How to Move Heavy Furniture on a New Hardwood Floor

Thinking of moving heavy furniture? Just had the floor refinished? Discovering a gouge in that shiny, new hardwood floor churns the stomach. Over time, such accidents are inevitable; just don't let it be your fault. When moving heavy furniture across hardwood floors, keep two things in mind. First, don't hurt yourself. So, with the exception of moving light furniture, get a friend to help, always. This brings us to the second point, the more immediate concern, how to shift the furniture without scarring the new floor. As with the first problem, the solution is simple and cheap.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Take at least one old, sturdy bed sheet and fold it in half.

2. Edge the furniture piece away from the wall, getting assistance from your helper. Clear a path, removing carpets or other movable objects that may be in the way.

3. Slip the folded bed sheet under the item in question so that it sticks out around its length and breadth.

4. Slide the furniture piece across the floor, with your companion at one end and yourself at the other, both grasping the ends of the bed sheet. The person who pulls the furniture piece does so by pulling at the sheet, while the person who pushes does so by applying pressure in a firm, steadying grip while keeping the bed sheet taut.

Tips & Warnings

• Should any obstacles require that the furniture piece needs lifting or angling, such as the sill of a doorway, simply pull up on the sheet. This should lift the piece over the obstacle as it's being maneuvered.
• Do not lift the item too high, as this may result in tipping, especially with top-heavy furniture, like display cabinets. Also, remove all loose items from the furniture's surfaces and interior. For further precaution, tape/wrap plastic grocery bags about the furniture's legs or base.

References

• Moving Furniture Over Hardwood Floors
• Maintaining Wood Floors

[Shanhorn]

on 11/12/2009 this is not near enough protection for ANY floor! Take the large throw rug place it upside down and then place furniture on rug backing, paying attention to the legs, push/pull from there.

[jacobsson]

on 10/30/2009 Delightful! How simple. Thank-you.