How to build a murphy bed?

Take a look here, lots and lots of plans,hopefully there is one that will fill your needs:

https://cutthewood.com/inspiration/murphy-bed-plans/

Hi Alice

I found a kit with instructions to build a murphy bed : https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwj-1vSnyL30AhWJDJEKHSHODXIYABASGgJjZQ&ae=2&ei=ccakYc_HAt6uqtsPpLWMwAY&sig=AOD64_2imTGPY4boilJ1STfFB3qk6_RLkg&q&sqi=2&adurl&ved=2ahUKEwiPxOmnyL30AhVel2oFHaQaA2gQ0Qx6BAgIEAE

here is more info as well

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJckZ6lAeHg

Here's one you might find helpful. https://www.littlevintagecottage.com/2021/02/diy-poor-mans-murphy-bed.html

There are many good instrucitonal videos that provide instructions on youtube.com. You can purchase the mechanical parts online.

This may help: https://www.bybrittanygoldwyn.com/our-modern-diy-murphy-bed/

Here’s a few Murphy bed projects from this site: https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=Murphy%20bed

There are lots of plans out there and it looks like you got a few really good ones. The hardware is the trick to it and it's available either on specialty sites or Amazon. Some companies sell the entire platform/ hardware set and you just have to build your surround. Might be looking into and cheaper to buy rather than build with the price of lumber.

11 Money-Saving Murphy Bed Projects

https://www.thespruce.com/diy-murphy-bed-projects-every-budget-4110832

https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g31098372/how-to-make-murphy-bed/

https://www.tomorrowsleep.com/diy-murphy-bed

Some sites for you

http://www.woodworkersworkshop.com/resources/index.php?search=FREE%20MURPHY%20BED%20PLANS

https://huskverna.com/ikea-hack-get-the-max-out-of-pax-murphy-bed/

https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-SOFA-That-Turns-Into-a-BED/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nOZvUPZqGU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFfc9gxGUbI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBsWQ2jT3Sw

https://www.thedesignconfidential.com/2017/11/free-diy-furniture-plans-build-queen-sized-murphy-bed/

https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/bedroom/how-to-build-a-murphy-bed

Here is how to build one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1biz8_60Aeg

This may also be a solution for you Alice: A traditional Murphy bed is wall- or floor-mounted and uses elaborate springs and metal frames to raise and lower the mattress. A traditional wall bed, on the other hand, also uses a spring mechanism and includes cabinets on either side of the bed, so the bed appears as a regular wall when in the upright position

How to Build a Murphy Bed

Get step-by-step instructions on how to construct a hideaway bed for a studio apartment or guest bedroom.

To build our queen-sized Murphy bed we constructed the bed frame and then the wall cabinet. We then used a hardware kit made especially for Murphy beds to assemble the pieces together. When planning the placement of your Murphy bed, make sure you have at least two wall studs to mount the bed to, and make sure you have enough clearance to walk around the bed when it is open. When attaching the wall cabinet to the wall you may have to remove some baseboard or cut the cabinet to go around the baseboard.

Tools and Materials

• Murphy bed kit
• tape measure
• hammer
• drill with 1/8" counter-sink bit, 1/4" bit and 1" Forstner bit
• 1-1/4", 1-1/2" and 2" screws
• table or circular saw
• jigsaw
• screwdriver
• clamps
• stud finder
• paint and paint supplies
• nailer and finish nails
• (4) 3/4" x 4' x 8' plywood sheet
• (2) 1/4" x 4' x 8' plywood sheet
• (12) 1x2 x 8' solid wood board
• wood glue
• veneer tape
• cabinet handles

We chose to finish our bed with just a clear coat of polyurethane so we could see the wood’s natural beauty. But this bed can be finished or painted any way you desire. The best time to paint or stain is prior to assembly.

