A DIY murphy bed is one of the smartest space-saving solutions you can build for a small apartment, guest room, or home office. Also known as a wall bed, this ingenious piece of furniture folds up into the wall when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space. Whether you want to maximize a studio apartment or create a multifunctional guest room, building your own murphy bed can save you thousands compared to buying a pre-made unit.
- What Is a Murphy Bed?
- DIY Murphy Bed Cost Breakdown
- Tools & Materials You Need
- Best Murphy Bed Hardware Kits
- Step-by-Step Build Instructions
- Step 1: Measure and Plan
- Step 2: Build the Cabinet Frame
- Step 3: Build the Bed Platform
- Step 4: Install the Hardware
- Step 5: Mount the Cabinet to the Wall
- Step 6: Add the Face Panel and Finishing Touches
- Step 7: Test Thoroughly
- Choosing the Right Mattress
- DIY Murphy Bed Design Ideas
- Flooring Considerations for Murphy Beds
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Frequently Asked Questions
In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through everything you need to know about building a DIY murphy bed from scratch, including materials, tools, hardware kits, and step-by-step instructions that even intermediate DIYers can follow.
What Is a Murphy Bed?
A murphy bed is a bed that can be folded up and stored vertically against a wall or inside a cabinet when not in use. Invented by William Lawrence Murphy in the early 1900s, this design has remained popular for over a century because of its practical space-saving benefits.
Modern murphy beds come in two main orientations:
- Vertical murphy beds — The head of the bed is attached to the wall, and the bed folds down from top to bottom. This is the most common style.
- Horizontal murphy beds — The side of the bed is attached to the wall, folding out sideways. This works well for twin-size beds and rooms with low ceilings.
Building a DIY murphy bed lets you customize the size, finish, and style to match your room perfectly, which is something store-bought models rarely offer at an affordable price.
DIY Murphy Bed Cost Breakdown
One of the biggest advantages of building your own murphy bed is the cost savings. Here is how a DIY project compares to buying a pre-made murphy bed:
| Component | DIY Cost | Pre-Made Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware kit (piston mechanism) | $150 – $400 | Included |
| Lumber & plywood | $200 – $500 | Included |
| Mattress | $200 – $600 | Often not included |
| Finish (paint/stain) | $30 – $80 | Included |
| Miscellaneous hardware | $30 – $60 | Included |
| Total | $610 – $1,640 | $1,500 – $5,000+ |
As you can see, a DIY murphy bed can save you anywhere from $900 to over $3,000 depending on the size and materials you choose. For more home improvement cost insights, check out our carpet price guide.
Tools & Materials You Need
Before starting your build, gather the following tools and materials:
Tools
- Circular saw or table saw
- Drill/driver with bit set
- Kreg pocket hole jig
- Level (4-foot preferred)
- Tape measure
- Clamps
- Sander (orbital or random orbital)
- Stud finder
- Square
Materials
- 3/4″ plywood sheets (4–6 sheets depending on bed size)
- 1×4 and 1×6 lumber for face frames
- Murphy bed hardware kit with gas pistons
- 2.5″ pocket hole screws
- Wood glue
- Wood filler
- Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit)
- Paint or stain and polyurethane
- Wall anchoring hardware (lag bolts for studs)
Best Murphy Bed Hardware Kits
The hardware kit is the most critical component of your DIY murphy bed. It includes the gas piston mechanism that makes the bed easy to raise and lower. Here are the top-rated kits for 2026:
| Kit Name | Bed Sizes | Weight Capacity | Price Range | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Create-A-Bed Deluxe | Twin to King | Up to 100 lbs | $250 – $400 | 4.7/5 |
| Rockler Murphy Bed Kit | Twin to Queen | Up to 85 lbs | $200 – $350 | 4.5/5 |
| Wilding Wallbeds DIY Kit | Full to King | Up to 110 lbs | $300 – $450 | 4.6/5 |
| Easy DIY Murphy Bed | Twin to Queen | Up to 90 lbs | $150 – $280 | 4.3/5 |
We recommend choosing a kit that includes detailed instructions and all the necessary mounting hardware. The gas piston systems are far superior to spring-based mechanisms, as they are quieter and require less maintenance over time.
Step-by-Step Build Instructions
Step 1: Measure and Plan
Measure your wall space carefully. You need at least 6 inches more width than the mattress and enough depth for the mattress thickness (typically 10–12 inches) plus the cabinet frame. Mark the wall studs, as you will be anchoring the bed frame directly into them for safety.
Step 2: Build the Cabinet Frame
The cabinet frame is the box that attaches to the wall and houses the bed when it is folded up. Cut your plywood panels to the dimensions specified by your hardware kit. Assemble using pocket hole screws and wood glue for maximum strength. The cabinet must be perfectly square and level.
Step 3: Build the Bed Platform
The bed platform is the surface that holds the mattress. Cut the plywood to the correct mattress dimensions plus a 1-inch border on each side. Add a perimeter frame using 1×4 lumber to keep the mattress in place when the bed is in the upright position. Attach mattress retention straps if your kit includes them.
