanWest, concrete scanning services use technologies including ground-penetrating radar to help identify rebar, conduit, post-tension cables, voids and other subsurface features.

For projects involving structural concrete, scanning can help the team make better decisions about where and how to drill.

Wet vs. Dry Concrete Coring

Concrete coring can be performed using different methods depending on the application.

Wet Core Drilling

Water is used during drilling to cool the diamond bit and help control airborne dust. Wet drilling is commonly used for many commercial and industrial applications.

Dry Core Drilling

Dry coring can be appropriate for certain applications where water cannot be used or where site conditions require a dry process.

The best method depends on the material, location, hole size, depth, access and requirements of the project.

Common Concrete Coring Challenges

Every project presents its own set of challenges. Experienced concrete coring contractors need to account for factors such as:

Reinforced Concrete

Rebar can significantly affect drilling speed and equipment performance. The correct equipment and diamond tooling help operators work efficiently through reinforced sections.

Limited Access

Mechanical rooms, tight construction sites and existing buildings may provide very little room for conventional equipment. Specialized setups can allow coring to be completed in confined spaces.

Deep or Large-Diameter Holes

Larger and deeper openings require careful equipment selection, setup and planning.

Working at Heights

Some concrete coring projects require drilling above ground level. Proper equipment, access and safety planning are critical in these situations.

Water and Slurry Management

Wet drilling produces water and concrete slurry. Effective containment and cleanup help prevent damage to surrounding areas and keep the worksite safer and more organized.

When Should You Hire a Professional Concrete Coring Company?

Concrete coring may appear straightforward, but drilling into an existing structure without understanding what is inside it can create serious problems.

Professional concrete coring contractors bring specialized equipment, trained operators and project experience to the job.

A professional contractor can help with:

Selecting the appropriate drilling equipment
Determining the correct core diameter
Planning drilling locations
Identifying potential structural concerns
Coordinating concrete scanning
Managing drilling water and slurry
Working around other trades
Completing difficult or large-scale core drilling

For commercial and industrial projects, having the coring contractor involved early can also make coordination with engineers, general contractors and other trades much easier.

Concrete Coring for Commercial and Industrial Projects

Large construction projects often require dozens—or even hundreds—of concrete penetrations.

From high-rise construction and parking structures to airports, municipal infrastructure and industrial facilities, accurate concrete coring can play an important role in keeping construction moving.

CanWest Concrete Cutting & Coring Inc provides concrete coring services for residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructure applications throughout Alberta, with locations in Calgary and Edmonton. Our equipment can accommodate a wide range of hole sizes, while our project managers help coordinate the concrete scope with the rest of the project.

How Much Does Concrete Coring Cost?

The cost of concrete coring depends on several factors, including:

Hole diameter
Drilling depth
Concrete thickness
Reinforcement
Number of holes
Drilling angle
Site access
Required equipment
Water and slurry management
Project location
Scheduling requirements

For that reason, concrete coring is typically quoted based on the specific requirements of the project rather than a simple price per hole.

Providing your contractor with drawings, hole sizes, quantities, locations and site information can help produce a more accurate estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Coring

How large of a hole can be core drilled?

The maximum diameter depends on the equipment and project requirements. CanWest has concrete coring equipment capable of drilling holes from approximately ¼ inch to 52 inches in diameter. 52" is considered an XXL core size in Canada and should only be attempted by an experience concrete cutter.

CanWest Diamond Products offers 1/4" up to 24" core drill bits, with special orders on larger core bits available to Industrial contractors. Below is one of our 36" core bits being used in a sewer tie-in to give you a reference for size.

Can you core drill reinforced concrete?

Yes. Diamond core drilling equipment is designed to cut through concrete, including reinforced concrete. However, reinforcement and other embedded materials should be identified and considered before drilling. Make sure you scan before you cut.

When you cut through rebar, you will want to make sure that you are using wet core drilling to reduce the heat caused by vibrations and you will also want to adjust your RPM on your core drill. Using the wrong equipment, or at the wrong speeds, can damage your equipment and increase the cost on your project. Make sure to follow your equipment operating manuals instructions before cutting through tougher concrete.

Can concrete be core drilled at an angle?

Yes. Concrete cores can be drilled at different angles depending on the application and equipment setup. It is recommended to use a core bit with a longer steel tube so the core bit is able to cut fully through to the depth you need.

Angled cuts are also a great time to look at continuous core drill bits if you are cutting through a thick area. They allow for the user to extend core bits using additional steel tubes that lock into place allowing you to adjust the overall length of your core bit.

How deep can concrete coring go?

Core depth depends on the drilling equipment, concrete thickness, reinforcement and project requirements. The standard is 14 to 24 inches in depth. Specialized equipment can accommodate significantly deeper drilling than standard handheld systems. This can include continuous or continental core drill bits that have changeable and connecting steel tubes.

Specialized core drill bits are also used in projects like horizontal drilling and can cover a larger depth. Deeper core drilling though will required an experienced team, expensive equipment, and specialized core bits that can handle the industrial applications needed.

Do you need to scan concrete before coring?

Scanning is highly recommended when embedded utilities, reinforcement or post-tensioning components may be present. Scanning can help identify potential obstructions, and safety hazards, before drilling begins.

Does concrete coring create a lot of dust?

Yes, but you can mitigate the dust by using water. Wet core drilling uses water to help control dust during the cutting process. Site-specific dust-control measures should still be determined based on the project conditions.

Dry Coring will create a lot of dust and you will want filtered fans and fitted face masks in place to defend against silica dust exposure. Dry coring is typically only used in areas where water is not allowed or could create damage, like an electrical server room.

Can concrete coring be done in confined spaces?

Yes. Specialized equipment and experienced operators can perform core drilling in many confined or difficult-to-access locations.

Choosing the Right Concrete Coring Contractor

When selecting a concrete coring company, look beyond the equipment.

A successful project requires experienced operators, proper planning, reliable equipment and communication between the coring contractor and the rest of the construction team.

Consider asking:

How much experience does the contractor have?
What sizes of core holes can they drill?
Do they provide concrete scanning?
Can they work in confined spaces or at heights?
Do they handle water and slurry cleanup?
Do they have experience with commercial and industrial projects?
Can they coordinate directly with your project manager or general contractor?

The right contractor should be able to understand the project as a whole—not simply show up and drill a hole.

Concrete Coring and Cutting Services from CanWest

For more than 40 years, CanWest Concrete Cutting & Coring has provided concrete cutting, coring and scanning services throughout Alberta and Western Canada.

Our capabilities include concrete coring, slab sawing, wall sawing, wire sawing, concrete scanning, grinding, polishing, excavation and demolition. Our project managers and operators work together to provide practical solutions for projects ranging from routine service work to large-scale infrastructure.

Whether you need a single core hole or a large-scale coring package, our team can help determine the right equipment and approach for the job.

Need Concrete Coring?

The success of a concrete coring project comes down to three things: planning, precision and experience.

Before drilling begins, the location, size, depth and surrounding structure should all be considered. With the right equipment and an experienced concrete coring contractor, you can create the openings your project needs while minimizing disruption to the surrounding structure and other trades.

Not sure about DIY’ing the coring on your next project? Call or contact CanWest for a free quote today. 403-225-4445

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Concrete Coring: A Complete Guide to Core Drilling, Equipment & Applications