Are you looking for a space-saving bed solution that’s built like a tank and meant to last a lifetime?
Quick overview of the Create-A-Bed Queen Size Deluxe Murphy Bed Kit, Vertical
You’ll get a heavy-duty, American-made steel Murphy bed kit designed for long-term use and backed by a lifetime warranty. The kit supplies the metal frame, commercial-grade pistons, and detailed instructions, while you supply the lumber, face, and mattress to match your style and comfort needs.
What the kit includes
The package focuses on the metal frame, hardware, and supporting documentation that you need to assemble a vertical queen Murphy bed. Included are the steel components, commercial-grade pistons, illustrated instruction booklets, online instructional video, cut sheets, bills of materials, and templates to guide you through the build.
What’s not included
Lumber and the mattress are not included, so you’ll need to source cabinet-grade plywood or solid lumber and a queen mattress separately. The mattress should be an innerspring queen sized up to 60″W x 80″L and 6–12″ high for best performance with the mechanism.
Hardware and materials
The frame and metal parts are made in the USA from American steel, and the kit has been offered for over 35 years, which speaks to its tested durability. The pistons are commercial grade, designed to provide smooth lift and secure support over long-term use.
Build quality and finish
You’ll find the metal is designed to commercial standards with thickness chosen to withstand frequent use, and the kit components arrive pre-drilled and prepared for assembly. Because the frame parts are steel, you’ll avoid the flex and wear you might see in lower-quality systems that rely on lighter materials.
Instructions and customer support
Create-A-Bed has decades of experience building beds and supporting customers, and that experience informs clear, step-by-step instructions and detailed diagrams included with each kit. If you get stuck, the kit references an online instructional video and multiple printed diagrams, and customer support has a long track record with these products.
Documentation formats
You’ll receive a printed illustrated instruction booklet plus access to online video tutorials, cut sheets, bills of materials, and templates for face panels and cabinet construction. This mix of formats helps you visualize steps and check measurements as you go.
Dimensions and compatibility
The vertical Queen finished measurements are 87-1/8″ high x 65-7/8″ wide x 15-7/8″ deep when closed, and 87″ deep when open. This means you’ll need wall and overhead clearance roughly matching those dimensions, and you should confirm the vertical placement for head and foot clearance in your room.
Mattress and lumber compatibility
The kit is sized for an innerspring queen mattress up to 60″ W x 80″ L and 6–12″ H, so you’ll need to pick a mattress within that height range for proper closing and support. For the cabinet and face, standard cabinet-grade plywood or hardwood can be used, and the cut sheets in the kit will tell you the exact lumber sizes you need.
Quick specification table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Create-A-Bed Queen Size Deluxe Murphy Bed Kit, Vertical |
| Frame material | American-made steel |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Finished (closed) | 87-1/8″ H x 65-7/8″ W x 15-7/8″ D |
| Finished (open) | 87″ D |
| Mattress compatibility | Innerspring queen up to 60″W x 80″L x 6–12″ H |
| Included documentation | Illustrated booklets, online video, cut sheets, bills of materials, templates |
| Lumber | Not included |
| Mattress | Not included |
| Manufacturer experience | Over 35 years making Murphy bed kits |
| Intended installation | Vertical (storage up against wall vertically) |
What installation looks like for you
You’ll need a moderate amount of DIY skill to assemble and install this kit since the steel frame and pistons need precise alignment and secure mounting to wall studs. The instructions and templates will take much of the guesswork out of placement, but accurate measuring, squaring, and fastening into a reliable wall structure is essential.
Time and crew recommendations
Expect the assembly and installation to take a full day for an experienced DIYer and possibly a weekend for a two-person team including cutting and finishing the cabinet and face. Because of component weight and the need to lift and align the frame accurately, it’s better to have at least one helper on install day.
Tools you’ll need
You’ll use commonly available tools: drill/driver, countersink, circular saw or table saw for lumber, pocket-hole jig (optional), clamps, level, tape measure, stud finder, and possibly an impact driver for secure fasteners. You’ll also want appropriate safety gear such as eye protection and gloves to handle heavy steel parts and lumber safely.
