Building a wooden Murphy bed with built-in shelving is an ambitious but rewarding project that will not only save space in your room but also add a functional and stylish element to your home. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to build your own wooden Murphy bed with integrated shelving. The process will involve basic woodworking skills, some patience, and a few tools.
Materials You’ll Need
- Plywood (3/4 inch thickness): This will serve as the frame and shelving.
- Wooden boards: For additional support, trims, and framing.
- Murphy bed hardware kit: These can be purchased online or from woodworking stores and typically include the necessary hinges, springs, and mechanisms.
- Wood screws: To attach the panels and frame together.
- Wood glue: For additional hold on the joints.
- Wood finish: Choose a stain, varnish, or paint to finish your bed.
Tools Required
- Circular saw or Table saw: For cutting plywood and wood.
- Drill and bits: To make holes for screws and hardware.
- Screwdriver: To fasten screws.
- Measuring tape: For precise measurements.
- Level: Ensures everything is straight and aligned.
- Clamps: For holding pieces in place during assembly.
- Jigsaw: Optional, for cutting out sections for shelving.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Planning and Measurements
The first step is to take the measurements of your space and decide on the size of the Murphy bed you want to build. A typical twin Murphy bed measures about 39″ x 75″, while a queen size measures about 60″ x 80″. The shelving unit will need to be designed to fit around the bed and can be as large or as compact as your space allows.
Consider how deep the shelves should be and how high the bed will rise when folded up. Plan your shelving around the bed’s structure, keeping enough room for storage without compromising the bed’s functionality.
Step 2: Cut the Plywood Panels
Once you have your measurements, cut the plywood into the required pieces for the bed frame, the sides of the unit, the top and bottom panels, and the shelving. You’ll also need additional cuts for any vertical dividers between the shelves. Use your circular saw or table saw for these cuts, ensuring they are straight and clean.
Step 3: Build the Bed Frame
Start by assembling the main frame of the bed. This involves attaching the side panels, top panel, and bottom panel to create a rectangular box structure. Use wood screws and wood glue to secure the corners of the frame. It’s important to make sure that the frame is square.
If you’re including a foldable mechanism, follow the instructions of your Murphy bed hardware kit carefully. Typically, this will involve attaching heavy-duty hinges to the side of the bed frame, which will allow it to fold up and down. Depending on the kit, you may also need to install springs or pistons that control the lifting mechanism.
Step 4: Install the Murphy Bed Mechanism
Once the bed frame is assembled, install the Murphy bed mechanism. This typically involves:
- Attaching the hinge brackets to the sides of the bed frame.
- Attaching the metal frame or wall brackets to the back of the frame or directly onto the wall (depending on the kit’s design).
- Installing the gas pistons or springs, which help lift and lower the bed smoothly.
Make sure everything is tightened properly, and test the bed mechanism to ensure it folds down and up easily.
Step 5: Add the Shelving
Now, focus on the shelving. You can either integrate the shelving into the bed frame or build it as a separate unit that attaches to the bed frame. If the shelving is part of the bed structure, you’ll need to secure vertical dividers between the bed frame and the shelving panels. The shelves should be designed to hold books, decorations, or any other items without interfering with the bed’s folding mechanism.
For additional functionality, you might want to create adjustable shelving. Use shelf pins that allow the shelves to be moved higher or lower depending on your needs. To make your shelves more sturdy, you can add horizontal supports or brackets underneath each shelf.
Step 6: Install the Shelving Unit
Once your shelves are built, you’ll need to install them into place. If you’re attaching them to the bed frame itself, secure the unit with screws or brackets. Ensure the entire structure is securely attached to both the bed frame and the wall, as Murphy beds can be quite heavy when the frame is extended.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
With the bed frame and shelving in place, it’s time to finish the wood. Sand down all rough edges to ensure a smooth finish, and then apply your desired wood stain, varnish, or paint. This will give your project a polished, professional look and also protect the wood from wear and tear.
Let the finish dry completely before testing the bed. Make sure the shelving is sturdy and that the bed mechanism works smoothly.
Step 8: Final Setup
Once everything is dried and secure, place the mattress onto the bed frame, and you’re ready to go! Ensure that the bed folds up and down easily and that the shelving unit holds your items without any issues. If you’ve added lighting or extra features to the shelving, now’s the time to set those up as well.
Tips for Success
- Accuracy is Key: When measuring and cutting the wood, make sure everything is measured accurately to ensure a perfect fit. Small errors in measurement can cause issues when you assemble the unit.
- Use Quality Hardware: The Murphy bed mechanism is critical to the success of the project. Use high-quality hardware that will stand up to regular use.
- Consider the Weight: Make sure the wall and floor can handle the weight of the bed, mattress, and shelving unit. It’s a good idea to anchor the frame into studs for added stability.
By following these steps, you should be able to build a functional and stylish wooden Murphy bed with built-in shelving that maximizes space and provides plenty of storage. This project requires some time and patience, but the results are well worth the effort.
If you’re looking for even more woodworking projects, check out Teds Woodworking Course here: Teds Woodworking Course
Leave a Reply