Help Identifying Slab’s Composition - Can I Drill Drainage Holes?

molivella

Seedling
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I bought this slab from a gentleman whose father was a renowned bonsai master. He inherited pots and supplies from his father after his dad passed away but is not knowledgeable about what he has. I had been looking for a large slab for a bald cypress forest and this was perfect - 36” wide - not to mention that supposedly the man’s father hand made the slab and I thought it would be very cool to use a slab hand made by a renowned bonsai master.

My concern is that the slab has no drainage holes. I have always drilled holes in stone slabs with masonry bits and a hammer drill so as to provide drainage but am afraid to do so on this slab without some idea as to what it is made of. My fear is that I may break off a chunk in drilling.

So, I thought I would ask some of you who may be knowledgeable about hand made slabs in the hopes that by looking at the photos I’ve posted you can provide some thoughts and insight. Can I drill holes, should I drill holes, how should I drill holes, etc.

Thanks in advance.
 

BrianBay9

Masterpiece
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That slab looks pretty flat. I wouldn't think there is much chance of water pooling, so I wouldn't think you need drain holes. You might want some spots to tie down to though. You can make those using epoxy and small loops of wire.
 

choppychoppy

Chumono
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View attachment 172265
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I bought this slab from a gentleman whose father was a renowned bonsai master. He inherited pots and supplies from his father after his dad passed away but is not knowledgeable about what he has. I had been looking for a large slab for a bald cypress forest and this was perfect - 36” wide - not to mention that supposedly the man’s father hand made the slab and I thought it would be very cool to use a slab hand made by a renowned bonsai master.

My concern is that the slab has no drainage holes. I have always drilled holes in stone slabs with masonry bits and a hammer drill so as to provide drainage but am afraid to do so on this slab without some idea as to what it is made of. My fear is that I may break off a chunk in drilling.

So, I thought I would ask some of you who may be knowledgeable about hand made slabs in the hopes that by looking at the photos I’ve posted you can provide some thoughts and insight. Can I drill holes, should I drill holes, how should I drill holes, etc.

Thanks in advance.


Looks pretty porous I wouldn't worry about drilling holes especially for bald cypress.
 

crust

Omono
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If you chose to drill one can do it more safely with a different bit than a standard masonry bit and definitely not on hammer mode--use a diamond-edged core bit (check out Aquashot) and fully support the back as you go--water is usually in order. I agree with the others drainage would not be necessary and one could epoxy on wire loops to wire to.
 

molivella

Seedling
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Looks pretty porous I wouldn't worry about drilling holes especially for bald cypress.
I never considered the fact that bald cypress thrive in a wet environment so even if the slab doesn't drain well the trees would probably prefer that it doesn't drain. Good thought. Thanks.
 
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