Can You Cut Bedrock in a Basement?

Written By
Tyler Lacoma
Tyler Lacoma
Published: Dec 21, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Bedrock in Basements

There is a reason that foundation are built on top of bedrock instead of in bedrock: The thick layer of rock cannot be moved as takes an incredible amount of work to cut and or change at all. Bedrock layers are left as they are to provide a high level of stability to the foundation constructed over them. Every house is different, but you may find that a quick survey will show cutting bedrock is not possible or practical, even if it can be accessed through your basement level.

Construction

When your basement is first being constructed and is built directly on the bedrock, some bedrock work is common. In this case, you can cut into bedrock and remove sections to make way for your new foundation, leveling out the bedrock surface to accommodate your home. This is the easiest way to remove any of the bedrock because it is still exposed. This also provides a chance to drill down and install rebar in the bedrock for extra foundational support.

Advertisement

Excavation

If your basement and home are already built, excavation into bedrock can be much more complicated. You should contact a surveyor or construction company and ask them to take a look to see if your bedrock can be removed to enlarge or change your basement area. Slight changes may be possible, especially for extra foundation support like added rebar. But excavating in a pre-built basement can be very expensive, even without dealing with bedrock. Even if the project is possible, it may not fit within your budget.

Wells

Wells are sometimes constructed on top of bedrock. The bedrock layer is "cracked" slightly to allow the well to re-fill with water more easily. If you want to install a well in your basement but you are not sure how easy it will be to cut into the bedrock, surveyors and specialists can offer invaluable advice here, too. A bedrock well may be possible, but anything from the position of the foundation to the use of fertilizers in your garden may make drilling a well in your bedrock inadvisable.

Tyler Lacoma

Tyler Lacoma has worked as a writer and editor for several years after graduating from George Fox University with a degree in business management and writing/literature. He works on business and technology topics for clients such as…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.