Fasteners and consumables
The kit may include some fasteners for the mechanism, but you’ll need screws, wood glue, finish hardware (like face panel hinges or handles), and construction adhesive for the cabinet. Follow the bills of materials included in the kit so you order the correct fasteners and finishes before you begin cutting lumber.
Step-by-step installation overview
At a high level, you’ll unpack the kit, prepare the cabinet sides and face according to the templates, assemble the metal frame, mount the frame to the wall, attach the cabinet and face, and then check the piston operation and safety. Each of those steps contains precise measurements and alignment tasks that matter for smooth operation and safety.
Critical alignment and safety checks
When you mount the frame to the wall, you’ll anchor into studs for structural integrity and double-check the vertical and horizontal alignment before tightening everything down. After the pistons are attached and the mattress is placed, test the lift and closing several times to ensure the weight distribution and piston tension are correct, and that latches or safety devices engage reliably.
Performance and everyday use
Once installed, the commercial-grade pistons are designed to give you a smooth, assisted lift and controlled lower for daily use, making the bed easy to open and close without heavy lifting. Because the pistons and frame are built to commercial standards, you can expect consistent performance over many cycles of use.
Noise and stability
You should find the mechanism relatively quiet compared with lower-quality kits, but some minor sounds during operation are normal as metal interfaces move and rollers run in their tracks. The steel frame and secure wall mounting translate into solid stability, minimizing wobble and movement when you use the bed.
Durability and longevity
With more than 35 years of the product on the market, the kit’s components have a proven track record of durability when correctly installed. The lifetime warranty further signals the manufacturer’s confidence that the steel, hardware, and pistons will last for decades with routine use.
Corrosion and finish longevity
Since the frame is steel, the finish and storage environment can affect long-term appearance; indoor, dry environments will preserve the components best. If you plan to use the bed in a high-humidity area, consider painting or sealing the wooden face and ensuring the metal parts are protected from direct moisture to prevent surface rust over time.
Safety considerations
You’ll need to anchor the unit securely into structural studs to prevent accidental tipping, especially given the vertical orientation and tall cabinet height. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended hardware and attachment methods and never rely solely on drywall anchors for load-bearing support.
Child and pet safety
As with any Murphy bed, teach family members to operate the mechanism carefully and keep fingers clear of pinch points while closing the bed. Consider installing any additional safety latches or locking mechanisms if the bed will be used in a household with young children.
Maintenance and adjustments
Routine checks every few months to confirm fasteners remain tight, pistons are functioning smoothly, and wood face attachments are secure will keep your bed operating well. If the lift feels heavier over time, check the piston mounting bolts and the attachment points for wear and tighten or replace hardware as needed.
Replacing parts
Because the kit is designed for long-term support and is primarily metal, replacement parts like new pistons or specific hardware can usually be sourced from the manufacturer or a skilled hardware supplier. Keep your original kit documentation and model number handy to speed any parts order.
Troubleshooting common issues
If the bed doesn’t close cleanly or the pistons feel weak, verify that the mattress height is within the recommended 6–12″ range and that the mattress is centered on the platform. If you experience binding, recheck frame squareness and ensure that the cabinet face panel isn’t rubbing or catching on the floor or surrounding trim.
When to call support
If you see unusual metal deformation, persistent piston failure, or any structural concern, contact Create-A-Bed support immediately since those conditions may require warranty service or replacement components. The company’s long support history means they’re used to helping with installation questions and post-installation problems.
Design, customization, and finishes
You’ll have full freedom to style the visible face and cabinet to match your room because the kit provides the skeleton while leaving the aesthetics up to your materials and craftsmanship. Whether you choose painted MDF, stained hardwood, or a custom veneered panel, the face can be made to look like built-in cabinetry or a decorative feature.
How the face attaches
Templates and cut sheets show you where to place mounting points so your face panel fits flush and doesn’t interfere with the mechanism. You can add trim, crown molding, or integrated shelving around the bed’s cabinet to create a fully custom look that suits your decor.
