Want to learn how to make a Murphy bed that effortlessly folds away into a cabinet? Look no further than the YouTube channel, I Like To Make Stuff, who took on the project with the help of a Murphy bed kit provided by Rockler. Using Fusion 360, additional pieces were added to the basic wooden cabinet plans, and plywood was cut down to create the components of the Murphy bed. Side shelving units were built alongside the bed, featuring three drawers at the bottom. The project was finished off with European bottom-mount drawer slides, plywood faces with added edge banding, and two upward-hinging cabinets designed for extra bedding and suitcase storage. With the addition of a charging port for USB devices, handles, pulls, and some paint, the result is a functional and well-designed secret bed that maximizes space.
In a collaborative effort, Bob and Josh embarked on creating a secret bed in Josh’s house, with the project sponsored by Rockler. Using Fusion 360 to design and create a cut list, they spent two hours breaking down plywood and assembling the cabinetry. The bed mechanism involved creating ribs and L shapes for support, with a solid wrap around it. Alongside the Murphy bed, side shelving units were constructed, and two cabinets were designed to sit on top of the bed box, equipped with upward-hinging doors. Rockler offers a range of Murphy bed kits and other woodworking tools and supplies, and the video also showcases the use of Fusion 360 and mentions other projects and tools. With a full-size mattress, a charging port for USB devices, and some finishing touches, the secret bed project was successfully completed.
Title: How to Make a Murphy Bed | I Like To Make Stuff
Introduction
Overview of Murphy bed and project
A Murphy bed, also known as a “secret bed,” is a bed that can be folded away into a cabinet, saving space and providing a comfortable sleeping area for guests. In this project, I Like To Make Stuff, a YouTube channel focused on DIY projects and woodworking, partnered with Rockler to create a custom Murphy bed.
Introduction to I Like To Make Stuff and Rockler
I Like To Make Stuff is a popular YouTube channel that shares various DIY projects, ranging from woodworking to electronics. They are known for their detailed tutorials and creative designs. Rockler is a company that specializes in woodworking tools and supplies. They provided the Murphy bed kit for this project, including plans and necessary hardware.
Planning and Design
Using Fusion 360 for design
To customize the basic wooden cabinet plans provided by Rockler, I Like To Make Stuff used Fusion 360, a 3D modeling software. Fusion 360 allowed them to visualize the design and make modifications to fit the space and desired aesthetics.
Creating a cut list for plywood
With the design finalized, I Like To Make Stuff created a cut list using Fusion 360. This comprehensive list included all the necessary plywood components, labeled and listed for easy reference during the construction process.
Selecting materials and supplies from Rockler
Rockler supplied the necessary materials and supplies for the project, ensuring that all the components were of high quality and met the specifications outlined in the design. By partnering with Rockler, I Like To Make Stuff had access to a wide range of woodworking tools and supplies.
Building the Cabinet
Breaking down plywood
To start constructing the cabinet, I Like To Make Stuff broke down the plywood into smaller pieces according to the cut list. This step involved using a circular saw or other appropriate tools to accurately cut the plywood into the required dimensions.
Assembling the cabinetry
Using pocket holes for joinery, I Like To Make Stuff assembled the cabinetry. This involved attaching the various plywood components together to create a sturdy frame for the Murphy bed.
Creating ribs and L shapes for support
To provide support and stability to the bed frame, I Like To Make Stuff constructed ribs and L shapes using additional pieces of plywood. These components were strategically placed within the frame to ensure a strong and durable structure.
Wrapping the frame in solid material
Once the frame was assembled and reinforced, I Like To Make Stuff wrapped it in solid material, such as plywood. This step not only added a finished look to the cabinet but also provided added strength and durability.
Building the Drawers and Shelving Units
Making side shelving units with space for drawers
To maximize storage space, I Like To Make Stuff created side shelving units that flanked the Murphy bed. These units featured shelves spaced 12 inches apart and provided ample space at the bottom for three drawers.
Using European bottom-mount drawer slides
For smooth and efficient drawer operation, I Like To Make Stuff opted for European bottom-mount drawer slides. Although these slides don’t pull out as far as other options, they offered a cost-effective solution for this project.
Constructing drawer boxes with plywood and edge banding
Using plywood and edge banding, I Like To Make Stuff constructed drawer boxes. These boxes were made from 3/4″ material and were glued and nailed together for added strength. The plywood faces were covered with edge banding to create a clean and finished look.
Countersinking holes and screwing the units together
To securely attach the various units together, I Like To Make Stuff countersunk holes on the mating faces of the Murphy bed and shelves. This allowed the components to sit flush and be screwed together, ensuring a strong and stable construction.
