Creating your own Murphy bed is a great way to free up space in your room while still providing a cozy and convenient sleeping area for guests. Murphy beds are designed to fold up against the wall or into a cabinet, making them a versatile space-saving solution. With the right hardware kit, you can build a DIY Murphy bed for under $1,000, complete with reading lights, electrical outlets, and USB ports. Keep reading to find out how to build a stylish and budget-friendly Murphy bed for your home.
DIY Murphy Bed Cost
Building a Murphy bed is much more cost-effective than purchasing one. The price of a pre-made Murphy bed can reach over $3,000, and luxury models can exceed $10,000. Hiring a carpenter to create a custom Murphy bed can also be expensive.
For a do-it-yourself project, the materials needed, such as plywood and solid wood for a Murphy bed, will only amount to a few hundred dollars. If you choose to use a Murphy bed hardware kit as outlined in this guide, you can expect to spend an additional few hundred dollars.
Some DIY enthusiasts decide not to use Murphy bed hardware kits to save money. However, the tradeoff is the inability to conceal the legs and the lack of assisted opening. If these features are not essential, constructing a DIY Murphy bed without the hardware kit is a straightforward process.
Wood Cost for a DIY Murphy Bed
On average, the cost of the wood required to construct a basic Murphy bed will be less than $400. Like many wood-based DIY projects, the cost of constructing a DIY Murphy bed can vary depending on the type of wood chosen.
This particular DIY Murphy bed uses a combination of nominal pine lumber and plywood, both of which are sturdy and affordable options. For a more upscale look, the appearance boards can be replaced with materials such as oak, and rather than painting them, they can be stained.
Murphy Bed Kits and Hardware
Instead of being designed around one specific hardware kit, this DIY Murphy bed tutorial can be adapted to many. Murphy bed hardware kits generally include legs, mattress straps, and springs or pistons for lifting and lowering the bed.
Some kits may come with fewer or additional accessories, but these three items are typically included. These kits are available in various sizes, such as twin, full, queen, and king, with the price increasing as the bed size goes up.
In addition to the hardware kits, this Murphy bed tutorial incorporates integrated outlets with reading lights and USB ports to make use of covered outlets.
Before You Start
The following steps detail how to construct a DIY Murphy bed for a full mattress (measuring 54 inches by 74 inches), and all materials and cuts mentioned should be tailored to fit this size. If using a different mattress size, be sure to make the necessary adjustments.
This DIY Murphy bed will also require the use of a Murphy bed hardware kit, but the instructions can be adapted to suit your specific kit. When uncertain, consult the manufacturer’s instructions for your Murphy bed hardware kit and utilize any provided templates for leg hardware and springs or pistons.
Safety Requirements
It is essential to secure your DIY Murphy bed wall cabinet to the wall. Failing to do so not only creates a safety hazard but also affects the functionality of the Murphy bed, as it depends on the wall’s strength when being opened and closed.
Tools and Materials
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Stud finder
- Level or a laser level
- Miter saw
- Jigsaw
- Brad nailer with nails
- Drill
- Drill bits
- Iron
- Painting supplies
- Orbital sander with sandpaper
- Caulk gun
- Oscillating multitool (optional)
- Pry bar
- Ladder
- Murphy bed hardware kit
- Combination outlet extension and reading light
- 2 1×8 x 8′ pine boards
- 3 2×2 x8′ pine boards
- 1 2×4 x 8′ pine board
- 2 2×4 x 10′ pine boards
- 2 1×6 x 10′ pine boards
- 4 1×4 x 10′ pine boards
- 1 3/4″ x 4′ x 8′ sheet sanded plywood
- 2 1/4″ x 4′ x 8′ sheet sanded plywood
- 1 1/2″ x 4′ x 8′ sheet sanded plywood
- 3/4″ iron-on edge banding
- Wood glue
- 12 1/4″ x 3-1/2″ lag bolts
- 12 1/4″ fender washers
- 2″ wood screws
- 2 Cabinet pulls
- Painter’s caulk
- Painting supplies
- Bare wood primer
- Interior paint
Instructions: How to Build a DIY Murphy Bed
Build Mattress Base Sides
Cut two 2×2 boards and two 1×8 boards to a length of 75 inches each. Then, glue and screw a 2×2 along the bottom edge of a 1×8, pre-drilling and placing 2-inch screws every 6 inches. Repeat this process with the second 1×8 and 2×2.
