Drilling Through Bluestone?

Hi... We're in the process of having our existing poured concrete steps over-poured to widen them (mason used rebar rods, epoxied into old concrete), and we're about to start work on a portico (small porch) in which we'll use permacast fiberglass load-bearing columns to support the forward/outside corners of the roof. Don't have the columns yet, but I have to assume that we'll need to either anchor the column or more likely, the wooden plinth (?) block upon which the column(s) will rest.

The mason is now applying bluestone (roughly 1¼" thick) on top of the old/new cement steps, and we're using cultured stone on the sides/risers.

So the question I have is whether we can drill through the Bluestone and down into the old concrete and then lag into that? I think if we do that rather than trying to lag into the stone, we'd be better off and there'd be less chance of the stone splitting... right?

Should we use a run of the Mill carbide tip masonry bit or something special? What about the lag? Or should we epoxy in a threaded bolt? I think we're more worried about the column kicking out somehow as opposed to bonding it to the stairs.

Thanx... Doc

Greetings Doc, welcome to the Forum !

I'd definitely go with the Epoxy and Threaded Bolts, wouldn't want to split that stone, with a expansion anchor !!

On the Bits, those special Bits are so expensive, I usually just buy several of the cheeper ones, and pitch um after the job.

Good luck on your project !

Have a good Day !
S.W.

I think a decent sds drill would get through both layers with a bit of persistence!

I set posts in a 2" sandstone block once by using a hammer drill. No problems. Make sure the bit is sharp (not worn out). I'd try it out on a scrap first, to make sure it won't split the rock. There will be less chance of splitting the rock if it is set in mortar or thinset before drilling.

I just used a piece of 1/2 rebar as the "anchor", since all I wanted was to ensure the post didn't kick out of it's spot. Just drill the hole, drop in a 4-6" length of rebar (it should fit fairly snugly in the hole) and set the post down on top of it. No glue, nothin. I guess some epoxy or mortar would keep water from accumulating in the hole, but then I was in New Mexico. It doesn't rain there.