Before initiating any seat installation project, a comprehensive physical site survey is essential to ensure alignment with design specifications, structural constraints, and operational requirements. This process involves systematically evaluating the installation environment to identify potential risks, verify spatial compatibility, and confirm readiness for implementation.
The following 20-point checklist has been developed to guide technicians, project managers, and site inspectors through the critical aspects of a physical survey. It covers spatial measurements, anchoring conditions, accessibility, safety compliance, and integration with existing infrastructure. By adhering to this checklist, teams can minimize installation errors, streamline execution timelines, and uphold quality standards throughout the deployment phase.
Measure and register the following:
1. Available space for chairs.
All measurements should be taken directly on the floor surface whenever possible. It is essential that these measurements are referenced between fixed physical boundaries that define the usable space. These boundaries may include—but are not limited to—carpet edges, lighting strips, steps, walls, parapets, or any architectural features that physically constrain the area. This approach ensures dimensional accuracy and alignment with real-world conditions, minimizing discrepancies during layout planning and installation.
2. Treads’ width.
It is essential to document any protruding elements—such as nosings or other features—that reduce the usable tread width. If such elements are present, their dimensions must be measured and subtracted from the total tread width to determine the effective walking surface.
In addition to measuring each individual tread, special attention should be given to the final (top) tread. This tread often differs in width and is typically wider than the others. Its exact dimensions must be recorded separately to ensure there is same usable as lower in treads.
3. Risers’ height.
It is essential to document the geometry of the steps and platforms that form the seating tiers. Key aspects to record include:
- Step Height (Riser Measurement): Measure the vertical distance between each seating tier. This riser height affects visibility, accessibility, and compliance with safety regulations. Consistency across tiers is crucial for ergonomic flow and audience comfort.
- Floor Inclination Check: Verify whether the horizontal surface of each tier (where seats are mounted or where people walk) has any slope or inclination. This is particularly important in stadiums or auditoriums where drainage, sightlines, or accessibility may be affected.
- Cross-Sectional Profile Documentation: Capture the shape and structural profile of each tier, including tread depth, edge treatments, and any overhangs or recesses. A clear diagram or annotated photo of the cross-section helps ensure accurate replication in technical drawings and supports decisions related to seating layout, lighting, and safety features.
These measurements are foundational for architectural planning, retrofitting, or compliance assessments, and should be recorded with precision and contextual notes where applicable.
4. Floor slope.
To determine the slope of a ramped floor surface, a basic manual method involves the use of a leveling tool positioned horizontally. The total length of the level (denoted as L) is recorded, and the vertical distance (H) from one end of the level to the floor surface is measured. This height differential provides the basis for calculating the floor’s inclination using trigonometric or ratio-based methods.
In addition to manual techniques, electronic slope meters or digital inclinometers may be used to directly obtain the angle or percentage of inclination. These devices offer increased precision and efficiency, particularly in environments where rapid or repeated measurements are required.
Both methods should be documented clearly, noting the measurement points and any relevant environmental conditions that may affect accuracy
H = height (measured vertically)
R = ramp floor
5. Ramp break lines location.
Location within the room of the break lines where the floor changes inclination.
6. Chord and arrow of base for arc rows.
For arc rows measure chord and arrow of base arc to draw all other rows (usually of the first row)
- C = Length of chord (from start to end of curve).
- C/2 = Half of chord.
- F = Arrow length.
7. Very if arcs of all are concentric.
Verify if arcs in curve rows are concentric measuring at center and at both ends of arc treads, these must be equal or similar.
8. Survey of obstructive elements relative to seating layout.
Identify and document all elements that may interfere with the installation of seating, whether located on the floor—such as electrical boxes, air vents, or lighting strips—or on the walls, including protruding columns, speakers, audio outlets, data ports, and similar components.
Each element must be located and referenced with respect to key architectural features, including riser elevations, wall surfaces, and seating row boundaries, to ensure accurate spatial coordination and avoid conflicts during installation.
9. For irregular shape rooms split it to triangular sub-shapes.
All the auxiliary measures resulting from sub-dividing into triangles the polygon area of the auditorium envelope, in case of rooms that are not rectangular.
10. Floor finish and substrate identification.
When conducting a physical survey for seating installation, it is essential to document both the floor finish and the underlying substrate material. These details directly impact anchoring methods, drilling requirements, and long-term stability of the seating system.
🔍 Why It Matters
- Anchoring Compatibility: Different finishes and substrates require specific fasteners or adhesives.
- Load Distribution: Substrate strength affects how weight and vibration are absorbed.
- Installation Planning: Knowing the floor composition helps anticipate tools, labor, and potential surface preparation.
📋 What to Record
For each seating area, note:
- Type of floor finish (visible surface layer)
- Material of the subfloor (structural base beneath the finish)
- Thickness of each layer, if available
- Any slope or irregularity in the surface
🧱 Common Floor Finishes
- Ceramic tile
- Porcelain tile
- Polished concrete
- Epoxy coating
- Vinyl flooring (VCT or sheet)
- Carpet (low-pile or commercial grade)
- Wood (engineered or hardwood)
- Rubber flooring
🧱 Common Subfloor Materials
Raised access flooring (metal or composite panels).
Reinforced concrete slab
Steel deck with concrete topping
Wood (plywood or OSB) over joists
Lightweight concrete
11. Measure and record aisles and steps width.
12. Room total width.
13. Room total length.
14. Screen height.
15. Stage height.
16. Floor to ceiling height.
17 . Length and height of secondary walls.
18. Carpet boundary’s longitudinal location.
Longitudinal location within the room of carpet boundaries (front, middle and back).
19. Keep measurement tape or lasser beam horizontal.
Keep the tape or laser beam horizontal for all length and width measurements.
20. On ramp register ramp slope.
For measurements done on a ramp we have to register the ramp slope. Or register the elevation difference between point to point of the taken dimension.