🎹 Why We Use a Piano Skid (and Why You Shouldn’t Move a Piano Without One)

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2 days ago
3 min read

By Friendly City Movers

If you’ve ever stood in front of a piano and thought, “How hard could it be to move?” — we hate to break it to you, but the answer is: very.

Whether it’s an upright, baby grand, or full concert grand, pianos are one of the trickiest, heaviest, and most delicate items you can move. And trying to move one without the right equipment? That’s asking for damage — to the piano, the walls, your floors, or worse — your back.

That’s why at Friendly City Movers, we never move a piano without a piano skid board (also called a piano dolly or skid). Here’s what it is, why it matters, and why it’s absolutely essential for safe piano moving.

🎯 What Is a Piano Skid?

A piano skid is a specially designed, heavy-duty platform used to securely cradle and transport upright and grand pianos. Unlike a standard dolly, the skid distributes the piano’s weight evenly and allows for secure strapping and smooth movement.

Paired with heavy-duty straps and moving blankets, the skid lets us move a piano:

Down stairs
Around tight corners
Over uneven flooring
In and out of trucks with ramps or lift gates

🛡️ Why It’s a Must for Piano Moves

1. Pianos Are Extremely Heavy

An upright piano weighs 300–500 lbs, while a grand can weigh up to 1,200 lbs. A piano skid helps stabilize all that weight during movement, reducing the risk of tipping, dropping, or dragging.

2. Pianos Are Incredibly Fragile

Despite their size, pianos are precision instruments. One bad bump can:

Knock keys out of tune
Damage legs or pedals
Crack the soundboard (a costly repair)
Break internal mechanisms

Using a skid ensures a smooth, padded ride — with minimal vibration and movement.

3. It Makes Moving Safer for Everyone

Without the right gear, you’re risking:

Back strain
Crushed fingers
Foot injuries (hello, steel-toed boots!)
Property damage

The skid helps us move smarter, not harder.

🧠 Fun Fact: Not All “Piano Dollies” Are Created Equal

Some people confuse a piano skid with a basic 4-wheel dolly. But a true piano skid is built specifically for pianos. It has:

A long, low platform to match the piano’s shape
Anchor points for strapping
A lip to cradle the piano securely
Durable wheels designed for high weight and low impact

🚚 How We Move a Piano — the Friendly Way

When you book a piano move with us, here’s what you can expect:

Pre-move consultation to assess the piano type, building access, and obstacles
Padding and prepping the piano with heavy-duty blankets and shrink wrap
Securing it to the skid with heavy-duty straps
Team lift or careful rolling with spotters and stair pads
Transportation in a properly equipped moving truck with straps, ramps, and A/C control if needed

🎹 We treat every piano like it’s a Steinway — because to you, it is.

🧡 Final Thoughts from the Friendly Team

If you care about your piano — and your safety — don’t try to move it without a proper skid and a trained team. Trust us, we’ve seen what can happen when someone tries to “just roll it out” or “tilt it onto a dolly.” 😬

At Friendly City Movers, we’ve got the right tools, the right training, and the right attitude to move your piano safely — whether it’s going across the room or across the city.

Have a piano that needs to be moved?🎹 Call Friendly City Movers for expert, fully insured piano moving services.We bring the piano skid, the muscle, and the peace of mind.