Commercial Cutting & Coring Services

Cutting & Coring Services in Iowa & Illinois

When commercial and industrial projects require precise openings in concrete, masonry, or stone structures, Bi-State Masonry delivers the cutting and coring expertise needed to get the job done right. Since 1999, we have provided professional diamond cutting and core drilling services to general contractors, facility managers, and property owners throughout the Quad Cities region and across Iowa and Illinois. Our trained crews use industry-leading equipment to create clean, accurate cuts and holes while minimizing dust, noise, and disruption to surrounding structures.

What Is Cutting & Coring?

Cutting and coring are specialized concrete modification techniques used to create openings, remove sections, or modify existing structures without causing damage to surrounding areas. These services are essential during construction, renovation, and facility upgrade projects where precision matters.

Concrete cutting involves using diamond-tipped blades to make straight cuts through concrete, masonry, block, brick, or stone. This technique is commonly used to create openings for doors, windows, HVAC penetrations, or to remove damaged sections of a structure. Diamond cutting produces clean edges and maintains the structural integrity of the surrounding material.

Core drilling (also called coring) creates circular holes through concrete and masonry using a hollow, diamond-tipped drill bit. The process extracts a cylindrical core from the material, leaving a smooth, precise opening. Core drilling is the preferred method for creating penetrations for plumbing, electrical conduits, anchor bolts, and utility installations.

At Bi-State Masonry, we use diamond-tipped tools for all cutting and coring work. Diamond tooling provides several advantages over traditional methods: cleaner cuts with minimal chipping, reduced vibration that protects adjacent structures, faster completion times, and the ability to cut through reinforced concrete including rebar. Our crews are trained to work safely and efficiently in occupied buildings, active industrial facilities, and sensitive environments where dust control and noise reduction are priorities.

Core Drilling Services

Our core drilling services provide precise, circular penetrations through concrete floors, walls, and ceilings. We can drill holes ranging from small-diameter openings for electrical conduits up to large-diameter penetrations required for major mechanical systems and structural applications.

Core Drilling Capabilities

We maintain a fleet of electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic core drilling equipment to match the specific requirements of each project. Our core drilling services include:

• Horizontal, vertical, and angled drilling in any orientation
• Small-diameter holes (1/2" and up) for anchors and fasteners
• Medium-diameter penetrations for plumbing and electrical runs
• Large-diameter openings for ductwork and mechanical systems
• Deep drilling through thick structural elements
• Drilling in reinforced concrete with rebar

Applications for Core Drilling

Core drilling is the method of choice when projects require round penetrations with smooth, clean edges. Common applications include:

• HVAC duct penetrations through floors and walls
• Plumbing and drain pipe installations
• Electrical conduit and cable tray openings
• Structural anchor installations
• Concrete sampling for testing and analysis
• Installation of handrails and safety barriers
• Fiber optic and data cable routing

Wall Sawing Services

Wall sawing uses track-mounted, diamond-blade saws to make precise cuts in vertical and overhead surfaces. This technique is ideal for creating door openings, window modifications, and large rectangular penetrations in concrete and masonry walls.

Our wall sawing equipment mounts directly to the surface being cut, allowing us to make controlled, straight cuts at any angle. The track system ensures accuracy and produces clean edges that require minimal finishing work. Wall sawing is particularly effective for:

• Creating new door and window openings
• Enlarging existing openings for accessibility upgrades
• Cutting openings for pass-through windows and service counters
• Installing new HVAC and mechanical penetrations
• Removing sections of walls for structural modifications
• Cutting elevator shaft openings

We can perform wall sawing in both wet and dry conditions depending on project requirements. Wet cutting uses water to cool the blade and control dust, while dry cutting with vacuum systems may be preferred in areas where water damage is a concern or where slurry cleanup would be problematic.

Slab & Flat Sawing Services

Slab sawing (also called flat sawing) is used to cut horizontal surfaces including concrete floors, slabs on grade, bridge decks, pavement, and sidewalks. Our walk-behind and ride-on slab saws can cut depths up to 24 inches or more, making them suitable for most commercial and industrial applications.