Radius the Mattress Base
If your hardware kit requires it, use the supplied template and a jigsaw to cut a radius from each top corner of the sides. Some Murphy bed hardware kits need the tops of the mattress base to have a radius to fit the hardware and the bed’s movement when opening and closing.
Attach the top and bottom
Arrange the assembled sides, with the 2x2s at the bottom, on your work surface. Cut two 1×6 boards to 56-1/2 inches and position them at each end of the sides. Apply glue to the joints and then screw through the 1x6s into the ends of the 1x8s and 2x2s to create a box.
Connect Middle Support
Trim a 2×4 to 75 inches and position it in the center of the box, extending from the top to the bottom, aligned at 28-1/4 inches. Use screws to attach the 1×6 boards to the ends of the 2×4.
Put Mattress Supports in Place
Cut eight 1×4 boards to 55 inches and position them evenly spaced inside the mattress box. Use glue and screws to attach them to the 2x2s and the 2×4.
Connect Mattress Straps
Fasten the mattress straps from your hardware kit as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Mount Leg Hardware and Legs
Install the leg hardware from your hardware kit on the bottom end of the base, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Use any templates or dimensions provided for positioning.
Be mindful of whether the legs should be placed on the outside or inside of the base’s sides. Once the hardware is in place, attach the legs.
Install Pivot Mechanism
Install the hardware for the pivot mechanism (spring or piston) at the top of the base using the templates or dimensions provided by the manufacturer for placement.
Identify the Dimensions of the Wall Cabinet
Use the hardware kit as a guide to determine the dimensions and cuts for your wall cabinet. The size of the cabinet will be based on two main factors.
Firstly, the hardware kit will specify the distance of the pivot mechanism from the floor and the required gap between the outside of the mattress box and the inside of the wall cabinet. The distance from the floor will impact the height of the cabinet’s sides to accommodate the length of the bed box when closed.
The specified gap will determine the width of the top and bottom boards to allow space for the hardware.
Secondly, the required depth of your cabinet will depend on the thickness of your mattress, ensuring that the cabinet can accommodate the closed mattress. Utilize these measurements to ascertain the dimensions of your wall cabinet.
For example, consider an interior cabinet height of 80 inches, an interior width of 60 inches, and an interior depth of 13 inches, adjusting as necessary.
Cut Wood for Wall Cabinet
Cut the 3/4-inch plywood into two pieces measuring 15 inches by 80 inches (sides) using a table or circular saw with a straight edge. Then, cut another piece measuring 15 inches by 61-1/2 inches (top). Additionally, cut four 2x4s to 60 inches.
Attach Edge Banding
Apply iron-on edge banding to one side of each plywood piece, according to the manufacturer’s instructions for application and trimming. Also, apply edge banding to the sides of the top piece.
Put a mark on the wall
Mark the wall where you want the cabinet to go, and mark where each stud is to help locate them easily.
Attach the Wall Supports
Beforehand, drill and affix a 2×4 to the wall with the upper edge at 80 inches, using 1/4-inch by 3-1/2-inch lag bolts with washers. Fasten a second 2×4 to the wall, resting on the floor. Employ an oscillating multitool and a flat pry bar if needed to cut and remove the baseboard. Then, attach a third 2×4 with its upper edge at 33-1/2 inches.
Install Cabinet Sides
Place the cabinet sides upright with the edge banding on the outside and attach them to the ends of each 2×4 using screws. Then, position the fourth 2×4 on the floor against the outer edge of the cabinet and fasten it to the cabinet using screws.
Attach Cabinet Top
Position the top cabinet piece on top of the side pieces with the edge piece facing outward. Use 2-inch wood screws to secure the top piece to the tops of the side pieces.
