As of the latest updates in 2024 and 2025, several changes have been made to the Robust Details specification E-FT-1, which covers timber separating floors with I-joists. The key amendments include the removal of older floating floor treatments and the introduction of new options to meet evolving performance and regulatory standards.

 

Changes to E-FT-1 in 2025

The update in February 2025 removed older floor treatments due to evolving regulations and stricter performance standards.

• Removal of floating floors:The FFT1 floating floor option, when constructed with a Gypsum Plank, was removed.
• Performance requirements moved: The general performance requirements, previously described within the E-FT-1 detail, were relocated to Section C.5 of the handbook for clarity.

 

Changes to E-FT-1 in 2024

The July 2024 handbook update introduced new floor treatments and removed products no longer in production.

• New floating floor option:The JCW Soundboard One Platform Floor Board system was added as an approved alternative to the existing FFT1 and FFT2 options.
• Obsolete products removed: The Prestoplan PresWeb joist type was removed from the list of approved materials because it is no longer in production.

 

Wider context: Changes in 2025 flooring standards

Several factors drove the 2024 and 2025 updates, including stricter European Norm (EN) standards and changes to the National House Building Council (NHBC) Standards.

• Move to EN 14250: Starting 1^st January 2025, British Standards for floor detailing have been replaced by the more stringent EN 14250. This has placed new restrictions on the use of some 195mm I-beams and 202mm Posi-Joists.
• Focus on combined performance: Regulatory bodies, including the NHBC, now require solutions that integrate fire safety, acoustic performance, and structural stability. This has led to the removal of configurations that cannot provide comprehensive test data, particularly for certain 200mm deep floors.