Step 4: Install the Hardware
Follow your hardware kit instructions precisely. Attach the pivot mechanism to the bottom of the cabinet and the bed platform. Install the gas pistons on each side. This is the most critical step, as incorrect installation can make the bed dangerous to operate.
Step 5: Mount the Cabinet to the Wall
Using lag bolts, secure the cabinet directly into wall studs. A queen-size murphy bed should be anchored into at least four studs. Use a level to ensure everything is perfectly plumb and level. Never mount a murphy bed to drywall alone.
Step 6: Add the Face Panel and Finishing Touches
Attach trim, molding, and a decorative face panel to the front of the bed platform. This is what people see when the bed is folded up. Sand everything smooth, fill any holes or gaps, and apply your chosen finish.
Step 7: Test Thoroughly
Before adding the mattress, test the folding mechanism at least 20 times. Adjust the gas pistons if necessary. The bed should fold up and down smoothly with minimal effort. Add the mattress and test again with weight on the bed.
Choosing the Right Mattress
Not every mattress works with a murphy bed. You need one that is flexible enough to fold without damage and light enough for the gas piston mechanism to handle.
| Mattress Type | Murphy Bed Compatibility | Recommended Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Memory foam | Excellent | 8–10 inches |
| Latex foam | Very good | 8–10 inches |
| Hybrid (foam + coils) | Good (check weight) | 10–12 inches |
| Innerspring | Not recommended | N/A |
Stick with mattresses under 12 inches thick and under 80 pounds for the best results. All-foam mattresses are typically the easiest to work with in a DIY murphy bed setup.
DIY Murphy Bed Design Ideas
Your murphy bed does not have to look like a plain box on the wall. Here are some popular design ideas for 2026:
- Built-in bookshelves — Add shelving units on either side of the bed cabinet for a library-style look.
- Desk combo — Install a fold-down desk on the face panel so you have a workspace when the bed is up.
- Shiplap accent panel — Use shiplap or board-and-batten on the face panel for a farmhouse aesthetic. Check out our bathroom accent wall guide for more accent wall inspiration.
- LED lighting — Add LED strip lights inside the cabinet that turn on automatically when the bed is lowered.
- Cabinet doors — Make the face panel look like built-in closet doors for a seamless appearance. Coordinate the color with your room theme using our colors that go with grey guide.
Flooring Considerations for Murphy Beds
The type of flooring in your room matters when installing a DIY murphy bed. The bed legs will make contact with the floor every time you lower the bed, so durability is important.
- Hardwood flooring — Add felt pads to the bed legs to prevent scratches.
- Laminate flooring — Ensure the bed legs are not landing on seams, as repeated impact can cause separation over time.
- Carpet — Thicker carpet can make the bed slightly uneven. Consider adding a thin plywood landing pad under the carpet where the legs will rest.
- Vinyl plank flooring — Generally works well, but add protective pads to the legs to prevent denting.
If you are planning a flooring upgrade alongside your murphy bed project, explore our carpet pricing guide to understand your options and budget.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not anchoring into studs — This is a safety hazard. Always use lag bolts into wall studs.
- Choosing the wrong mattress — An overly heavy or thick mattress will strain the gas pistons and make operation difficult.
- Skipping the level check — An out-of-level cabinet will cause the bed to swing to one side when lowering.
- Using cheap hardware — Low-quality gas pistons can fail, which is dangerous. Invest in a reputable hardware kit.
- Forgetting mattress straps — Without straps, the mattress and bedding can shift or fall when the bed is stored upright.
- Not accounting for baseboards — You may need to remove or notch around baseboards where the cabinet meets the wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a DIY murphy bed?
A DIY murphy bed typically costs between $610 and $1,640 depending on the size, materials, and hardware kit you choose. This is significantly less than pre-made murphy beds, which can range from $1,500 to over $5,000.
Is a DIY murphy bed safe?
Yes, a properly built and installed murphy bed is very safe. The key is anchoring the cabinet securely into wall studs and using quality gas piston hardware that prevents the bed from dropping unexpectedly. Always follow the hardware manufacturer’s weight limits.
Can I build a murphy bed without a kit?
While it is possible, we strongly recommend using a hardware kit. The gas piston mechanism requires precise engineering to balance the weight of the mattress. DIY piston designs can be unreliable and potentially dangerous.
How long does it take to build a DIY murphy bed?
Most intermediate DIYers can complete a murphy bed in one to two weekends (16–30 hours total), not including finishing time for paint or stain to dry.
What size mattress works best for a murphy bed?
Queen-size is the most popular choice for adult bedrooms. Twin or full sizes work well for guest rooms, kids’ rooms, or home offices. King-size murphy beds are possible but require a very sturdy wall and heavy-duty hardware.
Can I add a murphy bed to a rental apartment?
It depends on your lease and landlord. A murphy bed requires drilling lag bolts into wall studs, which is a permanent modification. Some landlords may allow it if you agree to patch the holes when you move out. Freestanding murphy bed alternatives exist but are generally less stable.
Do murphy beds damage flooring?
They can if you do not take precautions. Add felt pads or rubber bumpers to the bed legs to protect your flooring. This is especially important for hardwood floors and vinyl plank surfaces.
Last updated: March 2026
