Guide To Build A Murphy Bed
Here are the basics on how to building a Murphy Bed. This is not a substitution for some of the more professional designs but a place to get a good start. Remember every good project becomes a great product with careful planning and this is no different.
Steps To Build a Murphy Bed:
- The first thing you will did to decide on a location. Just like in real-estate
- location is everything and you need to make sure that you bed will fit comfortably in this desired location.
- The next step there are two routes you can take the first one is the easiest and where I suggest you start especially if you are in a hurry. Start by getting two matching book cases or shelving units for either side of the bed. Now the other option I mentioned is you can easily build these items if you wish. Now one very important point here is the unit bought are main must be larger than your mattress. If your side units are not large enough your Murphy bed will not close.
Build a Murphy Bed
- Ok now in your prime locations mark out the dimensions of the bed on the wall. This will give you some guide line to follow while assembling your Murphy bed. Oh also if you have any form of baseboard on the wall it is important that you remove it. You can either try to cut it while still on the wall if you like but I find it just easier to remove the entire piece from the wall than cut it with a miter saw. Whatever you decide just make sure the baseboard is off the wall area where the bed is being installed. If this is not done than your bed will not sit flush against the wall.
- Now you are going to have to decide on your measurements by taking into account the area you picked to build your Murphy bed. You will also want to mount your side units to the by fastening them to the studs with wood screws. I would use nothing under 3 inch screws. Remember this is going to be holding you bed in place while you sleep and while you open and close it. With the wall units mounted the nest step in our Murphy bed plans is to build the frame. I would use 1X12 for this they are strong and not to heavy. Also use wood screws and pre drill your holes. Trust me it just makes life easier and you will not weaken the wood as well. On the corners be sure to use large brackets.
- Make the ledger board out of a piece of 2×8. This is called a ledger board. It should be several inches longer than the length of the bottom of the bed frame.
- Use MDF type board and cut the correct size. You will want to attach to frame with both adhesive and screws.
- Using at the very least 6 inch gate hinges attach to the bed frame and the ledger board. Be sure to use 3-inch lag bolts to affix the ledger board to the wall studs.
I will leave the decorative side of things your but in a nut shell the is how you build a Murphy bed.