How To Cut Outlet Box in Granite 4" Backsplash (old work box)

Another "how to" on cutting an outlet box into 4" Stone backsplash. All in all, its pretty easy. I used a Old Work Box for this tutorial. They work best when working with granite or any stone because the cuts don't have to be exact. And I believe you can get a more secure fit with this approach. The only tough part, at first, is cutting the backside of the outlet. But after 19 years of stone work, I have a pretty good feel for where my face cuts will be. If it makes it easier, just mark the backside with a marker. This will help when plunge cutting and hitting your cuts on the face.
Hope this is useful and informative. Any comments are welcome.
Thanks for watching
Filming and editing by Jay Zagar
Music is "Sjangeli" by: Henrik Olson which can be found @ www.epidemicsound.com

[@bem369]

Hey man the way I do it is very fast and efficient. I just get a 2 inch core bit. Drill a hole on one side of the outlet and another hole right beside it. Last hole in the middle between the 2 and then even out with core bit.

[@GraniteByJay]

Thanks for the comment. I'll give it a try. You do this for square old work boxes too?

[@bem369]

Granite By Jay I don’t know what square old work boxes are.

[@GraniteByJay]

They are the outlet boxes I used in this video.

[@isaacbarrios7103]

What thickness was the splash? Can you use the same method with 2cm splash? I always worry if it will create a weak spot, especially with a splash piece running over 24 inches in length

[@GraniteByJay]

This was 3cm (1 1/4") Soapstone. You can use the same technique with 2cm for sure. It will be weak, but go slow and get a helper to carry it with you. I cut 2cm outlets all the time. Side Note: If I ever have to cut an outlet that I feel has a high chance of breaking, I always go over the options with the customer. You can either add a seam in the center of the box and cut two U shapes. Or, what I always try to sell is, just cut It in one piece. Lets say it breaks. It looks so much better if you repair it as you install it. Mix a good akemi color and paint it in with markers. My opinion, Your eye picks up a straight seam faster then a good repaired fissure seam. Most customers have a hard time even seeing it when its all said and done. Hope this helps and Thanks Isaac.

[@korenwasche4295]

Why are the outlets turned horizontal vs vertical?

[@GraniteByJay]

Grandma Koren I turn them horizontal if the customer wants the outlet in a backsplash that is under 7” tall. After the new face plate is on the outlet, I believe the longest side is around 5 1/2” to 6” depending on the size you buy. With natural stone, you really want to try to keep as much material on the top and bottom as you can. It will fall apart and break if it’s too thin. Thanks for the comment.

[@jimt1678]

Confused on the box wings… the ones I am familiar with will only handle a max material thickness of 7/8.” Can you tell me the brand/source that clamp beyond the 1-1/4” granite thickness?

[@GraniteByJay]

I do understand that old work boxes don't work the best with 1 1/4" stone material. Its frustrating some times getting them to lock in. The ears on the "blue old work" boxes just fit. These are the plastic ones. If you get the harder ceramic boxes, you can remove the ears from the bolts and spin them around. Mounting the ears the other way usually gets you an extra 1/2". Another option is to grind the back of the stone where the ears land on the piece. Just grind that area until you get to 3/4" thick. I've had to this plenty of times in the past. As far as brand, I'm not really sure. Lowes and Home Depot have usually 3 different options. The metal, plastic, or composite cermamic boxes. I never use the metal boxes anymore. Just a pain to work with. Hope this helps.

[@HandymanHustle]

Maybe get longer screws

[@jimmygonzalez3659]

What size blade you used ??

[@GraniteByJay]

It a 4 1/2" Diamond Granite blade. Check out the Hurricane Granite Turbo Blade. www.gmrqualitystoneproducts.com/hurricanegraniteturboblade.aspx

[@jrp1531]

I know this is old but I just got into the granite business as installer. I hear that the 41/2 blades after couple cuts just dies faster than the 5in -6in is that true? Do you get full life of blade?

[@jaymac1560]

To eliminate cutting from the back side and making a mistake do the same process you did from the front but drill a one and a quarter hole in the center tap it with a hammer and it will fall out of course you cannot do that with fragile marble and such but with 90% of stone

[@GraniteByJay]

Thanks for the tip. I have always done the flip over method, but always looking for new things to try. I will be trying this soon. Thanks again Jay From Jay

[@carloseduardometzger6346]

In USA don't use red wax crayon?

[@GraniteByJay]

Red wax crayons are ok, but i have found they can stain certain materials. The lighter marbles and white soapstone you have to watch out for. I always recommend just using tape and a pen or pencil. Its the safest route.

[@jaymac1560]

White out office correction pens work great and won't leave strains. It's water based paint

[@DD-sw5qd]

Why don't you put the outlet above the back splash in the drywall? You just chopped up the granite.

[@GraniteByJay]

I totally agree. In this case, it was all up to the designer. Sometimes you just have to go with the flow.

[@NKartal]

I am from TURKEY here the outlet boxes are circular and we cut them vith circular cutter 15-20 seconds :) Thank you Recep Tayyip Erdoğan :)

[@GraniteByJay]

Hello Namik. I wish that was the case here in the U.S. That would make it allot easier. Ill look up a video on circular outlets. Thanks for the comment.