Cut List

Cut List

Queen Size Deluxe Murphy Bed Kit

$289.00 AMAZON

This Murphy bed kit includes all the necessary hardware needed to build a queen-sized fold-away bed.

Buy It

Use the graphic above or the list below to see the measurements of each component needed to build the bed. Since these cuts are all straight and simple, you may be able to have the lumber cut for you where you buy it.(A1) Frame Struts - (10) 3/4" x 1-1/2" x 60-1/2" solid wood board(A2) Frame Sides - (2) 3/4" x 1-1/2" x 80" solid wood board(B) Side Rails - (2) 3/4" x 5-7/8" x 81-1/2" plywood(C) Foot Rail - (1) 3/4" x 3" x 62" plywood(D) Head Rail - (1) 3/4" x 7-7/8" x 62" plywood(E) Face Panel - (2) 3/4" x 32" x 81-1/2" plywood(F) Headboard - (1) 3/4" x 15-7/8" x 64-3/8" plywood(G) Verticals - (2) 3/4" x 15-7/8" x 87-1/8" plywood(H1) Header Board - (1) 3/4" x 14-3/8" x 64-3/8" plywood(H2) Header Rails - (2) 3/4" x 2-3/4" x 64-3/8" plywood(H3) Mounting Cleats - (2) 3/4" x 1-1/2" x 14-3/8" solid wood board(I) Leg Support Rail - (1) 3/4" x 3/4" x 60-1/4" plywood(J) Mattress Support - (2) 1/4" x 31" x 80" plywood

Step 1: Create Struts

Step 1

Make sure there is ample room for the bed to extend before you begin building. Determine the size of the bed and orientation (pivoting on the long side or short side of the bed). Again, these instructions are for a queen-sized bed pivoting on the short side.Lay out the 10 frame strut pieces (A1), and pair them to create five struts. For each strut, glue two strut pieces in an "L" shape using wood glue. Hold the pieces together, and drill pilot holes 8 inches apart along the length of the struts. Secure them with 1 1/2-inch screws.

Step 2: Assemble Sub-Frame

Step 2

Place the struts 20 feet apart, perpendicular to the frame sides (A2). Drill pilot holes, and attach with 2-inch screws.

Step 3: Round Corners

Round one corner of each side rail (B) to a 2 7/8-inch radius using a jigsaw (Image 1). Pre-drill for the hardware, and follow the instructions included in your particular hardware (Image 2). The rounded corners should face up at the foot of the bed.

Step 4: Attach Head and Foot Rails

Drill five equally-spaced pilot holes from the inside of the sub-frame using a 1-1/4-inch bit, and attach the head (Image 2) and foot rails with 1-1/4-inch screws (Image 2).

Step 5: Attach Side Rails

Place the side rails (B) next to the sub-frame, making sure the rounded ends (where the leg hardware will be attached) are at the foot and that the leg hardware is mounted on the outside. Drill pilot holes from the inside of the sub-frame on each side of each strut using a 1 1/4-inch bit. Attach the rails to the sub-frame with 1 1/4-inch screws. Next, drill pilot holes (two holes per corner) from the outside through the side rails into the head rail and foot rail. Attach with 2-inch screws (Images 1 and 2).

Step 6: Position Panels

Lay both face panels (E) face down, with the long sides butted together (Image 1). Carefully align the bed frame assembly on top of face panels (Image 2). The panels should extend 1/4 inch beyond the side rails on each long side. The panels should be flush with the foot rail (C) but extend beyond the head rail (D). Once the sub-frame is in place, trace between the struts to guide glue application (Image 3). Next, trace the 1/4-inch panel reveal on the sides.

Step 7: Attach Panels

Secure struts by applying a bead of glue to the face panels (E), following the pencil guide made in the previous step (Image 1). Carefully reposition the sub-frame on the glue, and confirm it is flush with the panels at the foot and centered on the sides. The sequence that you apply the screws is important to keep the face panels and sub-frame aligned. First, secure the last strut on the foot with 1 1/4-inch screws on the corners. Next, insert two screws in the center of the foot rail strut. Then, screw the corners at the head of the bed. Once the corners are secure, screw remaining struts to the face panels at approximately 6-inch increments (Image 2).

