How To Build A Murphy Bed Chest

How to Build a Murphy Bed Chest

A Murphy bed chest is a great way to save space in your home. It's a bed that folds up into a chest when not in use, so it can be tucked away in a closet or spare room. Murphy bed chests are relatively easy to build, and they can be customized to fit your specific needs.

Materials

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

1 sheet of 3/4-inch plywood (4 feet x 8 feet)
1 sheet of 1/2-inch plywood (4 feet x 8 feet)
2 pieces of 2x4 lumber (8 feet long)
2 pieces of 2x6 lumber (8 feet long)
1 piece of 1x4 lumber (8 feet long)
1 piece of 1x6 lumber (8 feet long)
1 pair of heavy-duty hinges
1 pair of gas springs
1 mattress
Screws
Nails
Wood glue
Stain or paint (optional)

Tools

In addition to the materials listed above, you will also need the following tools:

Circular saw
Drill
Screwdriver
Hammer
Clamps
Level
Measuring tape
Pencil

Instructions

To build a Murphy bed chest, follow these instructions:

Cut the plywood and lumber to the following dimensions:

3/4-inch plywood: 2 pieces (4 feet x 8 feet), 2 pieces (2 feet x 8 feet), 1 piece (2 feet x 4 feet)
1/2-inch plywood: 2 pieces (4 feet x 8 feet), 1 piece (2 feet x 8 feet)
2x4 lumber: 2 pieces (8 feet long)
2x6 lumber: 2 pieces (8 feet long)
1x4 lumber: 1 piece (8 feet long)
1x6 lumber: 1 piece (8 feet long)

Assemble the frame of the bed chest by attaching the 2x4 lumber to the 3/4-inch plywood sides. Make sure the 2x4 lumber is flush with the edge of the plywood.
Attach the 1/2-inch plywood to the inside of the frame. This will create the back of the bed chest.
Attach the 2x6 lumber to the front of the bed chest. This will create the front of the bed chest and support the mattress.
Attach the 1x4 lumber to the bottom of the bed chest. This will create a support for the mattress.
Attach the 1x6 lumber to the top of the bed chest. This will create a lip that will keep the mattress from falling off.
Install the hinges on the bed chest. Make sure the hinges are strong enough to support the weight of the bed chest and mattress.
Install the gas springs on the bed chest. The gas springs will help to lift the bed chest when it is opened.
Place the mattress on the bed chest. Make sure the mattress is centered on the bed chest.
Finish the bed chest by staining or painting it. You can also add decorative trim to the bed chest.

Tips

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

Make sure to use strong hinges and gas springs. This will ensure that the bed chest is safe and easy to use.
Center the mattress on the bed chest. This will help to prevent the mattress from falling off when the bed chest is opened.
Finish the bed chest by staining or painting it. This will give the bed chest a polished look and help to protect it from wear and tear.