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Piano Dollies – Safe, Smooth, and Stress-Free Piano Transport Solutions

Moving a piano is no small feat. Whether it's a grand piano in a concert hall or an upright piano in a school or home, these valuable instruments are both heavy and delicate. Piano dollies provide a specialised mobility solution that allows you to move pianos safely, smoothly, and without risk to the instrument, flooring, or the people involved.

From professional movers and event organisers to school maintenance teams and music venues, piano dollies are a must-have tool for anyone responsible for the careful relocation of pianos. Designed with purpose-built frames, reinforced castors, and stabilising features, dollies turn a complex job into a manageable task.

 

Why Choose a Piano Dolly?

Unlike standard furniture dollies, piano dollies are engineered specifically for the shape, weight, and balance needs of upright and grand pianos. Their design helps protect the instrument from tipping, falling, or internal damage during relocation.

Whether you’re:

  • Moving an upright piano in a school or church hall

  • Transporting a grand piano between venues or performance stages

  • Relocating a piano within a home or showroom

  • Managing stage setups for concerts or recitals

A piano dolly ensures that the task is completed safely and with minimal disruption to the piano’s alignment or finish.

 

Key Benefits

Prevent Damage to the Piano

Pianos are intricate, finely tuned instruments. A purpose-built dolly prevents tilting, stress on legs, or jolting that can knock keys out of alignment or cause internal damage.

Enhance Safety During Transport

Most pianos weigh between 150 kg and 500 kg. Trying to move one manually is a serious safety hazard. A dolly allows smooth, controlled movement by one or two people.

Protect Flooring and Carpets

High-quality castors ensure the dolly glides over floors without scratching timber, tiles, or catching on carpets. Ideal for schools, churches, and performance venues.

Designed for Long-Term Use

Built from heavy-duty steel or hardwood, piano dollies are designed for repetitive use in both commercial and domestic settings.

Compatible with Moving Equipment

Dollies can be used with straps, ramps, and stair climbers as part of a broader moving system for safe transport into trucks or up steps.

 

Types of Piano Dollies

There are different dolly types for different piano styles, load requirements, and usage environments. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

1. Upright Piano Dollies

These are flat platforms with heavy-duty castors and a wide surface area, specifically designed to support the base of upright pianos. Some models feature side rails or straps for extra stability.

2. Grand Piano Dollies (Spider Dollies)

Designed with a three-leg frame to accommodate the unique shape of grand pianos. These dollies typically allow for movement in all directions and provide leg support to prevent stress or breakage.

3. Double-End Dollies

Used in pairs for upright pianos. These attach to either end of the piano, allowing it to be lifted slightly and wheeled with precision and balance.

4. Adjustable Piano Skid Boards

Often used in conjunction with dollies, these boards are padded and come with securing straps—used to protect the piano during vertical movement or truck loading.

Dollies can be used for many applications, with our range consisting of furniture dollies, moving dollies and crate dollies. For greater versatility, see our range of trolleys and hand trucks.

 

Features To Consider

Choosing the correct piano dolly involves understanding the type of piano, the environment it’s being moved in, and any additional support equipment needed.

Type of Piano

  • Upright Pianos: Require flat, stable dollies with wide castors

  • Grand Pianos: Need a spider dolly that supports all three legs evenly

Weight and Load Rating

Ensure the dolly is rated to handle the full weight of your piano. Models typically support 200–500 kg depending on design.

Castor Type and Size

  • Rubber Castors: Smooth, non-marking, ideal for indoor floors

  • Swivel Castors: Offer 360° manoeuvrability, useful in tight stage areas

  • Locking Castors: Provide stability when the piano is stationary or being loaded

Frame Size and Material

  • Steel frames: Strong and long-lasting

  • Wooden frames: Lightweight and protective on instruments

  • Adjustable models: Useful for various piano sizes or transport in tight areas

Safety and Stability Features

  • Integrated straps or brackets

  • Non-slip surfaces or carpeted platforms

  • Low centre of gravity to prevent tipping

  • Compatibility with stair climbers or ramps

 

Safety Tips When Using Piano Dollies

While piano dollies make moving easier, it’s important to follow proper safety protocols to avoid injury or damage:

  • Use at least two people for large or heavy pianos

  • Always strap the piano securely to the dolly before movement

  • Learn the path before moving—watch out for steps, cords, or tight corners

  • Use ramps where necessary—never force a dolly over a threshold

  • Keep the dolly low and stable, avoiding tilting during transport

  • Train staff or team members on safe handling, especially in performance venues or schools

 

Applications Across Industries

Piano dollies are essential equipment in a variety of environments where pianos are used, transported, or displayed regularly:

Schools and Educational Facilities

Support music department staff in moving pianos between classrooms, halls, or auditoriums for lessons, rehearsals, or events.

Music Venues and Performance Centres

Used to move grand pianos on and off stages quickly and safely between sets, rehearsals, or venue changes.

Residential Moves

Removalists use dollies to safely move client pianos during house relocations without damaging floors or instruments.

Hotels and Event Venues

Support regular repositioning of pianos in lobbies, function rooms, or lounges during events or seasonal redecorations.

Piano Showrooms and Retail

Help shift pianos around the showroom floor without risk of damage during display adjustments or customer demonstrations.

 

Shop Our Range of Piano Dollies

At Verdex, we offer a high-quality selection of piano dollies designed to protect your valuable instruments while simplifying the task of relocation. Whether you're a school, professional mover, music venue, or homeowner, we have the right solution for your needs. Get in touch with us now.