This project was built and designed by Tyler from DIYTyler. It’s a practical, cost-conscious take on a Murphy bed—perfect for small spaces, guest rooms, or any area where floor space is at a premium.
Tyler shows how to use affordable hardware and smart design techniques to create a fold-away wall bed that looks custom-built and functions smoothly. The project includes floating shelves that act as support legs and features clean plywood construction throughout.
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Why a Murphy Bed?
Murphy beds are ideal for turning any room into a multi-functional space. By folding up vertically when not in use, they offer more living area while still providing a full-size sleeping solution.
Tyler’s updated design includes subtle upgrades that improve usability and aesthetics. It’s a great solution for woodworkers looking to save money while building a high-impact piece of furniture.
Materials and Planning
Tyler uses five sheets of PureBond plywood for this project. It’s a formaldehyde-free option made in North America that delivers strength, consistency, and indoor safety—making it a solid choice for furniture builds.
Before cutting, Tyler carefully plans his layout, marking dimensions and organizing the sequence of cuts. For long rip cuts, he uses a table saw. Larger crosscuts that don’t fit on the miter saw are handled with a circular saw and guide rail.
Reducing Tear-Out with Painter’s Tape
To keep plywood edges crisp, Tyler applies painter’s tape along each cut line. This helps minimize tear-out on the outer veneer, especially important for visible edges and joints.
Taking the time to protect the plywood surfaces results in a cleaner, more professional look once the bed is assembled and finished.
Assembling the Bed Frame
Using a Kreg jig and pocket hole screws, Tyler assembles the main frame of the bed. Glue and clamps are used at each joint to ensure alignment and strength.
Several horizontal stringers are added within the frame to distribute load and increase stability. This extra support makes the bed suitable for daily use, not just occasional guests.
Building the Headboard and Edge Banding
The headboard is made by joining two sheets of plywood at a right angle to form a sturdy backrest. It’s then secured to the bed frame with pocket screws for a seamless connection.
Tyler finishes the exposed plywood edges with solid oak edge banding. After application, he trims it flush using a utility knife for a neat appearance that adds both protection and style.
Mounting the Folding Hardware
Swivel brackets are installed next—these allow the bed to pivot up and down smoothly. Placement is critical for proper operation, and Tyler shares how an initial misstep was corrected in his updated build plans.
Pilot holes and countersunk screws are used to set the brackets flush against the plywood. This prevents snags and helps the hardware blend into the frame.
Designing the Floating Shelves
The floating shelves serve a dual purpose: they provide visual balance to the design and act as structural legs when the bed is lowered.
Each shelf is constructed from plywood, mitered at the corners for a clean, modern look. They’re carefully aligned and attached to the frame so that they support the bed without additional bracing.
Applying the Finish
To unify the look and bring out the wood grain, Tyler uses a combination of water-based stain and a high-performance clear coat. These are mixed into a tinted topcoat and applied with a professional-grade sprayer.
This method creates a smooth, even finish while saving time compared to applying separate coats of stain and polyurethane. Consistent spraying technique helps prevent blotching and uneven coverage.
Final Assembly and Installation
Once dry, the Murphy bed is transported to its final location. Tyler and his brothers secure the frame to the wall using L brackets driven into the studs. This step ensures the unit is safe and stable during use.
During installation, a minor issue with a bearing is discovered and resolved quickly. Tyler explains how to make small adjustments on the fly—a useful reminder that builds rarely go exactly as planned.
A DIY Murphy Bed That Saves Space and Money
This Murphy bed offers the perfect mix of form and function. It saves space during the day, provides a full-sized bed at night, and costs far less than commercial kits.
Tyler’s build demonstrates that with the right tools and some planning, you can create complex furniture that looks great and functions even better. The floating shelf legs and clean finish make it feel like a piece of high-end cabinetry—at a fraction of the price.
Please support Tyler by visiting his website here: diytyler.com