How to Build a Murphy Bed: The Complete DIY Guide
A Murphy bed is an innovative space-saving solution that transforms any room into a multi-functional living area. Whether you’re looking to maximize a small apartment, create a guest room that doubles as office space, or simply add a unique design element to your home, learning how to build a Murphy bed is an achievable goal for dedicated DIY enthusiasts. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from planning and material selection to assembly and installation.
What is a Murphy Bed and Why Build One?
A Murphy bed, also known as a wall bed, is a bed that folds up vertically into a cabinet or wall unit when not in use. This innovative furniture piece has been gaining popularity in modern homes, particularly in urban areas where space comes at a premium. Building your own Murphy bed allows you to customize the design to match your home’s aesthetic while saving thousands of dollars compared to purchasing pre-made units.
The primary advantage of a Murphy bed is its space efficiency. During the day, your bedroom can function as a home office, workout space, or entertainment area. When bedtime arrives, simply lower the bed and you have a full-sized sleeping surface. This flexibility makes Murphy beds ideal for studio apartments, guest rooms, and any space where maximizing functionality is essential.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Essential Tools
Building a Murphy bed requires specific tools to ensure precision and safety. Before beginning your project, gather these essential items:
- Power drill with counter-sink bit
- Circular saw or table saw for cutting lumber
- Miter saw for precise angle cuts
- Framing square for marking strut placement
- Stud finder for locating wall studs
- Level to ensure proper alignment
- Measuring tape and pencil
- Clamps to hold pieces securely during assembly
- Edge banding iron for finishing edges
- Router for detailed edge work
- Orbital sander for smoothing surfaces
Materials Required
The materials list varies based on your bed size and design, but here are the standard components:
- Dimensional lumber (2x4s and 2x2s for frame construction)
- Plywood sheets for bed frame and face panels
- Pine 1x2s for mattress bracing
- Wood screws (1-inch, 1.25-inch, and 2-inch varieties)
- Machine screws and T-nuts for hardware
- Wood glue for joining pieces
- Edge banding strips to finish visible plywood edges
- Hydraulic hinges and pivot hardware kit
- Mattress straps to keep the mattress in place
- Paint or wood stain for finishing
Phase 1: Building the Inner Bed Frame
The foundation of your Murphy bed project begins with constructing the inner bed frame. This frame serves as the structural support for your mattress and all the moving components. Start by cutting your lumber according to your plans, ensuring all pieces are precisely measured.
Take both frame sides and position them next to each other. Using a framing square, mark the strut placement on both frame sides simultaneously. This technique ensures identical strut placement on each side, keeping everything square and properly aligned. This precision at the beginning stages prevents alignment issues later in the building process.
To fasten the sides to the struts, use a counter-sink bit and drill pilot holes through each leg of the L-bracket connections. Utilize 2-inch wood screws to fasten each side to each strut securely. Wood glue should be applied to all joints before screwing them together for maximum strength and durability.
For the mattress support, cut pine 1x2s and arrange them perpendicular to the side rails. Plywood alone won’t provide sufficient support for the mattress weight and sleeping comfort. Secure the bracing using wood glue and nails, then reinforce with 2-inch screws through the outside boards of the frame into the cross bracing.
Phase 2: Preparing the Side Rails and Pivot Points
The side rails are critical components that determine how smoothly your Murphy bed operates. Begin by installing round-overs on your side rails to prevent guests from striking their shins on sharp edges when the bed is open. This finishing touch adds both safety and aesthetic appeal to your project.
Drill a 5/8-inch hole that is half an inch deep at the foot end of the side rails where the pivot legs will sit. For the holes that pass completely through, drill from one side approximately halfway through, then flip the piece and complete the drilling from the other side to prevent blowout damage to the wood.
At the head end of the side rail, install the lower stud plate, which is where the hydraulic hooks connect to pull the bed back up. Cut a spacer from 5/16-inch scrap to get your spacing right between the ball and the top of the side rail. This precise spacing ensures proper hydraulic operation.
Mount the female pivot points into the side rails themselves using silver number 12 screws, which are more heavy-duty than standard number 8 screws. These pivots are essential for the bed’s folding mechanism, so ensure they’re mounted securely and accurately.
Phase 3: Assembling the Complete Bed Frame
Now it’s time to assemble the complete bed frame by joining all the components together. Start by attaching the foot rail and head rail, then sandwich these between the side rails for maximum structural integrity.
Drill 1.25 inches deep through the inner bed frame into both the foot rail and head rail. Use number 8 screws that are 1.25 inches long to fasten these components securely. Once the head and foot rails are secured, position the side rails, sandwiching the head and foot rails between them. Drill the same depth and use identical screws at each junction point. For fastening the side rails to the foot rail itself, use 2-inch number 8 screws.
Before proceeding further, apply edge banding to all visible plywood edges. Lay your face panels with the good side down and mark a quarter-inch reveal on each side. Apply wood glue and screw your bed frame to your face panels, ensuring everything is aligned perfectly. This step significantly improves the finished appearance of your project.
Phase 4: Building the Bed Header and Mounting System
The bed header is the visible component that frames your Murphy bed when it’s closed. This assembly consists of a header board, front rail, two mounting cleats, and a rear rail. The header board creates the focal point of your installation and can be customized with various finishes and designs.
Maintain a half-inch space between the bottom of your header board and the bottom of the rear and front rails. Cut spacer pieces to ensure consistent spacing throughout assembly. Position your header board on these spacers and secure all components together.
The mounting cleats are crucial for wall attachment and must be positioned to hit wall studs. These cleats transfer the weight of the bed and sleeping occupants directly into the home’s framing, ensuring safety and stability.
Add quarter-inch panels on top of your bed frame, then fasten your mattress straps. Position these straps 16 inches from each corner to ensure your mattress stays securely in place when the bed is raised or lowered. Test the straps multiple times before finalizing your installation.
Phase 5: Installation and Wall Mounting
Installation is where your Murphy bed becomes a permanent part of your home. Before beginning this phase, locate wall studs using a stud finder. Your Murphy bed must be fastened directly to the wall framing, not just to drywall, to safely support the bed’s weight and the sleeping occupants.
Fasten the bed frame to the wall through the header board, ensuring you’re hitting studs with each screw. Use appropriately sized fasteners that penetrate at least 1.5 inches into the wall studs. This secure attachment is non-negotiable for safety reasons.
Screw through the mounting cleats on both sides into the vertical frame components. Verify that the entire unit is level before fully tightening all fasteners. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the bed opens and closes smoothly without binding or misalignment.
Test the hydraulic operation multiple times before considering the project complete. The bed should rise and lower smoothly with minimal effort. If you notice resistance or uneven movement, investigate and correct the issue immediately.
Finishing Touches and Customization
Once your Murphy bed is structurally complete and functioning properly, attention turns to finishing and customization. Sand all surfaces with an orbital sander, starting with medium-grit paper and progressing to fine-grit for a smooth finish.
Apply your chosen paint color or wood stain to all exposed surfaces. Consider your room’s existing décor and select finishes that complement your design scheme. Quality paint or stain not only improves appearance