Buzz
Murphy beds, also known as fold-away beds, are an excellent solution for those who need additional sleeping space but lack the room to store traditional beds. These beds are cleverly designed within cabinets that fit seamlessly into any room. When not in use, Murphy beds can be neatly folded and hidden in closets. While purchasing one may be pricey, building your own is surprisingly affordable [source: Buzzle]. Keep reading this guide to find out how to make a Murphy bed.
Required Materials:
- Wooden storage cabinet
- MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
- 1-by-12-inch wooden planks
- 2-by-8-inch wooden planks
- Heavy-duty hinges
- Saw
- Screws
- Wood adhesive
- Casters
Follow these steps to get started:
- Purchase a wood storage cabinet that is slightly larger than the mattress, both in length and width.
- Choose a location on the wall where you wish to install the Murphy bed.
- Locate the studs in the wall.
- Position the cabinet against the wall, just above the baseboard, and secure it with 3-inch wood screws driven into the cabinet and the studs. Ensure the screws are spaced 6 inches (15.2 cm) apart.
- Measure the mattress size and construct a frame. Cut two pieces of 1-by-12 wood to match the length of the mattress. Then, cut two more pieces to match the mattress width. Join the corners of the frame with wood screws.
- Create two ledger boards. These boards will connect the bed to the wall. Cut two pieces of 2-by-8 wood, slightly longer than the frame's length.
- Attach the ledger boards to the frame, allowing extra length to extend from one end.
- Cut the MDF to match the frame size and attach it to the bottom using screws placed 7 inches (17.8 cm) apart.
- Install casters on each of the four corners of the frame.
- Position the bed frame inside the cabinet, ensuring the ledger boards fit within the cabinet. Secure the ledger boards to the cabinet with strong hinges. Make sure the hinges are robust enough to support the bed's weight [sources: DIY, London Murphy Beds].
- Place the mattress into the frame, and you're all set to relax on your new Murphy bed.
