Bench Footing

Bench footing is a method of adding height to your basement. Instead of digging under the existing basement foundation, a certain ledge(bench) is built around the perimeter of the existing foundation walls.

Then the basement floor is lowered within the space that was benched. Since it requires much less digging than the usual underpinning method it is cheaper and faster to complete.

Differences between Bench Footing and Underpinning

Requires building a new ledge around and inside the perimeter of existing walls and lowering the basement foundation within the benched space. No modifications to the foundation walls are done.

Typically cheaper and faster to install than underpinning
Provides better foundation support
Great common wall option as it allows lowering the basement floor without digging under the neighbour’s foundation

Takes away some of the space in your basement by reducing the square footage
Does not help improve the condition of an existing foundation and makes this process more difficult

Underpinning

Requires digging through the perimeter of the basement walls, removing existing basement footings, and pouring new ones at the new depth. Then rebuilding basement walls and installing new floors.

Improves structural integrity of the building fix existing issues
Updates electrical, plumbing, and insulation systems

This method is more demanding, time-consuming and resource-intensive
Is a considerably more expensive option

The Cost of Bench Footing Basements

In Toronto & GTA, bench footing can typically start around $300 to $500 per linear foot. However the costs fluctuate due to factors such as materials cost, the overall scope of the project and the complexity.

Additional considerations including the need for special equipment need to be considered before we start the work.

The Bench Footing Process Stages

Obtaining Permits & Plans – To develop a proper approach for your basement, we need to make sure that we are allowed to make changes and know how to do them. We research the local building codes obtain all of the necessary permits and make sure that we are legally prepared to start building.

Begin Demolition – After completing the first stage, we can start by removing some of the elements that prevent us from building such as finishing basement elements.

Excavation Process – The third step is the deepening of the foundation of the house where we dig a trench along the existing foundation walls and set up the wooden framework.

Concrete Pouring – Next, our contractors pour the concrete into the wooden framework to create a concrete bench.

Installing Waterproofing – After all concrete benches have been strengthened, basement waterproofing needs to be installed to protect the basement from water and moisture.

Pouring Concrete Slab – The final step is pouring the concrete slab which needs to be smooth and installed with a predetermined slope for optimal drainage. A slab takes a couple of months to fully solidify. Lastly, we remove the remaining debris and conduct a clean-up to finish the project.

Last Bench Footing Projects

Bring Your Bench Footing Project into Reality with Basement Underpinning

Bench footing is a project that provides you with additional stability and support while minimizing potential structural issues. With our 25-year warranty on all our materials, we offer peace of mind not only during construction but also after the work has been long done. Feel free to contact us for a free estimate.