Ask any piano removalist what makes a job difficult and the answer is almost always stairs. A few front steps, a flight to an upstairs lounge or a narrow townhouse staircase changes everything about how a piano is moved, how many people are needed and how long it takes. Here is what is involved.
Why stairs are the hardest part
On flat ground the piano’s weight sits on a trolley. On stairs, the crew has to control that weight as the piano tilts, while keeping it from swinging into walls or balustrades. Pianos are top heavy, so the angle matters: too steep and the weight shifts suddenly. Add a landing or a turn and the piano may need to be pivoted in a tight space.
How professionals plan a stair move
Before the day we ask for, or check, a few key details:
- how many steps there are at each end, including front steps
- the width of the staircase and any handrails that narrow it
- whether there is a landing or a turn, and how much space it has
- the ceiling height above the stairs
- what the stairs are made of, for example timber treads, carpet, stone or glass
From that we decide the equipment, the crew size and the route. This is why quotes for piano moves always ask about stairs.
The equipment that makes it safe
Stair moves rely on equipment rather than brute strength. Uprights are strapped to a heavy duty trolley or board, grands are strapped to a padded skid board on their side, and the crew controls each step with the piano secured. Treads and balustrades are protected with padding so nothing is marked.
Uprights on stairs
An upright is taken up or down with its back to the stairs, tilted only as far as needed, with movers above and below. Each step is taken deliberately, with clear communication.
Grand pianos on stairs
A grand comes apart first. On its side on a skid board, it is narrower and easier to control, and the crew can work it up or down the stairs as one secured unit.
How many movers for stairs?
Most stair moves need at least three people, and long flights, pianolas and grands may need four. An extra pair of hands is the cheapest insurance there is on a staircase.
Can every piano go up every staircase?
Most can. Occasionally a staircase is too narrow, too steep or has a turn that a piano simply cannot clear. When that happens we will tell you before the day, not halfway up the stairs, and talk through alternatives.
Stairs are also the biggest factor in the price after the piano itself. Our piano moving cost guide explains why, and our upright piano and grand piano pages show how each is handled.
Related guides: how much a piano weighs and how to protect your floors when a piano is moved.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Do stairs make a piano move more expensive?
Yes. Each flight, landing or turn adds time and equipment, and sometimes an extra mover.
Can you move a piano up a spiral staircase?
Usually not. Spiral stairs rarely give enough room for a piano. Let us know and we will suggest options.
Will moving a piano up stairs damage my stairs?
Not when it is done properly. We pad treads, edges and balustrades and control the piano at every step.
Ready when you are