Bench Footing Underpinning
Engineered Support When Traditional Underpinning Isn’t Possible
Bench footing is commonly used in Toronto when a shared or adjacent foundation is too close or when a neighbour does not grant consent to underpin a party wall. Although it occupies some interior space, bench footing underpinning provides reliable support while keeping the project compliant with local codes and safety standards.
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What Is Bench Footing Underpinning?
Bench footing underpinning is a structural method used in basement lowering when standard underpinning beneath the original footing is not feasible or permitted. Instead of digging directly under the existing foundation, a reinforced concrete bench is built beside it to support the lowered basement level without undermining the original footing. Because this bench is part of a basement lowering project, we do not use the old-style “traditional benching” approach. Instead, we build an engineered bench footing with steel rebar reinforcement and an L-shape profile to minimize the bench offset, preserving as much interior square footage as possible. This is essential in Toronto, where usable floor space significantly affects property value and basement apartment potential.
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How Bench Footing Underpinning Works
Bench footing underpinning follows the same staged sequencing used in traditional underpinning, but instead of digging under the footing, reinforced concrete bench sections are built beside the existing foundation to support deeper basement excavation.
1. Section Layout & Preparation
The bench wall is divided into engineered sections, similar to standard underpinning. The basement is prepared with lighting, shoring posts (if required), access paths, dust control, and soil removal equipment.
2. Stage One Excavation (Beside the Footing)
The first set of bench sections is excavated next to the foundation wall, not beneath it. This creates space for the reinforced concrete bench while keeping the original footing fully supported.
3. Stage One Cutting Structural Pockets
Where stronger anchoring is needed, small structural pockets are cut at the base of the foundation wall. These allow the bench footing to mechanically lock into the wall and improve overall connection strength.
4. Stage One Building & Structural Inspection
Before the City of Toronto performs the first building inspection, the structural engineer must inspect the first bench footing sections together with the first traditional underpinning sections (if both systems are used in the project). The engineer confirms soil conditions, excavation depth, section dimensions, and reinforcement details. Only after the engineer signs off can the City carry out its own inspection to verify that all work matches the approved permit drawings and safety standards.
5. Stage One Rebar Installation & Forming
A reinforced steel mesh is installed across the bench profile. Engineers often design this mesh similar to L-shape reinforcement to minimize the bench offset and preserve interior living space. Wood forms are installed to shape the bench section.
6. Stage One Concrete Placement
The next set of sections is opened, inspected by the City, reinforced, formed, and poured the same way as stage one.
7. Stage Two Excavation & Pouring
The second set of bench footing sections is excavated to the same engineered depth. Rebar and forms are installed just as in stage one, and a City of Toronto Building Inspection is completed to confirm compliance with the permit drawings. Once approved, concrete is placed and consolidated with a vibrator, then allowed to cure before moving to the next stage.
8. Stage Three Excavation & Final Bench Sections
The remaining bench footing sections are excavated and brought to full depth, followed by complete basement excavation to the new lowered height. Once the excavation is complete, rebar installation and formwork are prepared, and a City of Toronto Building Inspection is performed before the concrete pour to verify compliance with the permit and engineered drawings. After the inspection is passed, the final concrete sections are poured, completing the bench footing system and preparing the basement for waterproofing, drainage installation, and slab preparation.
Bench Footing Underpinning Costs
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Bench Footing Underpinning
$420+Per linear foot of underpinned basement foundation. Includes: Concrete Demolition, Excavation, Disposal, Foundation Adjustments, Steel Rebar Reinforcement, Forming, Concrete, Call and Pass Building Inspections.
The cost of engineered bench footing underpinning in Toronto starts at $420 per linear foot for excavation depths up to 2 feet. When the basement needs to be lowered 3 feet or more, the price increases to $480+ per linear foot because of the additional labour and engineering involved. Although bench footing is often seen as an alternative when traditional underpinning is not possible, its engineered version, used for basement lowering, requires the same level of structural work as flush underpinning. This includes significant steel rebar installation, L-shape reinforcement to minimize the bench offset, and custom concrete formwork designed to create a stable, load-bearing structure. As a result, the cost closely matches the L-shape underpinning, while still allowing basement lowering to proceed safely when underpinning beneath the footing is not permitted.
