Building your own DIY Murphy bed with built-ins is an exciting project that allows you to customize your space and add valuable functionality. This comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions, materials lists, tips, and advice to complete this project successfully.
The benefits of a DIY Murphy bed with built-ins include:
- Saves floor space
- Adds storage and functionality
- Customizable to your taste and space
- Cost-effective compared to hiring a professional
- Great beginner DIY woodworking project
This guide will take you through the entire process:
Planning and Design
Choosing hardware and bed mechanisms, drafting plans, gathering tools/materials
Frame and Cabinet Construction
Building supportive infrastructure and functional storage
Installation and Finishing Touches
Safely mounting your bed, adding trim, staining/painting
By the end, you’ll have gained valuable woodworking skills and transformed your space with this impressive project!
Planning and Design
The first step to a successful DIY Murphy bed project is proper planning and design. Take the time to draft thorough plans and make deliberate design choices – this will ensure your bed functions properly and fits your vision.
Choosing a Murphy Bed Mechanism
There are a few Murphy bed hardware systems to choose from:
Piston Lift: Uses compressed air systems to smoothly lower/raise the bed
- Very easy to lift and lower
- More expensive
Spring Lift: Steel springs/gas struts lift the bed; you lower it manually
- Manual lowering is more difficult
- Budget-friendly option
| Mechanism | Pros | Cons | Cost |
| Piston Lift | Very easy to lift & lower | More expensive | $$$$ |
| Spring Lift | Budget-friendly | Manual lowering difficult | $ |
Consider factors like your budget, physical ability, and ease of use when selecting the mechanism.
Design and Measure Your Space
Take detailed measurements of the room:
- Length/width/height
- Wall stud locations
- Electrical outlets/switches
- Windows/doorways
Use these measurements to draft computer or hand-drawn design plans that indicate:
- Exact bed size (twin, full, queen, etc)
- Location of bed frame/hardware
- Built-in cabinetry and storage elements
- Wiring for electrical components
This will allow you to visualize your finished project and serve as a reference during building. Consider plumbing and electrical that may impact the bed placement.
Required Materials and Tools
Building a Murphy bed requires standard woodworking tools:
Hardware & Materials
- Murphy bed lift mechanism kit
- Mattress
- Plywood 3⁄4” and 1⁄4”
- Pine boards: 1×2, 1×3, 1×4
- Wood glue, wood filler
- Stain, paint & polyurethane
- Handles and Hardware
Tools
- Circular or jig saw
- Drill + drill bits
- Driver bit set
- Hammer
- Level
- Stud finder
- Tape measure
Now that design is complete, we can move on to constructing the bed and built-ins.
Frame and Cabinet Construction
With your design plan in hand, we’ll carefully construct supportive infrastructure for your Murphy bed and built-in storage.
Building the Bed Frame
Refer to the detailed instructions provided with your Murphy bed hardware kit. This will specify:
- Exact wood lengths required
- Placement of lift mechanism and brackets
- Installation of springs or pistons
- How slats should be positioned
Tips for frame construction:
- Use screws, not nails, for strength
- Measure precisely and verify angles with levels
- Use wood glue for rigidity at joints
The bed frame must be extremely sturdy – use thick plywood and solid wood boards to handle the weight and pressure.
Watchframing corners and square edges to ensure proper lift functionality – do a test fold-up!
Cabinet Box Construction
The cabinet foundation houses built-in shelving and storage. Build as one unit or separate modules using:
- 3⁄4” plywood for sides, floors, ceilings
- Pine boards to frame fronts/faces
- Nail and glue for strength
Modular cabinets:
- Easier to transport through doorways
- Can customize different options
- Finished separately, then installed
Tips:
- Ensure cabinets are perfectly square
- precisely size to space/studs
- Allow room for facing overlays
Devise removable shelving and components during this stage. End panels can integrate swing-out supports.
Frame and Panel Cabinet Doors
Doors that match your room décor hide the cabinet interiors. Construct using a basic frame and panel method:
Materials
- 1⁄4” thick plywood panels
- 1 x 2 pine boards for the frame face
- Wood glue and finishing nails
Method
- Cut plywood panels to size
- Construct frames and cut grooves for panels
- Glue panels into the door frames
- Clamp until dry
- Hang doors with hinges
Installation and Finishing Touches
You constructed the bed frame, matching built-in cabinets and doors – now safely install your DIY Murphy bed and put on finishing touches.
Mounting the Mechanisms
With the bed frame accurately positioned between cabinets:
- Mount the lift mechanism securely into wall studs
- Ensure pistons/springs are properly calibrated
- Test mechanism by slowly folding bed up/down
Consider adding discreet locking mechanisms to secure the bed. Install handles or pulls for easy release.
Applying Trim and Molding
Add decorative trim pieces:
- Carefully measure for length
- Miter corners for clean joints
- Use decorative profiles – ogee, bullnose, etc.
- Arrange trim symmetrically
Trim elegantly conceals unfinished edges and gaps.
Staining and Painting
Protect and beautify your Murphy bed with finishing products:
- Lightly sand wood prior
- Wipe away dust with tack cloth
- Apply 2-3 coats of stain or paint
- Allow proper drying time between coats
- Finish with polyurethane for durability
Use similar color stains/paints for cohesive built-ins. Contrast the bed itself as a unique design element.
Conclusion
Constructing your own Murphy bed with built-ins is an immensely rewarding project that expands your living space and woodworking skills. By following this guide, you can successfully plan, build, and install this complex bed while customizing it to match your home décor. Maximize small spaces and add valuable storage with this multi-functional DIY project!