Most people think that making a murphy bed (also known as a folding bed) is the job of a carpenter with a full workshop. Retail prices for these space-saving units can be quite expensive. But the truth is simpler. You can build it yourself for much less money. All you need is a plan and the right materials.
This project transforms unused corners and small guest rooms into functional sleeping spaces. When the bed is not in use, it can be folded vertically and into a cabinet. It disappears into the wall structure. Perfect for studios, home offices or rooms with limited floor space.
Here’s a practical guide to building your own version.
Buy the right materials
No need for exotic wood. Standard hardware store supplies can be used. Let’s start with wooden storage cabinets. Both the length and width should be slightly larger than the mattress. This way, the bed fits comfortably inside without rubbing the sides.
The frame itself requires medium density fiberboard (MDF). This gives the mattress a firm, even surface. When unfolded, it’s heavy enough to help the bed stay down, but when folded, it’s light enough to lift.
Collect the following specific items:
- Pre-made or do-it-yourself wooden storage cabinets
- MDF board cut to fit inside the cabinet
- 1-by-12-inch wood boards for the perimeter frame
- 2 x 8 inch ledger boards (wall mount)
- Sturdy hinges that can withstand a lot of weight
- 3 inch wood screws for wall mounting
- Standard wood screws for frame installation
- Wood glue for extra rigidity
- Casters (wheels)
- Saw for cutting MDF and wood
Install the cabinet
The cabinet is the foundation of the storage bed. It must be anchored directly into the wall studs. Drywall anchors fail. The weight of the person jumping on the bed creates a dynamic force. If the cabinet moves away from the wall, the bed will fall. That is not a fun accident to experience.
- **Select a location. ** Choose walls that can withstand the load. Make sure there are no pipes or wires in the stud bay. Use a stud finder to locate the vertical wood studs behind the drywall.
- **Install the cabinet. ** Place the cabinet against the wall. It should be directly above the baseboard. This leaves a small gap for the bed frame to flip down without catching on the trim.
- **Secure it. ** Thread 3 inch wood screws through the back of the cabinet into the studs. The screws are about 6 inches apart. This creates a solid anchor point.
Assemble the bed frame
The frame holds the mattress in place. Can also be connected to wall hardware. You will need to cut two pieces of 1 x 12 inch wood to the exact length of your mattress. Then cut two more pieces depending on the width.
Assemble them into a rectangle. Use wood screws in the corners. Add wood glue to the joints for added strength. After drying, the frame becomes square and strong.
Next we need the ledger. These are 2 x 8 inch pieces. Cut two of them a few inches longer than the length of the frame. Attach these to the long sides of the frame. this
