Maximizing the space in a bedroom is always a welcome thought for any homeowner. For those with the right skills, tools, and a woodworking plan, there is the option to build a multi-purpose, collapsible bed.
A fold away bed, daunting as it may sound, is actually a rather straightforward project. Provided that you have the basics covered, you should have one set up within a week or so.
1. Designing
The first hurdle to clear is identifying what your bed turns into when folded away. Assuming your woodworking skills are basic at best, you should opt for a Murphy Bed design. This design allows you to lift your bed up and close it, turning it into a false cabinet.
2. Materials and Tools
A Murphy folding bed is comprised of three components: the actual bed, the frame that acts as its container, and the struts that allow you to lift it up. The wood parts you will need are as follows:
10 Frame Struts
2 Frame Sides
2 Side rails
1 Foot Rail
1 Head Rail
2 Face Panels
1 Head Board
2 Vertical Panels
1 Header Board
2 Header Rails
2 Mounting Cleats
1 Leg Support Rail
2 Mattress Support Rails
Since measurements for these panels differ in every woodworking plan, you must precisely follow the ones mentioned in yours to avoid fitting issues later on.
For tools, you will need a drill, galvanized screws, table saws or hand saws for cutting your plywood, wood glue, paint, elastic bands to hold the mattress when the bed is pulled up, and mounting studs.
3. Assembly
Start by assembling your struts. Lay down your 10 struts to create five pairs. Then, make the pairs form an L-shape at the sides and secure them with screws and glue.
Then, attach the five strut pairs in between the two frame sides. Once done, you can then attach the head and foot rails at the top and bottom struts as well as the side rails on top of the side frames.
Next, you will glue the face panes directly on top of the frame and secure the connection with screws. Once done, you will then assemble the header. Drill holes for the mounting studs at the header board and attach the header rail on its rear.
At this point, you can then start creating a semi-cabinet frame by mounting the vertical panels to opposite ends of the wall. You will then attach the pegs of the mounting studs at the bottom and the leg support rails at top of the header board.
4. Finishing
Once the frame is complete, you can then attach the support panels on top of the frame and sand down any rough edges. Finally, you can paint the entire “cabinet” with the color of your choice and attach the handles at the bottom of the face panels and elastic bands at the insides of the frame.
If done right, you should have a pull-down bed frame that transforms into a cabinet with one lift. Finally, place the mattress on top of the frame.
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