Create-A-Bed Full Size Deluxe Murphy Bed Kit, Horizontal

good bed parts and very detailed instructions. took a while to cut, sand, stain and put together but functions well and seems sturdy. made bed out of oak and was about $500 in wood costs. good space saving alternative for queen size bed instead of having air mattress.

This was a fun project that allowed us to turn a grown kid's bedroom into a home office that accommodates guests. The biggest lesson I learned from this is you MUST "read and follow the directions" which is not easy for me because I tend to grab the cut-sheet and go. But when it says to read the plans AND watch the video, it's critical advice since I found details missing in the plans that were included in the video and vice versa. Sometimes the order of steps is different in the plans and the video shows why the order of steps is important. You really need both plans and video and lots of attention to detail to make sure the hardware is installed exactly where it needs to be. I found it easiest to convert the DVD to video on my iPad and keep it handy in the workshop. PROS: Easy to follow plans when accompanied by video. High quality hardware that installs easily if plans are followed. Operates smoothly and looks great! Lots of options to customize. CONS: One shortfall of the kit is the fact it shows options without providing any details or dimensions. For instance, you can build decorative picture frames for the plywood front to simulate doors and drawers. But you must leave a 1/2 to 3/4" gap between the bottom of the picture frame and the baseboard trim or it will bind when opening. MODIFICATIONS: I found that as long as strict attention was paid to the mechanical portions, you can extend vertical supports to create a taller wall unit with bookcase. