How Long Does It Take to Build a Murphy Bed?

Quick Answer

A Murphy bed (wall bed) from a hardware kit takes 8–16 hours to build and install, typically spread over a weekend. Building a fully custom Murphy bed from scratch requires 20–40 hours of work and advanced woodworking skills. Professional installation of a kit-based unit takes 4–8 hours.

Build Times by Approach

Approach	Build Time	Skill Level	Cost Range
Hardware kit + pre-cut panels	8–12 hours	Intermediate	$300–$800
Hardware kit + custom cabinet	12–16 hours	Intermediate–Advanced	$500–$1,500
Fully custom build	20–40 hours	Advanced	$800–$3,000+
Professional installation (kit)	4–8 hours	Professional	$1,500–$4,000 total
Pre-assembled unit (delivery + install)	2–4 hours	Basic	$2,000–$6,000

Building from a Kit: Step-by-Step Timeline

Murphy bed hardware kits (from brands like Create-A-Bed, Murphy Bed Depot, or Rockler) include the piston or spring mechanism, mounting hardware, and detailed plans. You supply the lumber and cabinet panels.

Day 1: Cabinet Construction (5–8 hours)

Materials prep and cutting (1.5–2.5 hours):

• Cut plywood panels for the cabinet sides, top, bottom, and back
• Cut the bed platform panel
• Sand all edges and surfaces

Cabinet assembly (2–3 hours):

• Assemble the cabinet box using screws, glue, and pocket holes or dowels
• Ensure the cabinet is perfectly square — this is critical for smooth operation
• Attach the back panel for rigidity

Finishing (1.5–2.5 hours):

• Apply edge banding to visible plywood edges
• Sand, prime, and apply first coat of paint or stain
• Allow to dry overnight

Day 2: Mechanism and Installation (4–8 hours)

Install the hardware mechanism (1.5–2.5 hours):

• Mount the piston or spring mechanism to the cabinet sides following the kit instructions precisely
• Attach the pivot point hardware to the bed platform
• This step requires exact measurements — being off by even 1/8 inch can cause binding

Mount to the wall (1–2 hours):

• Locate wall studs (the cabinet must be anchored to studs, not just drywall)
• Level and secure the cabinet to the wall with lag bolts
• The cabinet must support the weight of the mattress plus the forces generated during folding

Attach the bed platform and test (1–1.5 hours):

• Connect the bed platform to the mechanism
• Adjust spring/piston tension so the bed lifts and lowers smoothly
• Test multiple times, adjusting tension as needed

Final touches (30–60 minutes):

• Apply second coat of finish
• Add trim, molding, or decorative panels to the front face
• Install mattress retention straps or elastic bands
• Install any lighting, charging ports, or shelving

Fully Custom Build: What Takes Extra Time

Building without a kit means fabricating or sourcing your own mechanism and designing the cabinet from scratch:

• Design and planning: 3–5 hours for measurements, drawings, and material lists
• Mechanism fabrication or sourcing: 2–4 hours to install and calibrate gas pistons or spring systems
• Custom cabinetry: 10–20 hours depending on complexity (built-in shelves, desk, lighting)
• Finishing: 5–8 hours for a professional-quality painted or stained finish

Tools Required

For a kit build, you'll need:

• Circular saw or table saw (for cutting panels)
• Drill/driver and drill bits
• Level (4-foot recommended)
• Stud finder
• Socket wrench set
• Tape measure and square
• Clamps (at least 4)
• Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit)
• Safety equipment (glasses, hearing protection)

Common Mistakes That Add Time

• Cabinet not square: A racked cabinet will bind the mechanism. Check diagonals before proceeding.
• Missing wall studs: Having to relocate the cabinet after cutting holes adds 1–2 hours.
• Incorrect tension adjustment: Too tight and the bed flies up dangerously; too loose and it won't stay closed. Budget 30–60 minutes for fine-tuning.
• Wrong mattress thickness: Most Murphy bed mechanisms are designed for mattresses 10–12 inches thick. An incompatible mattress may prevent the bed from closing fully.

Vertical vs. Horizontal Orientation

• Vertical (standard): The head of the bed mounts to the wall. More common, fits standard rooms. Standard build time applies.
• Horizontal (side-fold): The long side mounts to the wall, resulting in a lower profile when closed. Takes about 10–15% longer to build due to the wider cabinet and different mechanism geometry.