Cut and Attach Vertical Nailers
Cut 2×2 boards into two pieces that are 42.75 inches long and two pieces that are 18.25 inches long. Position the longer 2x2s between the top 2x4s against the cabinet sides, then attach them to the cabinet sides using 2-inch wood screws. Place the remaining boards under the middle 2×4 and against the cabinet sides.
Cut Back Pieces
Cut a 1/4-inch plywood into a piece that measures 60 inches by 48 inches. Then, cut a second piece that measures 60 inches by 20 inches.
Mount Recessed Outlet and Reading Light
Install the recessed outlet and reading light to utilize a covered outlet. Make sure to cut the hole for the outlet at least 2 inches below the top edge of the 20-inch tall plywood piece. Adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for measuring and cutting the hole. If you desire a reading light and outlet on both sides, position them evenly towards each vertical edge of the 1/4-inch plywood piece.
Install Back Pieces
Put a line of glue on each 2×4 and 2×2, then slide the plywood between the sides of the cabinet and secure it with brad nails. Begin with the top piece and then put the bottom piece in place. Leave the bottom piece unfixed along its bottom edge to be able to access the covered outlet.
Install Pivot Mechanism Hardware
Install the pivot mechanism hardware on the cabinet sides according to the manufacturer’s instructions and any templates provided.
Install Bed Box in Wall Cabinet
Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to connect the pivot mechanism and install the bed box inside the wall cabinet. Test the bed by raising and lowering it to ensure it works properly, and make any necessary adjustments before proceeding.
Cut and Attach Outside Bed Box Cover
Cut a 1/2-inch plywood into two pieces that measure 30 inches by 76-1/2 inches. Then, glue and brad nail the pieces to the front of the bed box with the bed closed.
Cut and Attach Faux Door Trim
Cut 1/4-inch plywood into 3-inch-wide strips. Trim four strips to 30 inches and four strips to 71/2 inches in length. Use glue and brad nails to attach the strips around the perimeter of the 1/2-inch plywood in order to make a faux door.
Attach Door Pulls
Drill holes and use the provided hardware to attach the door pulls, enhancing the appearance of the faux cabinet door. You may need to lower the bed to secure the nuts on the backside. The door pulls will also facilitate lowering the bed by offering a solid grip.
Attach Top and Bottom Trim to Cabinet
Cut a piece of 1×6 trim to cover the inside of the cabinet when the bed is closed. The width of the trim will depend on where the pivot mechanism is placed, and you might need to use a narrower board to fit your kit.
Prime, Caulk, and Paint
Prepare all exposed wood by applying a bare wood primer and following the manufacturer’s instructions for application. After the primer has dried, fill in all joints, seams, nail, and screw holes with caulk. If necessary, use a nail set to ensure that all nails are properly flush with the wood surface. Once the caulk has dried, paint all surfaces with your chosen paint color.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Murphy bed and a wall bed?
The terms “Murphy bed” and “wall bed” are now used interchangeably, but previously “Murphy bed” referred to a bed using a spring mechanism, while wall beds used pistons.
Are there any options besides Murphy Beds?
Other options are trundle beds, fold-out sofa beds, futons, and air mattresses. Constructing a trundle bed requires less time and money.
Can I turn my bed into a Murphy Bed?
It’s possible to convert certain platform beds into a Murphy bed by installing hardware and constructing a wall cabinet, but a preferable and safer option would be to build a Murphy bed from the ground up.
Is it difficult to assemble a Murphy bed?
Building a Murphy bed can be difficult because the measurements need to be precise. However, using a prefabricated Murphy bed kit can help eliminate some of the guesswork involved in the process.
Does a Murphy bed need to be attached to the wall?
Murphy beds are not always fixed to the wall. Some alternatives are floor-mounted as well.
Can you leave bedding on a Murphy bed?
Usually, you can keep sheets and maybe even quilts and thin duvets on a Murphy bed when it is raised. However, this may differ depending on the bed model.