When my wife and I decided to move into a smaller apartment, we knew we needed to get creative with our space. We had heard about Murphy beds, which are foldable beds that can be stored vertically against a wall, and thought it would be the perfect solution for our new home. We also wanted to save money, so we searched for free plans online to build our own Murphy bed.
How To Build A Murphy Bed Free Plans
Step-by-Step Guide
Before starting the project, it’s important to gather all the necessary materials and tools. We used the following:
- Wood (plywood, MDF, and pine)
- Screws, bolts, and nuts
- Hinges
- Drill and drill bits
- Saw (circular saw or jigsaw)
- Measuring tape
Once we had everything we needed, we followed these steps:
- Measure and cut the wood according to the dimensions of your mattress.
- Assemble the frame using screws, bolts, and nuts.
- Attach the hinges to the frame and the bed platform.
- Attach the bed platform to the frame with the hinges.
- Install the bed support and the legs.
- Test the bed to make sure it’s secure and functioning properly.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas
Here are some tips and ideas to keep in mind when building a Murphy bed:
- Choose the right size of mattress for your space.
- Measure twice, cut once.
- Use high-quality materials to ensure durability.
- Consider adding shelves or cabinets to the Murphy bed unit for extra storage.
- Install the bed in a room with enough space to unfold it.
- Use a locking mechanism to keep the bed in place when it’s in use.
- Consider adding lighting to the Murphy bed unit for convenience.
- Make sure the bed is properly anchored to the wall for safety.
- Paint or stain the Murphy bed to match your decor.
- Don’t rush the project and take your time to ensure a quality finished product.
Pros and Cons
Like any DIY project, building a Murphy bed using free plans has its pros and cons.
Pros:
- Cost-effective compared to buying a pre-made Murphy bed.
- Customizable to fit your specific needs and space.
- A sense of pride and accomplishment from completing the project yourself.
Cons:
- Requires time and effort to complete the project.
- May require some technical skills and knowledge of woodworking.
- May not be as sturdy or durable as a pre-made Murphy bed.
My Personal Review
Overall, I am very happy with our decision to build a Murphy bed using free plans. It was a fun and challenging project that allowed us to customize our space and save money. The bed functions perfectly, and we love the added storage shelves we added to the unit. It was definitely worth the time and effort we put into it.
Question & Answer and FAQs
Here are some common questions and answers about building a Murphy bed using free plans:
- Q: How long does it take to build a Murphy bed using free plans?
- A: It depends on your skill level and the complexity of the design, but it typically takes a few days to a week to complete.
- Q: Are there any free plans available online?
- A: Yes, there are plenty of free plans available on websites like Pinterest, Ana White, and DIY Network.
- Q: What tools do I need to build a Murphy bed?
- A: You will need a saw, drill, measuring tape, and other basic woodworking tools.
- Q: Can I use any size of mattress for my Murphy bed?
- A: No, you need to choose a mattress that fits the dimensions of your Murphy bed frame.