Who this Murphy bed kit is best for
You should consider this kit if you want a high-quality, long-lasting Murphy bed skeleton and are comfortable fabricating a custom cabinet to finish the look. It’s ideal for homeowners, cabin renovators, Airbnb hosts, or anyone building a guest room or multifunctional space where reliability and longevity matter.
Who might want a different option
If you want a completely finished, ready-to-install system with cabinetry and upholstery included, or you don’t have access to the tools or time to build a cabinet, a pre-assembled Murphy bed from a furniture company may be a better fit. Also, if you need a non-standard mattress type (very thick memory foam or hybrid beyond 12″ height), check compatibility carefully or choose a different system.
Value and cost considerations
You get good value in this kit if you want heavy-duty metal components, proven durability, and the freedom to finish the bed to your own taste. Upfront costs for the kit plus lumber and mattress will vary regionally, but placing value on longevity and warranty protection often makes this kit cost-effective across decades of use.
Long-term investment
Because of the lifetime warranty and commercial-grade parts, you’ll likely save money in the long run compared with cheaper kits that require more frequent replacement or maintenance. The ability to replace small parts rather than the entire mechanism also improves the long-term economics of this solution.
Real-world applications and layout tips
This vertical queen Murphy bed kit works well in studio apartments, guest rooms that double as home offices, basement bedrooms, or multipurpose spaces where floor area must remain flexible. When planning placement, think about clearance for the bed when open, allowed obstructions overhead, and how the cabinet face will interact with existing trim or heating vents.
Room planning checklist
Before you buy, measure wall height and width, ceiling clearance, and the floor area that the bed will occupy when open; also confirm there are studs or a structural backing where the kit will be anchored. Think about where bedding will be stored, how the room will flow when the bed is down, and whether furniture placement needs changing to accommodate the open bed.
Warranty, company reputation, and support
Create-A-Bed has produced these kits for over 35 years and offers a lifetime warranty, which signals a strong commitment to product performance and post-sale support. Their reputation for working with commercial customers like hotel chains suggests they’ve built products for repeated, dependable use.
What to document for warranty support
Keep your purchase receipt, kit model number, photos of the serial or part numbers, and notes about the installer and installation date in case you need to make a warranty claim in the future. If you register the product (if offered), that often speeds service and parts replacement.
Comparison with other Murphy bed options
Compared with many ready-made or low-cost kits, this steel-frame kit emphasizes durability and professional-level pistons, which will appeal if you want a heavy-use, long-lasting solution. Some competitors sell complete prebuilt cabinets finished in various styles, but those often cost more and offer less flexibility for customization.
Key differences to weigh
If you prefer a turnkey solution with minimal DIY work, an assembled Murphy bed from a furniture retailer may save you time but can be more expensive and less customizable. On the other hand, if you like doing finish carpentry and want a system that will hold up to frequent use, the Create-A-Bed kit is a solid choice.
Purchasing tips
Before you purchase, make sure you have accurate room measurements and a plan for the lumber and finish materials based on the included cut sheets. Also check shipping dimensions and weight if the kit ships to you, and verify return and support policies if you order online.
Sourcing lumber and mattress
Choose cabinet-grade plywood or hardwoods for the cabinet and face to achieve a professional look, and pick a mattress within the recommended height range for safe operation and proper closing. For the mattress, try it in a store if possible to ensure comfort; memory foam or hybrid mattresses at the recommended height can also work but verify they compress and seat well in the folded position.
Final verdict
If you want a durable, American-made Murphy bed skeleton that you can finish to match your home, the Create-A-Bed Queen Size Deluxe Murphy Bed Kit, Vertical, offers proven materials, thorough instructions, and a lifetime warranty. You’ll need moderate DIY skills, the right tools, and to supply lumber and a mattress, but in return you get a customizable, long-lasting solution that’s built to perform day after day.
Last practical note
Measure twice, read the included instructions and templates carefully, and plan for a helper at key stages of the install to ensure safe handling and precise alignment. With thoughtful preparation and attention to the manufacturer’s guidance, you’ll end up with a professional-looking Murphy bed that frees floor space and gives you years of reliable use.
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