Grand Piano Dolly Buying Guide: Stability, Fit & Floor Protection
Moving a grand piano is no small task. These instruments are large, heavy, and delicate — and without the right equipment, moving one can lead to damage to the piano, your floors, or worse, personal injury. Whether you’re shifting a baby grand in your home, rolling a concert grand across a stage, or repositioning a grand piano in a school or church, a high-quality grand piano dolly is essential for safe, smooth, and efficient moves.
Unlike the small factory casters that come on most pianos — designed for minimal repositioning — a proper dolly distributes weight evenly, protects floors, and offers stability that makes all the difference. In this guide, we’ll cover what to look for in a grand piano dolly, why quality matters, common mistakes to avoid, and how to choose the right dolly for your specific piano.
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Why a Grand Piano Dolly Is Essential
- Protects floors: A dolly distributes the piano’s weight over a larger area, minimizing the risk of scratches, dents, or gouges — especially important on hardwood, tile, or gymnasium floors.
- Improves safety: Prevents tipping and allows for controlled movement by staff, stagehands, or homeowners. Remember, a grand piano's legs are not bolted to the piano.
- Saves time: Whether you’re preparing for a performance or cleaning, a dolly lets you move the piano quickly and securely.
- Prevents piano damage: Avoids stress on the legs or casters that could lead to structural damage.
Do I Need a Dolly or Are the Factory Casters Good Enough?
While grand pianos come with factory-installed casters, these are typically 1–2 inches in diameter, often made of metal, and designed for minimal repositioning. In contrast, a high-quality dolly uses large 5-inch solid rubber wheels that:
- Roll smoothly over thresholds, carpet, tile, and uneven floors
- Reduce effort required to move the piano
- Provide better floor protection
- Offer greater stability and safety during moves
A dolly transforms moving a grand piano from a risky, difficult task into a smooth, controlled process.
Key Features to Look for in a Grand Piano Dolly
- Made in the USA: Higher-grade steel, premium wheels, and proven durability
- Heavy-duty steel frame: Resists bending or failure under heavy loads.
- Solid rubber wheels: Protect floors, roll smoothly, and stand up to long-term use.
- Custom-fit design: Three size options pre-set for your piano at the factory — no on-site assembly headaches.
- Load capacity: Rated for even the largest concert grands.
Common Pitfalls of Cheap Imported Dollies
- Thin steel frames that can bend or fail under load
- Small, low-grade wheels that mark floors and wear out quickly
- Poor fit or adjustability — leaving your piano unstable during moves
- No pre-adjustment support — requiring you to struggle with sizing and assembly yourself
Example: A performing arts center replaced a budget Chinese-imported dolly after it left black scuffs on their new gymnasium floor, and after a few months, the dolly arms bent under the weight of their 7’0" grand piano.
Our Recommended Grand Piano Dolly
| Model | Made In | Wheel Type | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jansen Grand Piano Dolly | USA | Solid rubber (5") | Heavy-duty steel, custom-sized before shipping, solid rubber wheels | Schools, churches, concert halls, homeowners with grands |
How to Choose the Right Grand Piano Dolly
Choosing the right grand piano dolly depends on several factors unique to your piano, your space, and how you plan to use it. Here's what to consider:
- How often do you move the piano? If frequent (for performances, cleaning, or repositioning), you need a dolly with premium wheels and a heavy-duty frame.
- Where will the piano be moved? Think about the surfaces your piano needs to cross: hardwood, tile, carpet, gymnasium floors, or thresholds. Large rubber wheels handle all of these safely, avoiding scuffs or damage. This is especially critical for schools, churches, and concert halls where pianos often cross multiple floor types.
- What type of flooring do you have? Solid rubber wheels protect hardwood, tile, and other delicate surfaces far better than metal casters or cheap composite wheels.
- What size is your grand? Look for a dolly that offers different size options and can be pre-adjusted or customized for your piano. This ensures a secure fit for everything from baby grands to concert grands and saves you from struggling with dolly arm adjustments on-site.
- Who will be moving the piano? If staff or volunteers (rather than professional movers) will be repositioning the piano, a stable, well-fitted dolly is critical for safety. The right dolly makes it easier for non-professionals to move a large, heavy instrument without risk of tipping or floor damage.
- Do you need long-term durability? A grand piano dolly is a long-term investment. High-quality American-made dollies are built to last for decades — saving you from the costs and headaches of replacing cheap imports that bend, wobble, or wear out quickly.
Conclusion
Investing in a premium grand piano dolly protects your piano, your floors, and your peace of mind. Don’t risk damage or injury with cheap alternatives — choose a high-quality, American-made dolly designed for safety, durability, and ease of use.