How To Build a DIY Murphy Bed - Step-By-Step Guide
This article will go over how to build a murphy bed cabinet using the Hideaway murphy bed hardware kit. It is meant as a general guide, but if you want to see the detailed murphy bed plans that are included with the kit, you can download them here.
Kits are available in Twin, Full, & Queen size bed frames and you can choose to mount it to the wall vertically or horizontally.
Why Use A Murphy Bed Hardware Kit?
It is possible to build a murphy bed without the hardware, but there are several reasons why a murphy bed kit is the better choice.
The Bed Frame Raise Assist Gas Spring Piston Mechanism
The defining feature of any wall bed is that you will pull the bed frame down from the cabinet piece that is attached to the wall. Without a specialty mechanism that connects the bed and cabinet to hold the bed in place, it can be difficult - or even dangerous - to get the bed down from the wall. The cabinet door, bed frame, and mattress can be very heavy without any kind of spring mechanism.
A Calibrated Piston vs. a Mechanical Spring
Many store-bought murphy beds and amateur DIY projects mount the bed frame sides to the cabinet side rails using a mechanical spring. They have a short lifespan, are not easy to calibrate, and can be dangerous when they snap.
Hideaway includes pre-calibrated gas pistons that are ready to mount behind the bed cabinet and make it easy to pull down and fold up the bed.
A DIY Murphy Bed Project Without Specialty Hardware Costs Nearly The Same
If you choose to build the murphy bed without a kit, you'll still need to purchase specific hardware separately to construct it. While the total cost may be slightly less, when you add up the cost of the entire bed, the cost savings will likely be minimal.
Follow Detailed Murphy Bed Plans Instead of Taking On An Ambiguous DIY Project
Buying a Murphy Bed Kit allows you to utilize the detailed plans and DIY murphy bed tutorial videos specific to our hardware. Learn how to build a DIY murphy bed using our detailed instructions rather than winging it.
Now that you understand the value of specialty hardware kit, let's continue on to the build process.
Step 1: Purchase & Prepare Materials
The exact list of materials will vary depending on what size of bed you choose to make
Purchasing & Cutting Plywood
Cutting plywood using a table saw is likely the most difficult part of the project. We actually recommend that you ask your local hardware store to cut the plywood and solid wood for you. Home Depot for example will rip a piece of plywood to the exact specifications provided in our cutting guide for less than a dollar.
You can cut the solid wood 2x2s for the bed frame using a miter saw or also have the hardware store cut them for a small fee as well.
Buying a Mattress
A wall bed does not need a specific murphy bed mattress to fit the mattress into place. You can use a standard mattress as long as it is less than 12" thick and is within a weight range (different depending on the size you make the bed).
Other Tools & Hardware
Our kit also comes with some standard hardware, an edge band trimmer, countersink drill bit set, and a forstner bit - but you'll also need:
- 1 1/4" & 2" Wood Screws
- 1/4" & 3/4" Drill Bit
- Wood Glue
- Cordless Drill
- Jig Saw (Or something to cut a notch in the foot of the bed cabinet around the top of the baseboard)
- Alternatively, you can remove the baseboard in the section of the wall where you will mount the bed.
- Caulk - If you want to make a seal between the cabinet and the wall.
- 100ft of edge banding
- Cabinet Pulls
- Bolts to mount the cabinet to the wall studs. (Style depends on the type of wall you have in your sleeping space for guests)
- Common items such as tape measure, pencil, step stool, and optionally wood clamps.
Step 2: Edge Band & Lightly Sand The Inner Frame Side Rails, Headboard, & Bed Cabinet Sides
Edge banding the plywood pieces is an essential step to make them look like a solid piece of wood. We've included an edge band trimmer in our kit, and it is as simple as running a hot clothing iron along the unfinished top edge of the plywood to activate the glue in the edge banding. Then you'll run the edge band trimmer to remove excess banding.
Not all edges need to be banded - only those that will be visible such as the bed rails, those on the front of the cabinet and the edges on the top and bottom of the bed header. The instructions provide explicit detail on which edges need to be banded.
At this point, the wood is ready to be primed and painted if you wish or it can be assembled as is.
Step 3: Attach The Hardware
You now have all of your wood prepared and just need to attach the custom hardware according to the instructions.
- Attach the Bed "S-Plate" to the Bed Frame Side Boards (This will help connect the bed frame to the cabinet sides)
- Attach the Folding Leg Plates
- Attach Upper & Lower Cabinet Rotation Plates on Either Side Of The Bed Cabinet Sides (These will connect to the raise assist gas pistons)
Step 4: Assemble The Components
At this point, you essentially have an Ikea style assembly remaining. All of your pieces are cut to size and the hardware is in place. Again, we'll go in to much more detail in the included instructions - however the general steps are:
- Assemble the Bed Cabinet Top
- Assemble The Bed Frame Struts
- Connect The Foot & Head Of The Bed to the Bed Frame
- Mount The Bed Frame To The Cabinet Face
- Connect the Bed Frame To The Bed Cabinet Via Pivot Pin
- Connect The Raise Assist Pistons (2 Person Job)
Once you've connected the pistons, do NOT attempt to open the murphy bed to look at your nearly completed work. You must wait until it has been mounted to the wall.
Step 5: Mount The Bed Cabinet To The Wall
You're now ready to mount the bed in your guest bedroom, playroom, or office - or wherever you've decided you want an extra bed.
The mounting hardware & process you use to attach the cabinet header to the wall will depend on the type of wall you have. Mounting to wooden wall studs is the easiest, but it can also be mounted to brick, concrete, or metal studs with the correct type of hardware.
Common Murphy Bed Kit Questions
How Long Does It take To Build a Murphy Bed?
Depending on your level of DIY expertise, it should take anywhere between 15-25 hours.
Can I Build a DIY Murphy Bed Without a Kit?
Yes, but as mentioned above we recommend using a kit for several reasons - including the ease of construction, raising & lowering mechanism, and minimal cost difference.
Why is Hideaway the Best Murphy Bed Kit?
We thought you'd never ask! Hideaway's kits allow you to build both vertical and horizontal murphy beds. They also:
- Come with a lifetime hardware warranty
- Include easy-to-understand instructions that are in-color and XL in size.
- Include specialty tools not included in other kits
- Are made with high quality powder coated steel.
See all of the options here!
