INDEPENDENT FLOORING EXPERT

Reliable Information. Expert Solutions.​

Floor Flatness Testing That Prevents Costly Installation Issues

IFTI’s comprehensive floor flatness testing uses precise leveling technology and asystematic grid-based evaluation to confirm your slabs meet industryspecifications before flooring installation begins.

How to Get Started

Get clear, reliable documentation of floor conditions so you can move forward withconfidence.

01

Request a Free Consultation:

 

Tell us about your project, timeline, and flooring system.

02

Schedule On-Site
Testing:

 

Our specialists measure the full slab using digital altimeters and a grid-based approach.

03

Receive Your Elevation Map & Report:

 

Get detailed elevation mapping, identified problem areas, and recommendationsfor next steps.

Let’s Get Started

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Benefits of Floor Flatness Testing

Prevent Installation
Delays
Identify flatness issues early, before they impact schedules and trades.

Protect Long-Term Flooring Performance

Reduce the risk of flooring failures and expensive remediation.
Reliable, Full-Surface Documentation
We evaluate the entire slab surface using a grid-based measurement system, notselective sampling.

Our Testing Method

Our expert team employs digital altimeters to create detailed elevation maps ofyour entire floor surface. By measuring points at 10-foot intervals, we providecomplete documentation of floor conditions in line with industry regulations andhighlight potential problem areas before they impact your flooring installation.

Where This Service Helps

Our floor flatness testing supports diverse construction and renovation projectsacross multiple sectors, including:

  • Commercial office buildings
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Industrial warehouses
  • Retail spaces
  • Educational institutions

Twenty years of leadership and innovation in the flooring industry

credentials & certifications

Our foundational knowledge, extensive work experience, and partnerships with key industry establishments have earned us a reputation as your go-to experts and thought leaders for all things flooring. Listed below are some of the organizations and associations that speak to our experience in the industry.

Floor Flatness Survey & Mapping

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Floor Flatness Survey?

A floor flatness survey is a measurement process used to evaluate how level and flat a concrete slab surface is. Using precision elevation equipment, we collect data points across the floor and convert them into actionable reports that identify high and low areas, slopes, and areas that may require grinding or leveling.

Why would I need a floor flatness survey?

Floor flatness surveys are commonly used for:

  • Flooring installations (tile, resilient flooring, polished concrete, etc.)
  • Compliance with project specifications
  • Diagnosing slab problems before renovations
  • Estimating floor prep quantities
  • Resolving disputes between trades
  • Documenting existing conditions

If a floor “looks wavy,” doesn’t meet spec, or is causing installation issues, a survey provides objective, third-party data.

Do you perform ASTM F-Number (FF/FL) testing?

We can perform ASTM E1155 FF/FL testing when required.
However, many projects benefit more from elevation mapping surveys, which:

  • Cover the entire floor instead of sample lines
  • Identify specific problem areas
  • Provide visual heat maps and actionable repair plans

For troubleshooting or floor prep planning, elevation mapping is often more useful than traditional FF/FL testing.

What equipment do you use?

We use professional-grade precision instruments such as:

  • Digital elevation levels
  • Laser levels
  • High-accuracy ZIPLEVEL® systems
  • Data collection software

The method used is selected based on project requirements, accuracy needs, and site conditions.

How accurate are your measurements?

Typical accuracy ranges from ±1/16″ to ±1/32″, depending on the equipment and method used.

Our reports clearly state:

  • Measurement method
  • Grid spacing
  • Accuracy tolerances
  • Limitations of interpolation
How is the data collected?

Most surveys are performed on a grid pattern, commonly:

  • 5 ft
  • 10 ft
  • 1 ft (for detailed troubleshooting)

The grid spacing is chosen based on project size and required detail.

What deliverables do I receive?

Standard reports include:

  • Color-coded elevation maps
  • Action Maps showing where to grind or fill
  • Cut/fill quantity calculations
  • Pass/fail maps based on project tolerances
  • Raw data files (CSV/XLS)
  • PDF summary reports

Custom deliverables can be created to match owner or architect requirements.

Are the contour maps “exact values”?

No. Contour maps display interpolations between actual measured points.

Only the surveyed grid locations represent true measured elevations. The maps are visual tools to help interpret trends and plan corrective work.

This is standard practice in the industry, and our reports clearly note this limitation.

Can your surveys replace an FF/FL test?

Sometimes – but not always.

  • For specification compliance at new construction: FF/FL testing may still be required.
  • For renovations, floor prep planning, and problem diagnosis: elevation mapping is usually superior.

We can help determine which method is most appropriate for your project.

Can you estimate how much leveling material is needed?

Yes. One of our most valuable services is converting elevation data into:

  • Estimated fill volumes
  • Grinding quantities
  • Material budgeting
  • Repair maps for contractors

This allows accurate bidding instead of guesswork.

What size projects can you handle?

We routinely survey projects ranging from:

  • Small retail spaces
  • Warehouses
  • Hospitals
  • Data centers
  • Schools
  • Large industrial facilities

No project is too small or too large.

How long does a survey take?

Typical timelines (10ft. grid spacing):

  • 5,000 SF: 2-3 hours
  • 20,000 SF: 4–6 hours
  • 100,000+ SF: 2–3 days

Report turnaround is typically 1-2 business days, depending on project complexity.

Do floors need to be empty?

Ideally yes. The floor should be:

  • Clean
  • Accessible
  • Free of trades and materials
  • Not actively being worked on
  • That being said, we can work around trades and materials if needed

Obstructions reduce data quality and increase time on site.

Can you survey floors that are already finished?

Yes – we can survey:

  • Bare concrete
  • Finished floors
  • Existing occupied spaces

However, carpeting or thick coatings may affect measurement methods.

How do I know what tolerance to use?

Common industry tolerances include:

  • 1/8″ in 10 ft
  • 3/16″ in 10 ft
  • 1/4″ in 10 ft

We can help interpret project specifications and recommend realistic targets based on floor type and end use.

Can you help resolve disputes between contractors?

Yes. We frequently act as an independent third party to:

  • Verify compliance with specs
  • Determine responsibility for floor prep
  • Provide objective documentation
  • Support RFIs and change orders

Our reports are unbiased and data-driven.

Do you travel for projects?
We have a nationwide network of trained technicians, so limited travel is required
How much does a survey cost?

Pricing depends on:

  • Project size
  • Grid spacing
  • Required accuracy
  • Travel requirements
  • Reporting complexity

Contact us with project details for a quick quote.

How do I schedule a survey?

Simply provide:

  • Project address
  • Approximate square footage
  • Desired grid spacing or tolerance
  • Access availability
  • Timeline requirements

We’ll handle the rest.

Ready to ensure your floors meet industry standards?

Contact IFTI today for comprehensive floor flatness testing that protects your investment.