Although hardwood floors are easy to scratch, they are better suited to piano moving than flooring made of softwood. Aside from hardwood, some other kinds of flooring are appropriate for pianos. Laminate flooring looks much like hardwood, but it is more affordable.
Whether you are moving the instrument between rooms in the home or relocating to another city, it is important to remember that a piano is not just another piece of furniture. Pianos have wiring, pedals, and other delicate parts that must be protected from damage. Here, we will explain which types of flooring are suitable for pianos and offer some simple tips on preventing hardwood floor damage when moving a piano.
Which Flooring Types are Best for a Piano?
Although hardwood floors are easy to scratch, they are better suited to piano moving than flooring made of softwood. Aside from hardwood, some other kinds of flooring are appropriate for pianos.
Laminate flooring looks much like hardwood, but it is more affordable. Laminate typically consists of resin and other materials. The topmost layer is given a protective finish, making it a durable, long-lasting option for piano owners.
Vinyl flooring is another viable option that mimics the feel and look of hardwood at a much lower cost. Vinyl flooring is slip-resistant and has a rugged coating that prevents most scratches. It is best for small instruments of less than five hundred pounds, so consider your piano’s weight when choosing this type of flooring.
We will offer a few tips on moving a piano without damaging your hardwood floors in the sections below.
Moving a Piano without Damaging Hardwood Floors
Keep in Mind—It is Heavy
A piano may weigh anywhere from several hundred pounds to half a ton. Many owners fail to realize this, assuming that they will be able to move their instruments with DIY methods. Taking the do-it-yourself approach can result in serious injury, as well as damage to the instrument, walls, and floors.
Owners can determine how much their pianos weigh by reading the manufacturer’s label or contacting the maker directly. Knowing the instrument’s weight will put you in a better position to choose the right moving equipment.
Plan Carefully
Whether you are moving a piano from room to room or into a different home, plan the room’s layout beforehand. With a bit of planning, there will not be as much need to move things back and forth—and there is less risk of damaging the floor. While plans are always subject to change, having a rough idea of where to put things is a good starting point.
Use Caster Cups
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A caster cup is a square or round covering that is placed under a big and heavy table, couch, or piano. They serve an important purpose; to prevent damage to the floor. Thanks to their felt bottoms, caster cups are an easy, cost-effective option to move a piano over a hardwood floor without damaging it.
Get a Dolly
Another way to move a piano safely and easily from one place to another is to rent a heavy-duty dolly. These vital pieces of equipment easily glide over wood floors, and are very maneuverable. With these and other qualities, it is easy to see why so many piano movers use dollies to get the job done.
Cover the Floor With Moving Blankets
Moving blankets and pads are a suitable alternative if you cannot rent a dolly or find caster cups. By covering the floors, you will reduce the risk of scratches, gouging, and other damage. Just be mindful of their location, as they can present a trip hazard.
Remove Nearby Items
Using caster cups, a dolly, and moving blankets is not enough to protect hardwood floors. Other items, such as bookshelves, lamps, and end tables, can also pose risks. If they are hit or knocked over when moving a piano, these items may also damage the floor. Before starting, clear a path along which the instrument will be moved.
Protect the Instrument Itself
It is also a good idea to cover the piano when moving it between rooms or homes. Remember, it is a heavy instrument—but it is also delicate. It can scratch wooden floors, but it may also suffer damage. Avoid expense, hassle, damage, and regret by wrapping the instrument in plastic wrap and quilted padding.
Lay Down a Rug
Using a thick, high-quality area rug is a great way to protect hardwood floors from the damage caused by chairs, sofas, and pianos. Area rugs are an excellent choice because they are aesthetically pleasing and can complement an instrument when used properly. Rugs vary widely in terms of quality and affordability.
Use Plastic Sheeting as a Last Resort
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While it may not be the most attractive way to prevent damage to hardwood floors during piano relocation, it is worthy of consideration. As a temporary fix, plastic sheeting is an easy, cheap option. Owners can double the thickness of these sheets by folding or stacking them, depending on the weight and footprint of the piano.
The biggest drawback is the lack of aesthetic appeal. Plastic sheets do not look very desirable, but the effect can be reduced by folding the sheet, so it is only a little bigger than the area between the piano legs. Keep in mind that plastic sheeting is a short-term fix, and should only be used until you have obtained a dolly or caster cups.
Hire the Experts
To ensure the quality, longevity, and appearance of your hardwood floors, consider hiring a professional piano mover. It may seem expensive, but it is the most effective way to prevent damage to an instrument and the home within which it is placed. Our crew members have moved hundreds of pianos, so they know the best techniques and approaches to move them safely.
Hiring a piano moving company will eliminate all the hassle, worry, and inconvenience of a DIY move. There will be no need to rent tools or ask friends and family for help. Our team will come ready to work with the tools, equipment, and vehicle needed to move an instrument safely.
Protect Your Hardwood Floors While Enjoying the Music
Here, we have listed a few ways to prevent piano-related damage to a home’s hardwood flooring. Our team of piano moving experts are reliable, professional, and well-versed in the latest safety precautions. Request more information online or call today to get a no-obligation quote.
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