Other basement Underpinning methods
Part of the original footing is removed, and new concrete is poured to overlap the foundation wall, creating a wider and stronger structural base. The concrete is placed using a concrete vibrator to ensure full settlement and to eliminate air bubbles, improving strength and long-term performance. This is the fastest and most efficient underpinning method for older Toronto homes.
A full-width concrete footing is poured beneath the existing foundation, then allowed to cure for 24–48 hours. After curing, a 2–3 inch gap is filled with non-shrink grout to create a solid, long-term bond between the new footing and the original wall. This is one of Toronto’s most reliable underpinning methods for basement lowering.
The existing footing is partially or entirely removed. A reinforced L-shaped underpinning section is built flush with the original foundation wall and anchored into the footing, allowing the new support to tie directly into the structure. This method keeps the interior walls straight and maximizes usable basement space, making it ideal for narrow or tight layouts.
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Do I need a Permit for Bench Footing Underpinning?
Yes, a building permit is required for basement bench footing and underpinning in Toronto. Bench footing underpinning changes the structural support of your home, so the city requires architectural drawings, structural engineering plans, zoning verification, and scheduled inspections throughout the project. The permit ensures that all excavation and foundation work follows the Ontario Building Code and is safe for both your home and neighbouring properties. At Strong Basements Inc., we work with trusted engineers to prepare all documents and handle the permit process from start to finish, so your basement lowering project moves forward smoothly and compliantly.
IN TECH HOUSE DESIGN (ITHD) is our trusted architectural and engineering partner, which provides homeowners with zoning bylaws, surveys, design, architecture, engineering, and building permits.
Bench Footing Underpinning FAQ
What is bench footing underpinning?
Bench footing underpinning is a basement-lowering method where a reinforced concrete “bench” is built beside the existing foundation instead of underneath it. The bench acts as a structural support ledge, allowing the basement to be safely excavated to a lower level without disturbing the original footing. In Toronto, this method is engineered with steel rebar reinforcement, L-shape elements, and custom concrete forms to minimize the bench offset and preserve as much interior space as possible.
How is bench footing different from traditional underpinning?
Traditional underpinning supports a deeper basement by building new concrete footings beneath the existing foundation wall. Bench footing does not go under the footing at all. Instead, it creates a side support structure, meaning the new foundation line shifts inward. While this reduces floor space, it avoids working under the footing and is permitted even when underpinning is not allowed. The engineered version used for basement lowering includes the same rebar mesh and structural concrete work found in advanced underpinning methods.
When is bench footing a good option in Toronto?
Bench footing is recommended when underpinning beneath the footing is not feasible, such as in semi-detached or row homes where the neighbour will not grant consent for party-wall underpinning, or when the soil or foundation conditions make digging under the footing unsafe. It is also a practical choice for projects that must proceed legally and safely without permission to excavate beneath shared foundations.
Do I need a permit for bench footing underpinning in Toronto?
Yes. Bench footing underpinning requires a Building Permit, just like any other structural basement-lowering method. The City of Toronto reviews engineered drawings showing each staged section, reinforcement details, and excavation depths. Inspections occur throughout the process, typically during Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3, to ensure the work meets the Ontario Building Code and the approved plans.
How much does bench footing underpinning cost compared to underpinning?
Bench footing underpinning typically costs $420 per linear foot up to 2 feet of depth and $480+ per linear foot for deeper excavation, making it similar in price to L-shape underpinning. Although many assume benching is cheaper (regular bench footing is really cheaper and costs $300+ per linear foot), the engineered bench method used for basement lowering includes rebar reinforcement, structural pockets, L-shape components, and custom formwork, which require the same labour and materials as advanced underpinning. It is less expensive than flush underpinning only when used as a simple retaining wall, not in basement lowering applications.