If you have some skills with DIY and are looking at Murphy beds as a solution to where to sleep guests and save space you may want to learn more about Murphy bed hardware. You do not need to be an expert crafts person or woodworker. With some good basic tools and skills and a little experience you can make your own Murphy bed as good as any store bought one. Here are some ideas on what kind of Murphy bed hardware you want to look at when building a DIY murphy bed.
In general the hardware is not overly complicated, but the most essential part of it is the mechanism you use for lifting and closing the bed. You could go with a spring system or a piston one but most kits nowadays have the latter. This is because the piston is more stable than the spring and has a locking mechanism whereas the spring needs adjusting after a few years and there is no locking mechanism. The piston mechanism works similar to the SUV hatchback. It ensures smooth movement with no need for any effort, it stays in the position you put it in and gives counter balance to the bed.
Places you can find Murphy bed hardware kits include Rockler Woodworking and Woodworkers Supply. They will include a great DVD that has a very detailed look at how to design and make your Murphy bed. Kits for queen, full and twin beds come in at a price of about $300. It comes with the piston mechanism as described above and customer reviews of both places are very positive.
If you want Murphy bed hardware with more of an upgrade you can look elsewhere. Some offer a choice between standard steel, or aluminum or supreme steel hardware for a price between $640 to $1000. Or you can get part of them upgraded like the spring hinges and legs for about $400.
Once you have settled on your hardware it is time to design and build it. If you did not opt for a kit with instructions you can find Murphy bed plans online both for free and for a charge. Usually it is safer to buy a plan though from a known manufacturer or company so that you can be sure your plans will lead to a bed that will work and last. There are two types of Murphy beds in terms of how they are configured. The end drop bed that folds vertically and the side mount bed that folds horizontally.
With a good plan it is possible to work in specific requirement or needs that you might have including desks, bookcases, storage and even sofas! A Murphy bed is the perfect choice for when family or friends stay over. You have a place for guests to sleep and then a space to use however you wish when the bed is not in use.