Should I Build My Own Murphy Bed?

The main things to consider when deciding whether you should build or buy your Murphy Bed.

By Brandon Wilding

A Murphy bed gives you the comfort of a conventional bed in a small room without using valuable floor space. For DIY enthusiasts, a quick Google search for ‘build my own Murphy bed’ will reveal plenty of guides. However, Murphy beds are large and heavy and rely on mechanisms like springs or pistons that store energy to help lift and lower the bed. The components can make the bed difficult or dangerous if not properly balanced. 

At Wilding Wallbeds, we often hear from people who built their own bed but found it either too heavy to use or had issues with the mechanism not working properly. So, should you build a Murphy bed?

If you’re a skilled DIYer, it’s possible. But success depends on using the right mechanism and high-quality materials, and having the expertise to ensure it’s safe and functional. 

Choosing the Right Murphy bed system.

When building a Murphy bed, one of the most important decisions is selecting the right system for your needs. With various options on the market, some include complete frames while others provide just the lifting mechanisms. Each option affects how your Murphy bed operates, from its ease of installation to its daily functionality.

At Wilding Wallbeds, we have a couple of great high-quality choices: the Murphy Frame and the Murphy Bed Mechanisms. Let’s break down what makes each unique.

The Murphy Frame: A Complete Solution

The Murphy Frame is a full, ready-to-install bed system that doesn’t require any additional cabinetry or woodwork. Originally designed for closet installations, its versatility allows for a variety of creative uses:

• Install into an existing closet
• Build a custom cabinet around the frame
• Integrate it into a bookcase bed design
• Install it into an alcove and use curtains to conceal it

This system includes a powder-coated white steel frame, a spring-driven yoke, and European slats. It mounts directly to the wall through the baseboards or can be mounted to the floor, depending on your installation needs. The Murphy Frame is perfect for those seeking a complete, hassle-free Murphy bed solution without the need for additional carpentry

Shop The Murphy Frame

Questions? Give us a call, we’re happy to help.

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Murphy Bed Mechanisms: Build Your Cabinet

Our selection of Murphy Bed Mechanism are commercial-grade, spring or piston driven systems designed for those who want to build a custom cabinet around the bed. These mechanisms includes everything you need for the bed’s function—mechanism plates, swing arms, springs, a bed frame, legs, and all required hardware, depending on the mechanism you choose. They also has an instruction booklet and a cut list to guide your cabinet construction.

This option is ideal for skilled woodworkers or cabinet makers. Once built, the Murphy bed looks like a finished cabinet. You simply pull the handles to lower the bed, which sits directly on the back of the cabinet’s face. There’s no need for folding or sliding doors, and the finished product can support up to 1,500 lbs, making it suitable for everyday use.

Shop the Murphy Bed Mechanism

What materials should I use to build my own Murphy Bed?

The materials you choose to build a Murphy bed will directly impact its safety, strength, and longevity. Unlike a kitchen cabinet or bookshelf, a Murphy bed has moving parts that store significant energy. This means that the strength of the materials is directly related to the safety of the Murphy bed as well as its durability. 

Particle Board

A quick walk through your hardware store will show you that particle board is the cheapest option. The issue with this material is that it simply isn’t strong enough to support the torque of the mechanism and the stress of a person lying on the mattress. A particle board Murphy bed will fall apart and can be a safety hazard.

MDF

The next material often used in DIY Murphy bed tutorials is medium-density fiberboard (MDF) core. MDF is definitely stronger than particle board, but the issue with it is its weight. MDF is heavy and puts unnecessary strain on the mechanism, making it heavier to operate.

Plywood

Plywood

Furniture-grade plywood is the ideal choice. It uses layers of wood with the gains crisscrossing from layer to layer. This adds an incredible amount of strength as well as stability. There is much less risk of the boards bowing or warping. A nice edge banding will be used to cover the exposed edges of the boards.

Solid Wood

Solid wood is a great choice for the trims, crowns, and other decorative pieces. However, for the structure of the bed solid wood is a bad choice because of the bowing, warping cupping, and cracking that can naturally occur.

Do the Job Yourself with the DIY Kit

If you don’t want the hassle of sourcing, cutting, and milling your lumber, the Wilding Wallbeds DIY Murphy Bed Kit is a great option. It includes the Murphy bed mechanism, all of the wood components, edge banding, and instructions. All you need to do is sand, edge band, stain, and assemble it. The DIY kit is ideal for those with intermediate DIY skills.

The added benefit of the DIY Murphy Bed Kit is that it will come with our specially milled furniture-grade plywood, which means you are guaranteed to have a durable and strong final product that will last a lifetime.

Shop the DIY Kit

Do I have the skills to Build My Own Murphy Bed?

With all the previously discussed information in mind, we can now talk about whether or not you should build your own Murphy bed. A Murphy bed can be as much of a project as you want it to be.

The Murphy Frame

Skill Level: Basic

The Murphy Frame is a simple solution that requires know-how to put together and install in your room. From there you can be as creative as you would like in dressing it up. If you are handy at all, the Murphy Frame should be within your skill level.

Shop The Murphy Frame

The DIY Kit

Skill Level: Intermediate

The DIY Kit is great is you know how to finish wood. You don’t need to have a full woodshop, maybe just a project space in the garage so you can get it all prepped and finished. No need to source any materials, it comes with everything you need. This is perfect for an experienced DIYer who isn’t afraid of a project.

Shop the DIY Kit

The Murphy Bed Mechanism

Skill Level: Expert

The Murphy Bed Mechanism is for skilled wood workers and cabinet shops. This is more involved than a simple hobby kit. You need to find your own wood, have access to saws, and be able to accurately mill specific holes in the wood. If you are a casual DIYer this may be more than you can handle.

Shop the Mechanism

Brandon Wilding

Director of Corporate Sales

Brandon is the director of corporate sales, which means he oversees the sales staff at each Wilding Wallbeds location. He offers training, provides solutions, and helps our sales team tackle…