Slab Sawing Applications

• Installing control joints and expansion joints
• Removing damaged floor sections for replacement
• Creating trenches for underground utilities
• Cutting openings for floor drains and sumps
• Pavement and sidewalk removal
• Bridge deck repair and rehabilitation
• Creating saw cuts for floor preparation

Handheld Sawing

For smaller cuts, tight spaces, or areas where larger equipment cannot access, we utilize handheld diamond saws. Handheld sawing is effective for detail work, partial-depth cuts, and situations requiring maximum maneuverability. Common uses include:

• Block and brick cutting for repairs
• Small openings and penetrations
• Cutting in confined spaces
• Precision cuts around existing utilities
• Step and curb modifications

Commercial & Industrial Applications

Bi-State Masonry provides cutting and coring services to a wide range of commercial, industrial, and institutional clients throughout Iowa and Illinois. Our experience spans multiple sectors and project types.

Sectors We Serve

Project Types

Our cutting and coring services support a variety of project types, including:

• New construction: Creating openings and penetrations as buildings are constructed, ensuring proper coordination with other trades.
• Renovation and tenant improvement: Modifying existing structures to accommodate new layouts, systems, and uses.
• Mechanical upgrades: Adding penetrations for new HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and fire suppression systems.
• Structural modifications: Creating openings for elevators, stairwells, and other structural changes.
• Infrastructure repair: Cutting access points for bridge, tunnel, and parking structure maintenance.
• Industrial facility maintenance: Supporting equipment installation and process piping modifications.

Working with General Contractors

We frequently partner with general contractors throughout the region on projects of all sizes. From the Iowa DOT and Iowa State University to private developers and construction firms, our crews understand the coordination, scheduling, and safety requirements of commercial construction. We maintain current insurance coverage and can provide bonding for projects that require it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials can you cut and core through?

Our diamond-tipped equipment can cut and core through a wide range of materials including reinforced concrete, non-reinforced concrete, block, brick, stone, asphalt, and masonry. We can also cut through rebar and light metal embedments that are encountered within concrete structures. For projects involving unusual materials or extremely thick sections, contact us to discuss the specific requirements.

How do you control dust during cutting and coring operations?

Dust control is an important consideration, especially when working in occupied buildings or sensitive environments. We use wet cutting methods whenever possible, which uses water to cool the blade and capture dust particles in slurry form. When wet cutting is not practical, we use dry cutting equipment paired with vacuum dust collection systems. Our crews assess each project to determine the best approach for minimizing airborne dust and protecting indoor air quality.

Can you perform cutting and coring in occupied buildings?

Yes, we regularly perform cutting and coring work in occupied schools, offices, healthcare facilities, and other active buildings. We coordinate with facility managers to schedule work during appropriate times, implement dust and noise control measures, and maintain safe work areas that separate our operations from building occupants. Our crews understand the importance of minimizing disruption and maintaining a professional work environment.

Do you provide cutting and coring services outside the Quad Cities area?

Bi-State Masonry serves commercial and industrial clients throughout Iowa and Illinois, from Des Moines to the greater Chicago area. Our service area extends along the I-80 corridor and beyond. For projects outside our primary service area, contact us to discuss your location and project requirements.

How do I get a quote for cutting and coring services?

Contact us by phone at (309) 786-8800 or submit an estimate request through our website. Providing details about the material thickness, hole sizes or cut dimensions, number of penetrations, and project timeline helps us prepare an accurate estimate. We offer free estimates for all commercial cutting and coring projects.

Request a Free Estimate for Your Project

When your commercial or industrial project requires professional cutting and coring services, Bi-State Masonry has the equipment, expertise, and trained crews to deliver precise results. With over 25 years of experience serving contractors and facility managers throughout Iowa and Illinois, we understand what it takes to complete cutting and coring work safely, on schedule, and without disrupting your operations.

Contact Bi-State Masonry today at (309) 786-8800 or request an estimate online to discuss your cutting and coring requirements. We provide free estimates for all commercial projects in the Quad Cities region and throughout our service area.