Hey there, I’ve got an exciting project to share with you today! In this article, I’ll show you how to make a DIY Murphy Bed without the need for expensive hardware. You can save money by using more cost-effective alternatives, and I’ll guide you through the entire process step by step. I’ll provide you with all the necessary plans, measurements, and materials, making it easy for you to follow along and create your own Queen size Murphy Bed. You’ll start by building the base and then proceed to assemble the bed, install the lifting mechanism, build the cabinet, and add finishing touches. It’s a fun and cost-effective way to create a practical and space-saving bed for your home.
Say goodbye to expensive hardware and hello to a more affordable solution with this DIY Murphy Bed project. Follow along as I guide you through the process of building a Queen size bed with step-by-step instructions and helpful images. You’ll learn how to measure, cut, and assemble the base, attach the lifting mechanism, build the cabinet, and add finishing touches. With the detailed plans and materials list provided, you’ll have everything you need to create your own Murphy Bed without breaking the bank. So let’s get started on this budget-friendly DIY project that will bring both functionality and style to your home!
Building the Bed Base
To begin building your DIY Murphy Bed, you’ll need to start with the bed base, where the mattress will sit. Start by taking accurate measurements to ensure that your bed base is the correct size. For a Queen size bed, you’ll generally need two sheets of plywood as the base, with a box frame around it to hold the mattress securely.
Once you have your measurements, you can cut the plywood to size. If you don’t have the tools to cut the plywood yourself, you can have it cross-cut at a home improvement store like Home Depot. Once you have the plywood pieces, use a miter saw to cut them to the appropriate length.
Next, you’ll need to assemble the pieces of plywood together. One popular method for joining the pieces is by using a Kreg pocket hole jig. This tool makes it easy to create strong joints while also concealing the screws. Once you’ve joined the pieces together, it’s important to sand the bed base to ensure a smooth and clean finish. Use a 220-grit sandpaper to achieve a nice surface.
After sanding, you can bring the bed base inside and begin assembling it. Use the pocket holes that you previously drilled to attach the four pieces together using pocket hole screws. Once all four pieces are attached, temporarily move the bed base aside and lay down the sheets of plywood. Then, place the four pieces back on top and screw them into the bottom piece of plywood. This will secure the bed base together.
To provide additional support and stability, cut one-inch strips of plywood and screw them down onto the bed base. This will ensure that everything is held together securely. Once all these steps are completed, it’s time to test if the mattress fits properly. Place the mattress onto the bed base and make sure it fits perfectly.
Installing the Lifting Mechanism
The next step in building your Murphy Bed is installing the lifting mechanism that will allow the bed base to lift up into the cabinet. This step can be a bit tricky, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Start by measuring multiple times to ensure that the mechanism is installed in the same location on both sides of the bed base. This is crucial for ensuring that the bed base remains level when lifted up into the cabinet. Using a scrap piece of wood as a guide can be helpful in ensuring precise installation.
Once you have determined the correct location for the mechanism, mark out where the holes should go and drill pilot holes. Measure and mark out the corresponding locations in the cabinet as well.
To install the mechanism, you’ll need to drill pilot holes in both the bed base and the cabinet. This will allow you to attach the mechanism securely using screws. Take your time during this step to ensure that everything is installed properly.
Building the Cabinet
Now it’s time to build the cabinet where the bed base will pull up into. This part of the process is similar to what you did earlier when building the bed base. Start by cutting the pieces of the cabinet to the appropriate length.
Just like before, you’ll want to use a pocket hole jig to create strong joints when attaching the pieces together. Apply glue and screws when joining the pieces to ensure a sturdy and durable cabinet.
One important thing to note is the orientation of the pocket holes. When attaching the top part of the cabinet, make sure the pocket holes are facing upwards. This will ensure that they are not visible when the cabinet is up against the wall.
To give the cabinet a finished look, you can add edge banding to cover up the exposed plywood. This will provide a clean and polished appearance.
Designing the Front Side of the Base
To add some visual interest to your DIY Murphy Bed, you can design the front side of the base. This is the part that will be visible when the bed is lifted up into the cabinet.
One design option is to use plywood cut into four-inch strips and attach them accordingly to achieve your desired aesthetic. Get creative and experiment with different designs to personalize your Murphy Bed.
Building Floating Shelves/Legs
To provide additional support and stability for your Murphy Bed, you can add floating shelves that will double as legs. These shelves will be attached to the bed base and will support the bed when it’s folded out.
Cut the floating shelves to the desired length and attach them securely to the bed base. To ensure maximum strength, consider adding additional support to the shelves. This can be done by attaching additional strips of plywood to the underside of the shelves.
After the shelves are attached, it’s time to prime and paint them to match the rest of the bed. Consider using a paint sprayer for faster and more even coverage. Make sure to choose a paint color that complements your overall design.
Finishing Touches
To complete your DIY Murphy Bed, there are a few final touches you can add. Start by priming and painting the entire bed, including the cabinet, bed base, and floating shelves. This will give the bed a finished and cohesive look.
Next, reattach the lifting mechanism to the bed base. Consider using T-nuts to strengthen the support and ensure everything is secure. Although optional, this step can provide added stability to the bed.
To make it easier to open and close the bed, attach door pulls to the inside of the bed base. These can be found at your local variety shop or home improvement store.
For added safety, use bungee cords to secure the mattress when the bed is in the upright position. This will prevent the mattress from shifting or falling while the bed is being stored.
Finally, to ensure the bed remains in place when upright, securely attach the bed to the wall. Use screws or bolts to secure the bed to wall studs. Make sure the bed is level and then drill a hole through the cabinet into the bed base. Insert a long screw or bolt to hold the bed base in place.
Conclusion
After following these step-by-step instructions, you will have successfully built your own DIY Murphy Bed without the need for expensive hardware. The final product will be a functional and stylish addition to your home.
Take pride in your accomplishment and enjoy the benefits of having a versatile space-saving bed. With the knowledge and skills gained from this project, you’ll be inspired to take on more DIY projects in the future.
Remember to share your completed project with others and spread the joy of creating something unique and practical. Happy DIYing!