Murphy beds

[Debra Wilbourne]

We had always wanted to do a DIY murphy bed, but the kit prices seemed a bit steep for a first option. Then we got a "take it down yourself" deal on craigslist. We put it up and seems it needs reinforcement to use it often. The previous owner had it for company but then sold the house, I don't think it was ever used.

I'm looking for advice on best experiences with murphy bed products. The one we have has a hydraulic lift on each side. It's a full size and I think that's the largest that makes sense, it's a good size space on the wall and opens with the foot of the bed coming down to the floor. The frame wood also seems thin for structural strength and we plan to add adjustable feet on the bottom so we can adjust as needed to keep the weight distributed well. To find level we actually had to put shims in the front of the frame, but they shifted in the process of using it and then other problems started with the frame and screws holding the hydraulic mechanisms.

Looking for practical advice and product recommendations for murphy beds. Thanks!!

 

[chloe writes]

Ah, the ol' murphy bed shuffle. Brings back memories of wrestling with lumber and wondering why the thing won't sit flush. Truth is, the bed's only as good as the cabinet holding it. If the box isn't square and locked into the wall studs like it owes rent, it's gonna fight you every time. Any wobble at the base and you'll get the binding and weird angles you mentioned. Have you made any progress on it since you posted a while back?

 

[Tiny_jane]

Most budget or secondhand Murphy beds are just accidents waiting to happen...thin frames, weak fasteners, and cheap hydraulics. Unless you invest in a solid kit or custom build, you're gambling with safety and longevity

 

[bbq r1bs]

@Debra Wilbourne I like your idea about the adjustable feet, but you need to use the right kind. Shims shift because the pressure is uneven.

a little tip from me is to install heavy duty cabinet leveling feet (the kind used for kitchen cabinets) into the front bottom corners of the Murphy bed cabinet. They screw in and out with a wrench, allowing you to dial in the level perfectly, and they won't shift once the weight is on them. This makes sure the cabinet is perfectly square and plumb before you even look at the hydraulics.

 

[Alan]

Been a while since I heard of Murphy beds but you have to reinforce it to make it durable. They're known to be weak especially second-hand.