When regular movers don’t have the specialized equipment to handle a delicate item like a piano, they often cause damage during transit. That can lead to costly repairs and emotional distress for owners.
Piano Movers Houston are skilled at maneuvering these large items through tight spaces, staircases, and doorways without damaging walls and floors. They also know when to use specialized tools for certain situations.
Dollies
Bulk, uneven weight distribution, and delicate legs can all make moving a piano dangerous and challenging—for the people doing it, and the instrument itself. But specialized equipment like piano dollies and skid boards can turn the task into one that’s easy, safe, and predictable.
Piano dollies are wheeled platforms designed to support the piano’s weight and reduce the risk of damage by spreading the load across a wider base. They typically have four or six wheels, a wide base to prevent the piano from tipping over, and straps to hold the piano securely in place. They’re especially important when moving a piano long distances or up and down stairs, but can also be used to transport a smaller upright through tight spaces like narrow hallways.
Piano movers may also use dual-carry trucks, which are basically two piano dollies that split the piano’s weight evenly and provide more stability and control. Whether you rent them, buy them, or hire professionals who already have the gear, the right tools can save your back (and your piano). And that investment of time and money pays off when your precious instrument arrives at its new home in perfect condition.
Skid Boards
Purchasing all the right gear to safely move a piano is a substantial investment. But the truth is, a small jolt during transport can crack the soundboard, damage the action, or gouge hardwood floors—repairs that dwarf the cost of the right equipment.
Pianos present unique logistical challenges during relocation, from the bulk of their frames to uneven weight distribution and delicate legs. Proper preparation minimizes these risks, turning a dangerous task into a predictable one. Professional movers use a variety of tools to ensure your instrument makes the trip without harm. From stair-climbing dollies to padded skid boards, these essentials make all the difference between a smooth move and a costly disaster.
Upright pianos ride vertically on a heavy-duty dolly, while baby grand and spinet pianos require the legs and pedals to be removed before being tipped onto a padded skid board. A well-made board helps support the weight of the piano and prevents undue stress on delicate parts, making it an essential tool for ensuring a safe relocation.
Skid boards are also used for navigating tight hallways and stairs during transit, helping the movers maneuver the piano with ease. When not in use, the boards are secured to the piano with locking straps to prevent shifting during the drive.
The best skids are made from maple, which is both sturdy and durable. A good skid should be sanded and treated with linseed oil to help it retain its luster over time. To create the perfect skid, movers mark the area to be cut with a pocket marker and measure and mark the dimensions of the frame. The boards are then cut with a miter saw and finished by hand with a router.
Moving a piano is not a job for the average person. The right equipment and proper handling techniques are crucial for a successful relocation, and the experienced professionals at Mountain Piano Moving Company have perfected their craft. Whether you need an upright moved across the street or a concert grand relocated to a new home, this team can do it all—and with your piano’s cherished memories in mind.
Moving Blankets
Piano moving requires a delicate touch, and using the right tools makes all the difference. Bulk, uneven weight distribution, fragile legs, stairs, and humidity swings make this job dangerous and unpredictable without the proper gear. The right piano dolly, skid board, straps, and ramp turn a hazardous lift into a controlled roll, allowing you to safely move your precious instrument and avoid costly disasters.
Before beginning the move, grab your tape measure and take precise measurements of your piano and the doorways, hallways, and staircases it must navigate. The extra time spent double-checking these details will save you from getting stuck halfway out the door or worse, forcing your piano through tight spots that risk damaging it.
After you’ve prepped the piano for transport, wrap it in thick blankets and protective foam, paying special attention to corners and the keyboard area. If you want to go the extra mile, invest in a custom piano crate or case to keep it safe during transit. Corner protectors safeguard vulnerable sections and prevent internal damage, while high-quality straps and tie-downs securely hold the piano in place.
While loading your piano into the truck, secure it with ratchet straps or E-track cam buckle straps rated for at least 800-1,000 lbs. These straps provide a firm grip and minimize shifting during transport, keeping your piano snug against one wall of the truck and protecting it from slamming against other items. I’ve seen boxes shift and slam into pianos during transit, causing expensive damage that could have been avoided with the proper strapping.
Once your piano is inside the truck, use a padded ramp to guide it up onto the dolly. This angled ramp turns a dangerous, uncontrolled lift into a controlled roll, allowing one person to safely guide the piano up and into the truck. Once loaded, tie down the piano with ratchet straps or safety hooks. Several types of tie-downs are available, each with its own set of unique needs. Choose a strap that can securely hold your piano in place while maintaining stability throughout the move, and always inspect them for wear and tear after each use.
Moving Straps
When it comes to moving a piano, proper preparation is key. These instruments weigh a lot, are top-heavy, and hide thousands of fragile parts that are vulnerable to impact damage. Even a small jolt can crack the soundboard, warp the action, or gouge hardwood floors–costs that dwarf the cost of purchasing or renting the right equipment to safely transport them.
That’s why movers use special stair-climbing dollies designed to take the strain off the back and neck of their team members while providing greater control as they move up and down flights of stairs. And for loading a grand into the truck, a sturdy ramp turns dangerous lifts into controlled rolls that avoid costly injuries.
Once in the truck, ratchet straps are used to secure the piano tightly to the rub rails that run along the sides of the cargo area. And furniture pads are placed under and around the instrument to absorb road vibrations that could rattle and damage its delicate frame. It’s also important to keep other heavy boxes and crates away from the piano during transit. I’ve seen too many shipments that arrive with expensive grand piano damage that could’ve been easily avoided by keeping other items out of the way.
Whether you’re a mover yourself or hiring professionals, the right tools make all the difference. Don’t skimp on the dollies, skid boards, straps, and blankets–they’ll pay you back in big ways when your heirloom arrives at its new home in perfect condition. And be sure to follow good lifting technique–bend those knees, keep your back straight, and communicate with your team every step of the way. This, plus the proper training and skill of a team of professional piano movers, is the best way to avoid expensive and heartbreaking damage during a move.