DIY Network

Installing a Murphy Bed This guestroom appears only when needed. From "Wasted Spaces" episode DWSP-304

This basement room is really five rooms: a guestroom, a video game room, a playroom, a crafting area and an exercise space. Since guests only stay over occasionally, host Karl Champley helps this couple reclaim their basement by installing a space-saving Murphy bed that tucks out of the way to open up valuable floor space. A new video game console cabinet and a hideaway video projector help keep the gaming clutter under control.

This beautiful cabinetry is just the right size...

to hide a handy Murphy bed.

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Installing a Murphy Bed

Tools: ladders safety glasses ear protection electric screwdriver screwdriver utility knife hammer nail gun masonry bit socket wrench

Materials: Murphy bed kit Murphy bed cabinetry kit with hardware hex-head masonry screws

Figure A

Note: These instructions apply to a Murphy bed attached to a concrete basement floor. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific bed and type of floor being used.

• Install pre-built cabinetry. For this project, Karl and Tom used wall cabinetry designed to go with the Murphy bed. The cabinetry came in kit form and went together quickly (figure A). Murphy beds also can be tucked away in a closet.

• Cut the carpet. A special mechanism – called a cradle – makes the Murphy bed fold up easily. Position the cradle in the closet or cabinet, making sure it is the correct distance from the wall and lined up with the opening. Mark the locations for the attachment screws and set the cradle aside. If there is carpet in the room, use a utility knife to carefully cut through the carpet at the attachment points. Pull the carpet away from these points so the carpet doesn't tangle around the drill bit.

• Drill the attachment holes. Wearing safety glasses and ear protection, use a drill with a masonry bit to carefully drill holes in the concrete floor to attach the Murphy bed cradle.
  

  	Figure B
  	Figure C

  Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses when working with a power drill or any other power tool. Wear ear protection whenever drilling or cutting concrete or other masonry material.

• Attach the cradle. Position the cradle over the attachment holes and secure to the concrete floor using hex-head masonry screws. Drive the screws with an electric screwdriver, then tighten with a socket wrench.

• Install the bed frame. Fit the Murphy bed frame onto the cradle and attach according to the manufacturer's directions (figure B). Carefully install the springs in the Murphy bed mechanism, using a screwdriver to help stretch the springs. These heavy-duty springs can cause injury if they snap back.

• Install the mattress. Place the foundation on the bed frame. Position the mattress and secure with the strap provided with the bed frame (figure C).

RESOURCES :
Murphy bed and cabinetry
Murphy Beds Direct