Frequently Asked Question
How much flooring should I buy?
Available Harmonics colors can change from season to season, so be sure to purchase enough flooring to finish out your installation and enough extra to perform any possible future repairs or additions. To purchase products previously sold in Costco warehouses, please call 1-888-459-9220.
How do I use the spacers?
The spacers in the installation kit are designed to be used in pairs. They are adjustable to provide the minimum 5/16" - 3/8" expansion space.
Do I run underlayment up 1" on all four walls?
Yes, this prevents damage to the floor from floods or water damage in other rooms.
Where can I get molding and other accessories?
To completely service Costco Members, we have set up the toll free customer service number at 1-888-459-9220 for molding and other accessory purchases. Only Harmonics moldings are guaranteed to coordinate with your Harmonics floor. Beware of non-Harmonics moldings, their expansion clearances have not been tested and may violate your warranty. We also offer a limited selection of short length molding to economically finish your installation, ask a support representative at the customer service number about availability.
How do I fasten the molding in place?
Nail or glue it to the subfloor, with or without the track, using urethane glue such as Liquid Nails. Skirting & Quarter Round are nailed directly to the walls. Never nail or glue molding directly to Harmonics flooring.
Should I remove the tongue prior to placing molding against planks, or planks against walls?
Yes, removing the protruding "tongue" or lower "lip" gives you the full 5/16" - 3/8" expansion space under the transition moldings and wall skirting.
Do I need to use the Harmonics Moisture Barrier sheeting under my flooring if it has a pad on it?
Yes, the pad is to cushion the floor and does not prevent subfloor moisture from entering the plank joints. Even old concrete floors, basements and crawl-spaces can have high moisture levels capable of hurting wood flooring. The Harmonics Moisture Barrier is high quality and meets the Harmonics flooring warranty requirements. It is required for all installations over concrete subfloors. Do not use an additional foam underlayment as a moisture barrier. To order the Harmonics Installation Kit or for installation assistance, please call 1-888-459-9220.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Keep a full 5/16" - 3/8" expansion space everywhere in your installation:
This includes around door jambs, cabinets, and under the moldings. Laminate floors must have this space in order to properly expand & contract from season to season.
Use a proper saw blade:
Use a fine-tooth carbide blade. On a circular table saw a minimum of 40-60 teeth is recommended, less teeth may result in rough cuts. Clean cuts depend on the type of saw used. For a fine-toothed handsaw or crosscut saw (pattern side up), or a jig saw (pattern side down), or a table saw (pattern side up), or a circular saw (pattern side down).
Put an expansion space - covered by molding - between rooms, hallways and separated areas:
At places where two rooms or areas join, floors must be able to expand and contract separately. This includes a single room that has a wall protruding well into the middle - essentially creating two rooms, a hallway branching off of a room, a large "L" shaped room and rooms wider than 25’ and longer than 40’.
Put felt pads under all furniture & use mats at doors:
Many chairs, tables and appliances have feet that can cause damage to wood floors. Harmonics offers self-adhesive felt pads, available from Customer Service 1-888-459-9220. We also recommend placing walk-off mats inside door entrances.
Cleaning up spills:
Clean up spills immediately, and use mats inside and outside of entries to keep your floor clean and dry.
Use water and use it sparingly to maintain your Harmonics floor:
Many cleaners have detergents that are harmful to laminate and wood floors. Harmonics planks are engineered to require little more than sweeping and a light mopping. For soiled floor maintenance, contact Harmonics Customer Service at 1-888-459-9220 for a warranteed maintenance kit and other accessories.