COST GUIDES
Core drilling costs: Price breakdown 2026 (UK)
Updated 02/26
Average cost
Most homeowners pay between £26–£35 per hole, depending on diameter and volume
Compliance check
Core drilling through load-bearing walls or floors may require a structural assessment or approval
Key cost driver
Hole diameter and quantity have the biggest impact on the final price
Core drilling costs vary depending on the size of the holes, number required, and whether drilling is carried out in a wall, floor, or ceiling.
This guide explains how much core drilling costs in the UK in 2026, what affects pricing, and how to budget accurately before booking a specialist contractor.
Core drilling (also known as diamond drilling) is used to create precise, circular holes through concrete, masonry, or brickwork. It’s commonly used for plumbing, electrical, ventilation, and drainage work.
Core drilling costs 2026 prices
Core drilling is usually priced per hole, with discounts applied when multiple holes are drilled during the same visit.
| Cost provided item | Unit | Cost - low | Cost - high | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core drilling | 52mm hole | £26 | £35 | £30.50 |
| Core drilling | 127mm hole | £29 | £36 | £32.50 |
| Core drilling | 152mm hole | £37 | £46 | £41.50 |
| Core drilling | 300mm hole | £86 | £116 | £101 |
| Team of two people | Labour per day | £400 | ||
| Last updated: May 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||||
In practice:
Small domestic jobs are usually charged per hole
Larger or commercial projects may be quoted on a day rate
Cost per hole vs day rate pricing
Core drilling cost per hole
You’ll usually be charged per hole for small domestic jobs. As an example:
12 × 52mm holes: £35 per hole
18 × 52mm holes: £26 per hole
Core drilling cost day rate
For large volumes or commercial projects, a day rate can be better value.
Day rate (two-person team, labour only): £400
Core drilling costs by hole size
Hole size is the biggest single pricing variable.
Small cores (50–100mm): pipes, cables, condensate lines
Medium cores (100–160mm): waste pipes, extractor fans
Large cores (200mm+): ventilation ducts, flues, drainage
Doubling the hole diameter can more than double the cost, due to slower drilling speeds and increased equipment strain.
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What affects core drilling costs?
Several variables explain why core drilling quotes can differ:
Hole diameter – larger cores require more time and wear on equipment
Number of holes – per-hole prices usually drop with higher volumes
Material drilled – reinforced concrete costs more than brick or block
Drilling position – ceilings and floors are more complex than walls
Access and setup – confined spaces or height restrictions increase labour time
Understanding these factors helps you compare quotes accurately and avoid under-budgeting.
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Additional costs to budget for
Some costs may not be included in headline prices:
Site setup and protection
Dust or slurry management
Reinforcement or steel cutting
Waste removal of core samples
Access equipment (e.g. platforms or scaffolding)
Always confirm exactly what’s included in your quote.
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How long does core drilling take?
Core drilling is usually quick and minimally disruptive:
Single small hole: 15–30 minutes
Multiple domestic holes: half day
Large or reinforced cores: full day or more
Noise and vibration are lower with core drilling than traditional breaking methods, but power or water may need to be temporarily isolated.
Core drilling cost calculator
Use our calculator to estimate core drilling costs based on hole size, quantity, and access requirements.
Job Estimate Calculator
This calculator provides a guide price only, not a quote. Actual costs depend on material, reinforcement, access, regional labour rates, and whether structural approval is required.
For accurate pricing, request quotes from checked core drilling contractors who work in your area.
What’s included in core drilling quotes?
Most quotes include:
Specialist diamond drilling equipment
Labour and setup
Clean, accurate hole cutting
Usually excluded:
Structural assessments
Making good finishes
Waste disposal (unless agreed)
Ask for this in writing before work starts.
Hiring a core drilling specialist vs DIY
Core drilling should not be attempted as a DIY job.
An experienced contractor:
Uses specialist diamond drilling equipment
Minimises structural damage
Manages dust, slurry, and vibration safely
Incorrect drilling can compromise structural integrity and lead to costly repairs.
Find a core drilling specialist near you
When is core drilling needed?
Installing new plumbing or drainage
Adding extractor fans or ventilation
Running cables through concrete walls
Creating precise openings without cracking surrounding material
Core drilling cost checklist
Find a core drilling specialist near you
Core drilling is a precision task, so choosing a skilled and experienced contractor matters.
Search your postcode to compare checked, reviewed core drilling specialists working in your area and request quotes with confidence.
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Core drilling cost FAQs
What is core drilling?
Core drilling (also known as diamond drilling) is a precision technique used to create clean, circular holes in concrete or masonry.
It uses a hollow, diamond-tipped drill to remove a precise cylinder of material, allowing pipes, cables, or ventilation to pass through with minimal noise, dust, or structural damage.
How much does core drilling cost per hole in the UK?
For core drilling, most holes range in cost from £26 to £35, depending on diameter and material.
Is core drilling safe for structural walls?
Yes, when carried out by an experienced contractor, core drilling is safe for structural walls. Structural approval may be required for load-bearing elements.
Is core drilling noisy or dusty?
Core drilling is quieter and cleaner than traditional methods, especially when water-fed systems are used.
Can core drilling be done in floors and ceilings?
Yes, core drilling can be done in floors and ceilings, but these positions usually cost more due to access and safety requirements.
Is core drilling worth the cost?
Yes. Core drilling provides clean, accurate openings without cracking or structural damage.
Do I need permission for core drilling?
Permission isn’t usually required for non-structural drilling, but holes through load-bearing walls or floors may need structural approval. Always check before work begins.
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