How to move an upright piano into the cellar

by C Hawk
(KY - USA)

We need to move an upright piano down a flight of stairs to the cellar. The steps are carpeted and are fairly narrow. The walls are finished and painted. Has a door way at the top and bottom. What is the second best way to get a piano down these stairs, understanding the best way is to hire a piano moving company which is not an option at this point?

reply
There are several things to consider and no better place to start than with these Piano moving tips. If you read all these articles you will be well armed with ideas.

There are so many variables here that it may be advisable for you to return here and post pics of the piano and stairs. meanwhile, here are some points to consider.

Plan the route. determine Whether the stairs are straight - without turns - with the doors straight ahead at the top and bottom of the stairs. If for example, the bottom door is at right angles to the stairs, with no landing or working space you may need to use block and boards to build a safe platform from a couple of stairs up to create a turning space onto which to upend the piano. see turning an upright piano.

2) Measure the doorways and stair case.. it is often worth while to remove any hand rail.

3) The gradient of the stairs combined with the weight of the piano. This combination determines the 'runaway' potential of the piece. cellar stairs are often steep (1:1) but less severe drops (ex 2:1) can make a big difference.

Because there is no such thing as a standard piano weight or size, you should make yourself familiar with the piano. Can one person lift one end (or are 2 people necessary - face each other at one end and lift from the handle at the back and under the keyboard at the front)?

If it takes 2 fit guys to lift it at one end, you have a heavy one, and 4 strong people will be needed for the stairwork. You may wish to have a trial run on some easier steps. A large part of piano moving concerns familiarity and confidence with moving the weight, rather than the weight itself.

The stairwork will involve padding the stairs with heavy blankets, and sliding the piano down in a controlled manner, 2 brave souls at the bottom, and 2 strong anchor men on suitable ropes at the top.
Sliding avoids bumping, and allows the stairs to take some of the weight.

Pros may use a special 'skid' onto which the piano can be strapped, which have hole for attaching ropes. You may have to compromise:

Remove the bottom panel (by the players knees), the desk panel (where the music sits), and the key cover. You may save a bit of weight, and do not want to risk them falling off. If the piano has an overlapping lid, this is vulnerable, and a wooden chock may be required to prevent damage to it either if the piano has to be turned on its side, or from the pressure of the strap.

Consider removing the castors. These can be a safety stop, preventing the piano running down the stairs. By the same token, they mean the piano has to be lifted over each step. Heavy blankets can protect your carpet. If space is tight you may take a decision to let the piano slide... and remove them.

The men at the top must have ropes long enough to let the piano slide all the way, with them firmly planted as in a tug of war team. It is easy for their efforts to be neutralised by the piano simply pulling them down the stairs.


See more piano moving questions and answers.