DIY murphy bed plans

This step by step diy woodworking project is about free murphy bed plans. If you want to learn how to build a simple twin size murphy bed out of wood, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions described in the article and to check out the related projects. There are many storage projects featured on our site, so don’t be afraid to browse through the rest of the woodworking plans.

Before starting the actual construction project, we recommend you to plan everything, as to save money and to keep the costs under control. Adjust the size and the design of the murphy bed to suit your needs. In addition, we recommend you to invest in high-quality materials, such as pine, redwood or cedar, as they have a nice finish and are highly durable, especially in a humid environment.

It is essential to invest in high quality materials, that are also water-resistant, such as pressure-treated lumber. Cut the components at the right size by using a circular saw and smooth the cut edges with a sand block. Don’t forget to ask a skilled friend to assist you during the project, especially if you don’t have a large expertise in the field. You need someone to hold the components into place, while you drive the screws in. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Murphy bed plans

Building a murphy bed

Materials

• A – 2 pieces of 1×12 lumber – 78 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 42 1/4″ long FRAME
• B – 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 42 1/4″ long SUPPORTS
• C – 2 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 77″ long, 1 piece – 43 3/4″ long TRIMS
• D – 2 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 12 3/4″ long, 1 piece – 45 1/4″ long TRIMS
• E – 3 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 13 1/2″x46 3/4″ long TOP
• F – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 40 1/2″x76″ long, 3 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 40 1/2″ long BED FRAME

• 3 pieces of 1×12 lumber – 8 ft
• 1 piece of 1×6 lumber – 8 ft
• 4 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 8 ft
• 1 piece of 1×8 lumber – 12 ft
• 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
• murphy kit
• 1 1/4″ screws
• glue, stain
• wood filler

Tools

• Safety gloves, glasses
• Miter saw, jigsaw
• Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
• Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

• Use a good miter saw to make the angle cuts
• Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws

Tme

• One Week

Related

• Storage bed frame plans
• Farmhouse bed plans

Building a murphy bed

Building the murphy bed support

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the frame of the murphy bed. As you can easily notice in the diagram, you need to build the components out of 1×12 lumber. drill pocket holes at both ends of the bottom component and insert 1 1/4″ screws into the vertical components. Align the edges with great care and make sure the corners are perfectly square. Add glue to the joints and remove the excess with a damp cloth.

Fitting the back supports

In order to enhance the rigidity of the structure, we recommend you to fit 1×6 supports to the back of the frame, as described in the diagram. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the supports and secure them to the frame using 1 1/4″ screws. Make sure the corners are square and leave no gaps between the components.

Fittng the front trims

Next, you have to attach the 1×2 trims to the face of the bed frame. Cut the components at the right size and secure them to the frame using finishing nails and glue. Leave no gaps between the components and smooth the sharp edges with sandpaper.

Fitting the top trims

In order to enhance the look of the bed frame, we recommend you to fit 1×2 trims to the top of the murphy bed support. Cut the ends at 45 degrees and secure them into place with glue and finishing nails.

Attaching the top component

The next step of the woodworking project is to attach the top component to the structure. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to build the top out of 3/4″ plywood. Center the component to the structure, making sure the back edge is perfectly flush with the supports. Add glue and insert a few finishing nails to lock everything together tightly.

Building the bed frame

Continue the project by assembling the actual bed frame for the murphy bed. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to build the bottom out of 3/4″ plywood and the side rails out of 1×8 lumber. Cut the components at the right size and smooth the edges together using fine-grit sandpaper.

Drill pocket holes and assemble the sides for the bed frame. Align the sides to the bottom components and secure it into place by using galvanized screws and glue. Double-check if the edges are perfectly flush before inserting the screws.

Fit the bed frame

Use hinges to lock the bed frame to the vertical structure. It is essential to use appropriate hinges, as you will have to lift it daily.

Fitting the trims

n order to enhance the look of the murphy bed, we recommend you to attach 1/4″ thick (1×4) trims to the front face of the bed frame. In addition, you need to install clasps to prevent the bed from falling when shut. Moreover, install support hinges to prevent the bed frame from falling when unlatched.

Murphy bed plans

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it to dry out for several hours. Thoroughly secure the frame of the murphy bed to the wall, by drilling pilot holes through the back support and by inserting 2 1/2″ screws into the wall studs.

Murphy bed plans

Easy murphy bed plans

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