How To Build A Horizontal Murphy Bed

A horizontal Murphy bed is a great way to save space in a small room. When the bed is not in use, it can be folded up into a cabinet, freeing up floor space for other activities. Building a horizontal Murphy bed is not difficult, but it does require some basic woodworking skills. In this article, I will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to build a horizontal Murphy bed.

Materials

To build a horizontal Murphy bed, you will need the following materials:

3/4-inch plywood (for the bed platform, headboard, and footboard)
2x4 lumber (for the frame)
1x4 lumber (for the cabinet)
1/2-inch MDF (for the cabinet doors)
Piano hinges (for attaching the bed platform to the cabinet)
Gas springs (for assisting with the opening and closing of the bed)
Handles or knobs (for the cabinet doors)
Wood screws
Wood glue
Sandpaper
Paint or stain (optional)

Tools

You will also need the following tools:

Circular saw
Drill
Screwdriver
Clamps
Level
Measuring tape
Sanding block

Instructions

Once you have gathered your materials and tools, you can begin building your horizontal Murphy bed. Follow these step-by-step instructions:

Build the cabinet. The cabinet will house the bed platform when it is folded up. To build the cabinet, cut two pieces of 3/4-inch plywood to the desired width and height. Then, cut two pieces of 1x4 lumber to the same height as the plywood. Attach the 1x4s to the plywood using wood screws and wood glue. Finally, attach the cabinet doors to the cabinet using piano hinges.
Build the bed platform. The bed platform is the part of the bed that you will sleep on. To build the bed platform, cut two pieces of 3/4-inch plywood to the desired length and width. Then, cut four pieces of 2x4 lumber to the same length as the plywood. Attach the 2x4s to the plywood using wood screws and wood glue.
Attach the bed platform to the cabinet. Once the cabinet and bed platform are built, you need to attach them together. To do this, align the bed platform with the cabinet and attach it using piano hinges. Make sure that the bed platform is level before you attach it to the cabinet.
Install the gas springs. The gas springs will assist with the opening and closing of the bed. To install the gas springs, attach one end of each gas spring to the bed platform and the other end to the cabinet. Make sure that the gas springs are strong enough to support the weight of the bed.
Attach the handles or knobs to the cabinet doors. Once the bed is built, you can attach the handles or knobs to the cabinet doors. This will make it easier to open and close the cabinet.
Sand and finish the bed. Once the bed is built, you can sand it and apply a finish. This will help to protect the bed and make it look more attractive.

Tips

Here are a few tips for building a horizontal Murphy bed:

Make sure that the cabinet is strong enough to support the weight of the bed. If the cabinet is not strong enough, it could collapse when the bed is opened.
Make sure that the bed platform is level before you attach it to the cabinet. If the bed platform is not level, the bed will not open and close properly.
Install the gas springs securely. If the gas springs are not installed securely, they could fail and cause the bed to fall unexpectedly.

Conclusion

Building a horizontal Murphy bed is a great way to save space in a small room. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can build a Murphy bed that is both functional and stylish.