Piano Guidance
Photo by Stephan Müller Pexels Logo Photo: Stephan Müller

What do you put under a piano on hardwood floors?

Use Caster Cups 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.

What are the piano grade levels?
What are the piano grade levels?

Knowing your 'level' as a pianist For instance, Grade 1 and 2 I would consider late beginner level*. Grade 3 is early intermediate. Grade 4 and 5...

Read More »
Is 12 hour shift legal?
Is 12 hour shift legal?

12 hour shifts are legal. However, the regulations generally require that there should be a break of 11 consecutive hours between each 12 hour shift.

Read More »

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

Is 11 too old to start piano lessons?
Is 11 too old to start piano lessons?

No, it is never too late to start piano lessons for beginners! For some children, starting after age eight will actually be better, depending on...

Read More »
What color is urine under black light?
What color is urine under black light?

yellow However, keep in mind that urine will not, as many believe, show up bright white under a blacklight. Instead, it will be a bright yellow....

Read More »

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

Why do shifters stick?
Why do shifters stick?

Your manual transmission gears see a lot of use and over time, they will begin to wear down. The normal wear and tear can cause sticking of the...

Read More »
Is 13 too old to learn piano?
Is 13 too old to learn piano?

13 is a great age to begin learning piano. And since you're just starting and are still plenty young, be open to other avenues for the skill. Maybe...

Read More »

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.

What is the calmest classical music?
What is the calmest classical music?

10 most relaxing pieces of classical music Grieg – Morning Mood. ... Einaudi – Primavera. ... Bach – Air on the G String. ... Phamie Gow – War...

Read More »
What is the most rare female voice?
What is the most rare female voice?

Contraltos Check these ladies out. Contraltos are arguably the rarest of female voice types and they possess a tone so dark they often give the men...

Read More »
What are the 4 cadences?
What are the 4 cadences?

Four principal types of harmonic cadence are identified in common practice: usually these are called authentic, half, plagal, and deceptive cadences.

Read More »
What are the most important jazz chords?
What are the most important jazz chords?

The most important progression in all of music. The quintessential jazz chord progression, the ii-V-I , is just the two previous progressions...

Read More »