Looking to add some space in your bedroom or guest room? Why not build a DIY horizontal Murphy bed to save space? All you need is the correct amount of wood, simple tools, and a Murphy Bed Hardware Kit. Having a Murphy bed is great for a guest room or your bedroom as it can be stored in the wall. This creates lots of extra space for when the bed is not in use. See below for a quick step-by-step on how to make a Murphy bed yourself!
DIY MURPHY BED WITH HARDWARE KIT!
Step 1 – Purchase the amount of wood needed as per the instructions in your hardware kit.
Usually you will need 4 sheets of your choice of wood cut to size as seen above.
Have the place you buy the wood at cut the wood for you (usually for free).
Step 2 – Wood stain the cabinet and bed frame wood to your choice of color.
Once all of your wood is stained, let dry for 24 hours.
Step 3 – Begin assembling the wall cabinet with the hardware kit in the area it will be installed.
Use the instructions in the hardware kit and a cordless drill to install everything correctly.
Step 4 – Install the cabinet in the wall using the parts in the hardware kit.
Be sure you follow the instructions carefully to fully secure the cabinet to the wall.
Step 5 – Assemble the bed rails using the parts in the kit with a cordless drill.
Be sure to follow the hardware kit instructions so everything lines up correctly.
Step 6 – Assemble the rails and stiffeners to the cabinet face.
Pay attention to detail here so when bed is up, the wood is square and centered.
Step 7 – Once bed frame is assembled, sand it down if needed.
Sanding is only necessary if the wood is not smooth.
Step 8 – Stain the assembled bed frame with the same color as used before.
Let this dry at least 24 hours before touching or moving.
Step 9 – Use semi-gloss over top the wood stain if you prefer.
Let semi-gloss dry for at least 24 hours before moving or touching.
Step 10 – Install bed frame to cabinet as per hardware kit instructions.
It is recommended to use a 10″ mattress for this particular hardware kit.
NOTE: The thickness of the mattress will depend on how deep you made the cabinet.
Step 11 – Test to be sure the bed frame lifts, fits, and locks into the cabinet.
You may need to shim the cabinet doors if they do not shut squarely.
Step 12 – Add sheets, comforter, pillows and your DIY Murphy bed is COMPLETE!
Purchase a Murphy Bed Hardware Kit Online – Link here
Here is a simple dimension chart for the DIY Murphy bed.
How to put together a Murphy Bed from a hardware kit.
If you know of an easier way to build a Murphy bed, or a better hardware kit, please leave a comment below to assist our other readers.
Fantastic guide! And the best part – not moving it a couple of hours! Gosh, our kids are playing everywhere and keeping it safe is quite hard! Never mind, thanks for sharing that DIY project!
Sean,
We have a great hardware kit on our page that we recommend. Just scroll up and check it out.
-RR
This is a really great DIY guide. I have been considering buying a cabinet bed. However, I have been thinking I may be able to build something that would work for my needs. I love DIY projects and this one seems pretty doable. Do you have any recommendations for what hardware kit to use?