If you are looking for a way to save space in your bedroom, you might want to consider building a Murphy bed. A Murphy bed, also known as a wall bed or a fold-down bed, is a bed that can be folded up and stored vertically against the wall or in a closet when not in use. This way, you can free up floor space for other activities or furniture during the day, and enjoy a comfortable sleep at night.
Building a Murphy bed is not as difficult as it may seem. With some basic tools, materials and skills, you can create your own custom Murphy bed that suits your style and budget. In this blog post, we will show you how to plan and execute your Murphy bed project step by step.
Step 1: Choose your Murphy bed hardware kit
The first thing you need to do is to decide what kind of mechanism you want to use for your Murphy bed. There are two main types of hardware kits available: spring-loaded and piston-based. Spring-loaded kits use metal springs to lift and lower the bed frame, while piston-based kits use gas or air cylinders to do the same. Both types have their pros and cons, so you should do some research and compare them before making your choice.
Some factors to consider are:
– Cost: Spring-loaded kits are usually cheaper than piston-based kits, but they may require more maintenance and adjustment over time.
– Noise: Spring-loaded kits tend to make more noise than piston-based kits when operating, which may be an issue if you have sensitive neighbors or roommates.
– Ease of installation: Piston-based kits are generally easier to install than spring-loaded kits, as they do not require drilling holes in the floor or attaching brackets to the wall.
– Safety: Piston-based kits are safer than spring-loaded kits, as they have a locking mechanism that prevents the bed from falling down accidentally.
– Durability: Piston-based kits are more durable than spring-loaded kits, as they do not wear out or lose tension over time.
Once you have chosen your hardware kit, you should measure the space where you want to install your Murphy bed and make sure it fits the dimensions and specifications of the kit. You should also check the weight limit of the kit and ensure that your mattress and bedding do not exceed it.
Step 2: Build your Murphy bed frame
The next step is to build the frame that will support your mattress and attach to the hardware kit. You can either buy a ready-made frame from the same manufacturer as your hardware kit, or build your own from scratch using wood or metal. Building your own frame gives you more flexibility and customization options, but it also requires more time and skill.
To build your own frame, you will need:
– Wood or metal pieces cut to size according to your measurements and design
– Wood screws or bolts and nuts
– Drill and drill bits
– Saw
– Tape measure
– Level
– Hammer
– Screwdriver or wrench
The basic steps to build your frame are:
– Assemble the four sides of the frame using wood screws or bolts and nuts. Make sure they are square and level.
– Attach cross braces or slats across the frame to support the mattress. Space them evenly and secure them with wood screws or bolts and nuts.
– Attach hinges or brackets to the top of the frame that will connect to the hardware kit. Follow the instructions that came with your kit for proper alignment and placement.
– Attach handles or straps to the bottom of the frame that will help you pull down and lift up the bed.
Step 3: Build your Murphy bed cabinet
The final step is to build the cabinet that will enclose your Murphy bed when it is folded up. You can either buy a ready-made cabinet from the same manufacturer as your hardware kit, or build your own from scratch using wood or plywood. Building your own cabinet gives you more flexibility and customization options, but it also requires more time and skill.
To build your own cabinet, you will need:
– Wood or plywood pieces cut to size according to your measurements and design
– Wood glue
– Wood screws or nails
– Drill and drill bits
– Saw
– Tape measure
– Level
– Hammer
– Screwdriver
– Paint or stain (optional)
The basic steps to build your cabinet are:
– Assemble the four sides of the cabinet using wood glue and wood screws or nails. Make sure they are square and level.
– Attach a top panel and a bottom panel to the cabinet using wood glue and wood screws or nails. Make sure they are flush with the edges of the cabinet.
– Cut out an opening in the front panel of the cabinet that will allow the bed frame to fold in and out. Make sure it is large enough for the frame to fit through without scraping or jamming.
– Attach hinges or brackets to the front panel of the cabinet that will connect to the hardware kit. Follow the instructions that came with your kit for proper alignment and placement.
– Attach a latch or lock to the front panel of the cabinet that will secure the bed when it is folded up. Make sure it is easy to access and operate.
– Paint or stain the cabinet to your desired color and finish (optional).
Step 4: Install your Murphy bed
The final step is to install your Murphy bed in your desired location. You will need:
– Hardware kit
– Murphy bed frame
– Murphy bed cabinet
– Drill and drill bits
– Level
– Stud finder
– Tape measure
– Screwdriver or wrench
– Helper (recommended)
The basic steps to install your Murphy bed are:
– Locate the studs in the wall where you want to install your Murphy bed using a stud finder. Mark their positions with a pencil.
– Attach the hardware kit to the wall using the drill and screws provided. Make sure it is level and aligned with the studs.
– Attach the Murphy bed frame to the hardware kit using the hinges or brackets provided. Make sure it is secure and balanced.
– Attach the Murphy bed cabinet to the hardware kit using the hinges or brackets provided. Make sure it is flush with the wall and covers the frame completely.
– Test the operation of your Murphy bed by folding it up and down several times. Make sure it is smooth and stable.
Congratulations! You have successfully built and installed your own Murphy bed. Enjoy your new space-saving solution and sleep well!