Step 8: Assemble Header

Attach the mounting cleats (H3) flush with the short ends of the header board (H1) by drilling pilot holes then attaching with 2-inch screws. Make sure the header has the best side face down (Image 1). Next, screw a header rail (H2) to the rear side of the header board (H1). Leave 1/2 inch of the header rail (H2) extending beneath the header board (Image 2). Align the remaining header rail (H2) with the front edge of the header board assembly, and leave the 1/2-inch extension underneath. Because the face will be visible, secure with glue and a nailer and finish nails instead of screws (Images 3 and 4).

Step 9: Assemble Cabinet

The verticals (G) make up the sides of the cabinet, and the header makes up the top. Attach the verticals to the short sides of the header with a drill and 2-inch screws (Image 1). If necessary, cut a notch with a jigsaw to allow clearance for base molding so the cabinet stays flush with the wall (Image 2).

Step 10: Attach Veneer

Use an iron to bond the veneer tape to all the plywood's visible edges for a finished look.

Step 11: Mount Cabinet to Wall

Find the studs in the wall, and screw through the back side of the header to attach the cabinet to the wall.

Step 12: Attach Hardware

Follow the instructions provided with your hardware kit. Make sure all the mechanical parts fit and function (Images 1 and 2). Then, remove the hardware to make finishing the surfaces easier. Paint or stain in your desired finish, and reinstall hardware, including the leg support (I), according to kit instructions (Image 3).

Step 13: Attach Handles

Attach handles to the outside surface of the face panels at a comfortable height for you. Generally, 66 inches from the floor is a good height. We built a base version, but you can customize it with wooden trim, decorative hardware, chalk paint, etc. Make sure the decorative additions don't interfere with the lowering of the bed.

Step 14: Install Mattress Support Panels

Install the mattress support panels (J) to the inside of the bed to cover the struts using 1 1/4-inch screws (Image 1). Next, attach the elastic bands (in the kit) into the struts and through the mattress supports using 1 1/4-inch screws

My daughter is wanting to add a murphy bed with bookcase to her home. I don't have any plans but I'm hoping if you build one, you will post it in projects on HomeTalk so we can pick up some pointers.

Here are some instructions if you might want to use pallets or reclaimed wood, it looks beautiful!

https://theownerbuildernetwork.co/ideas-for-your-rooms/bedrooms-gallery/cool-murphy-beds-that-maximize-small-spaces/

Here is an idea from a Hometalk contributor https://www.hometalk.com/diy/build/furniture/how-to-assemble-a-murphy-bed-cabinet-with-a-murphy-bed-hardware-kit-43344348

Here is how to build an inexpensive murphy bed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFjHbgPxR_o

Check this tutorial https://cutthewood.com/inspiration/murphy-bed-plans/

This may be a good article https://www.hgtv.com/how-to/home-improvement/how-to-build-a-murphy-bed

Here's a link with free plans:

https://addicted2diy.com/diy-modern-farmhouse-murphy-bed/

That’s definitely a project but one that will help free up valuable space. You could try the search bar at the top left, I think Hometalk has a few but if not, an online search will turn up many.

This tutorial may help you https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3D1biz8_60Aeg&ved=2ahUKEwj5vrymvMP0AhXTc94KHWJ1D3wQwqsBegQIBhAB&usg=AOvVaw1bE4SkRopTUsa3KO2bcSq4

Heres a sit that will help you out

https://www.murphybeds.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA47GNBhDrARIsAKfZ2rB1E22ep8OiUpfD45n9LlyxeGZC2exT_khtGZ6ZokZwm7Oy_zkto0kaAnvbEALw_wcB