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Cost to Build a Murphy Bed

Building a Murphy bed means making a custom plywood and solid-wood cabinet and bed frame, then fitting a specialized hardware kit so the bed folds vertically or horizontally. It is a hard carpentry project because the cabinet dimensions, pivot hardware, pistons, and wall-stud anchoring all need to work together accurately. Homeowners often take it on to upgrade a room with a fold-down bed and optional built-in features.

Estimated cost
Build a murphy bed
$3,105
$2,105–$4,105
Labor
Materials
Materials & supplies
  • Murphy bed mechanism and cabinet1 each @ $1,600
    $1,600
  • Supplies subtotal
    $1,200–$2,550
  • Labor
    $780–$1,430
  • Permits & fees
    $125

Based on 1 bed (typical size). Figures are ballparks — get a contractor quote to confirm.

Common reasons homeowners do this job

  • Upgrading a room with a custom fold-down bed and cabinet
  • Replacing a fold-down bed setup that is worn or damaged
  • Choosing a bed size or vertical or horizontal orientation that suits the room
  • Adding features such as shelving, cabinet handles, or electrical components
  • Creating a custom cabinet finish with edgebanding, stain, or paint

DIY or call a pro?

This is a legitimate DIY project, but it is a hard one. Consider hiring an experienced carpenter if cutting plywood and lumber to a plan, installing the mounting brackets and pistons, or anchoring the cabinet to wall studs feels outside your comfort level. The cabinet must be firmly secured to studs to prevent tipping, and the piston mechanism must be installed correctly so the bed stays put and closes smoothly. Use care with heavy plywood and power saws, and wear eye and ear protection while cutting and sanding.

Frequently asked questions

Can I build a Murphy bed myself, or is it better to hire someone?
A capable DIYer can build one, provided they can accurately cut and assemble the cabinet and frame, follow the hardware kit measurements precisely, and secure the finished unit to wall studs. Hiring help is worth considering if any of those steps are unfamiliar, especially piston and pivot installation.
What makes the price of a Murphy bed build go up?
The price can rise with the job size, labor time, and selected materials. It may also reflect haul-away or disposal of old material, as well as a minimum or trip charge for a small job.
What should I check before choosing Murphy bed hardware?
Choose a hardware kit that matches the desired bed size and whether the bed will fold vertically or horizontally. Then review that kit's instructions for its required cabinet dimensions and cut list, and measure the room to confirm the bed has adequate clearance to fold down fully.
Why do the pistons and wall anchoring matter so much on a Murphy bed?
The wall-stud anchoring keeps the cabinet from tipping. Correct piston installation is equally important because an incorrectly installed mechanism can allow the bed to fall or snap shut unexpectedly.

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