Underpinning vs Benching: Which is Best for Your Basement?

If you’re planning to upgrade your basement—either to gain more space or reinforce your home’s structural integrity—you’ve likely come across two main options: underpinning and benching. Both methods aim to increase basement height and improve support, but they use very different approaches.

In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between underpinning and benching, and help you decide which method is best suited for your home.

What is Underpinning?

Underpinning is a structural reinforcement technique that strengthens and deepens your home’s foundation. It involves excavating beneath the existing foundation and pouring new concrete to increase its depth and load-bearing capacity.

Homeowners typically choose underpinning when:

• The foundation is unstable due to soil movement or erosion
• The basement height needs to be significantly increased
• Long-term structural support is required

Advantages of Underpinning

• Improved Structural Stability: Underpinning helps prevent further settling and cracking of your foundation.
• Increased Load Capacity: A deeper foundation can bear more weight, especially beneficial for homes built on weak or shifting soils.
• More Usable Space: By lowering the basement floor, underpinning increases ceiling height and enhances livability.

What is Benching?

Benching is an alternative to underpinning that also increases basement height but does so without extending the foundation deeper. Instead, it involves excavating soil inside the basement and constructing a concrete “bench” or ledge around the perimeter to support the existing foundation.

This method is less invasive than underpinning, making it suitable for certain use cases.

Advantages of Benching

• Faster Process: Benching typically takes less time than underpinning due to shallower excavation.
• Lower Cost: It is generally more affordable than underpinning, making it ideal for smaller budgets.
• Less Disruptive: Benching causes minimal disturbance to the structural integrity of the home.

Underpinning vs. Benching: A Side-by-Side Comparison

When Should You Choose Underpinning?

Choose underpinning if:

• Your foundation is showing signs of cracking, settling, or instability
• You need a permanent structural solution
• You want to significantly increase basement ceiling height
• Long-term durability is your priority

When is Benching a Better Option?

Go with benching if:

• Your foundation is stable and has no structural issues
• You want extra basement space without major foundation work
• You are working within a limited budget or timeline

Benching is a practical, cost-effective option for homeowners looking to make their basement more livable without intensive structural changes.

Common Questions About Underpinning and Benching

What is the difference between underpinning and benching?

Underpinning deepens and strengthens the existing foundation, while benching involves excavating inside the basement and supporting the existing foundation with concrete ledges.

Is benching cheaper than underpinning?

Yes. Benching is usually less expensive due to its shallower excavation and simpler process.

How long does underpinning or benching take?

Underpinning can take several weeks depending on the project scope, while benching can often be completed more quickly.

What’s the best way to add headroom to my basement?

If you need more height and structural support, choose underpinning. If you just want extra space without altering the foundation’s depth, benching is a faster and more economical choice.

Need Help Choosing? Connect with Rock Bottom Underpinning

Choosing between underpinning and benching depends on your foundation’s condition, space goals, and budget. At Rock Bottom Underpinning, we specialize in both methods and can assess your home to determine the most effective solution.

Get in touch today for a free consultation—trust the experts in basement underpinning and foundation solutions.