Building the Cabinets
Designing two cabinets for storage
In addition to the shelving units, I Like To Make Stuff designed two cabinets to sit on top of the Murphy bed box. These cabinets were meant for storage of larger items such as bedding or suitcases, providing convenient and accessible storage space in the room.
Creating upward-hinging doors with gas struts
To facilitate easy access to the storage space within the cabinets, I Like To Make Stuff designed upward-hinging doors. Gas struts were used to hold the doors in place when open. This mechanism allowed for effortless opening and closing, providing a functional and practical storage solution.
Using pre-primed lumber and MDF
For the doors, I Like To Make Stuff used pre-primed lumber and medium-density fiberboard (MDF). The MDF was inset 1/4″ from the front, adding depth and dimension to the doors. Pre-primed lumber minimized the need for additional priming, saving time during the painting process.
Using pocket hole construction and Kreg products for hinges and hardware
To construct the cabinet doors, I Like To Make Stuff used pocket hole joinery. This joinery method allowed for strong and secure connections between the various components of the doors. They also used Kreg products for hinges and hardware, ensuring smooth operation and durability.
Painting the cabinets with two coats of white paint
To achieve a cohesive and visually pleasing look, I Like To Make Stuff painted the cabinets with two coats of white paint. This step added a clean and finished appearance to the cabinets, complementing the overall design of the Murphy bed.
Assembly and Finishing Touches
Adding the hinged platform and full-size mattress
With the cabinets and shelving units complete, I Like To Make Stuff installed the hinged platform and added a full-size mattress. The hinged platform allowed for easy folding and unfolding of the bed, while the full-size mattress provided a comfortable sleeping area for guests.
Including a feature drawer with a charging port for USB devices
As an added convenience, I Like To Make Stuff included a feature drawer with a charging port for USB devices. This drawer allowed guests to charge their devices conveniently while using the Murphy bed. Proper cable management was ensured by running the cables through the separate units before attaching them to the wall.
Installing handles, pulls, paintings, and knick-knacks
To personalize and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the Murphy bed, I Like To Make Stuff installed handles, pulls, paintings, and knick-knacks. These finishing touches added character to the project and made it feel more like a custom piece of furniture.
Finalizing the assembly and painting
After ensuring all components were properly installed and secured, I Like To Make Stuff finalized the assembly of the Murphy bed. This included any last-minute adjustments and touch-ups to ensure everything was in place and functioning correctly. Finally, the entire unit was given a final coat of paint for a polished and professional finish.
Project Process
Bob and Josh’s secret bed project
The secret bed project undertaken by Bob and Josh aimed to create a functional and space-saving solution for an extra bed in Josh’s house. The project involved utilizing a Murphy bed kit from Rockler and customizing the design using Fusion 360.
Sponsorship by Rockler
Rockler sponsored this project by providing the Murphy bed kit, which included plans and hardware necessary for the construction. This partnership ensured that the project had access to high-quality materials and resources.
Using Fusion 360 for design and cut list
Fusion 360, a 3D modeling software, played a crucial role in the design process for this project. It allowed Bob and Josh to customize the basic plans provided by Rockler and create a detailed cut list for the required plywood components.
Breaking down plywood and starting cabinetry
Bob and Josh spent approximately two hours breaking down plywood according to the cut list. This involved using various tools to accurately cut the plywood into the required dimensions. Once the plywood was prepared, they began assembling the cabinetry for the Murphy bed.
Bed Mechanism and Support
Creating ribs and L shapes for support
To ensure the stability and support of the Murphy bed, Bob and Josh created ribs and L shapes using additional plywood pieces. These components were strategically placed within the frame to provide structural integrity and prevent sagging or warping.
Wrapping the frame in solid material
After reinforcing the frame with the rib and L shape supports, Bob and Josh wrapped the entire frame in solid material, such as plywood. This step not only added a finished appearance to the bed but also strengthened the overall structure, ensuring its longevity and durability.
Conclusion
Summary of the project and its functionality
By following the detailed process outlined in this article, Bob and Josh successfully built a functional and stylish Murphy bed. The bed folds away into a cabinet, saving precious space in Josh’s house while providing a comfortable sleeping area for guests.
Appreciation for I Like To Make Stuff and Rockler
Bob and Josh expressed their appreciation to I Like To Make Stuff for their detailed tutorials and creative designs, which made it possible for them to undertake this project. They also thanked Rockler for their sponsorship and the high-quality materials and resources they provided. The collaboration between I Like To Make Stuff and Rockler resulted in a well-designed and functional secret bed that exceeded expectations.
