House Stumping and Restumping using LevelMaster Adjustable House Stumps
House stumping is the process of installing or replacing the stumps that support a house above ground level, while restumping specifically refers to replacing existing, deteriorated stumps to restore a home’s level and structural integrity.
House Stumping: Also Known As
House stumping and restumping go by several names across the industry and different Australian states:
- Reblocking – the term more commonly used in Victoria for the same process of replacing stumps
- Re-levelling or house levelling – describes the outcome of the process rather than the stump replacement itself
- House piering – a broader term covering both stumps and other point-load supports
- Re-stumping – a common alternative spelling of restumping
- House raising – a related but distinct process, often done at the same time as restumping to lift a house higher off the ground
LevelMaster your trusted partner
When it comes to ensuring the stability and structural integrity of your property, LevelMaster is your trusted partner. We specialise in providing high-quaility house stumps. that form the solid foundation your home deserves.
We excel at supplying top-notch stumps and can direct you to experienced installers in your area.
House Stumping vs Restumping: What's the Difference?
House stumping generally refers to installing stumps for the first time, such as during a new build, while restumping refers to replacing existing stumps that have deteriorated, sunk, or moved out of level. Both use the same core stump products and techniques, but restumping typically involves the additional steps of removing and disposing of the old stumps before installing new ones.
How can I tell if I need Restumping?
The clearest signs you need restumping are sloping or uneven floors, doors and windows that stick, and visible cracks in walls.
– Sloping floors – a marble or ball will visibly roll to one side
– Uneven or sagging floors
– Cracks in walls, particularly around door frames and corners
– Bouncy or spongy floors underfoot
– Sticking windows and doors that no longer close flush
– Visible rot, rust, or deterioration on stumps you can see under the house
These issues can have several causes, including soil movement, ageing or weathering stumps, tree root damage, or incorrect original installation. Because the stumps are a critical structural component, any of these signs should be investigated by an experienced licensed restumper or builder.
The Restumping Process
Restumping is a multi-step process carried out by a licensed professional:
- Assessment – a thorough inspection of the existing stumps, floor level, and soil composition to identify the scope of work needed
- Removal – the existing stumps are jacked and removed using specialised equipment, which may involve some excavation
- Installation – new stumps are positioned and adjusted to achieve correct load-bearing capacity and level
Using adjustable steel stumps at the installation stage means the stumps can continue to be re-levelled in future without needing to be dug out and replaced again, which is not possible with fixed-height timber or concrete stumps.
Types of House Stumps Compared
- Timber stumps – the traditional, lower-cost option, but susceptible to rot, termite damage, and warping over time, and not adjustable once installed
- Concrete stumps – more durable than timber, but fixed once installed and difficult to adjust if the house moves later
- Adjustable steel stumps – hot-dip galvanised for corrosion resistance, and able to be re-levelled for the life of the building without excavation
Do I Need a Permit to Restump My House?
Different locations such as Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne may have different rules around needing a permit to restump a house. You can see more information for QLD, NSW, VIC, and WA. You can also see all our compliance certificates for all of Australia here.How Much Does Restumping Cost?
Restumping costs vary depending on the number of stumps, soil conditions, site access, and your location. For a full breakdown of current pricing and what affects the cost, see our detailed guide: Restumping and Reblocking Costs Explained.Why Choose LevelMaster Adjustable House Stumps
LevelMaster are manufacturers of house stumps. We do not quote on or provide restumping services directly, but we can provide the names of approved LevelMaster installers in your area who use and recommend our components, including our adjustable cross bracing and adjustable metal stair stringers.
Our products are hot-dip galvanised, independently tested by a certified Queensland university laboratory, and come complete with full engineering certification. Unlike fixed-height timber or concrete stumps, LevelMaster’s adjustable steel stumps allow one person with a simple tool to re-level a house for the life of the building, without hydraulic jacks.
House Stumping and Restumping Near You
LevelMaster supplies and supports house stumping and restumping projects across Australia. For location-specific information and approved installer referrals, see:- House Stumps Brisbane, Toowoomba, QLD
- House Stumps Sydney, NSW
- House Stumps Melbourne, VIC
- House Stumps Adelaide, SA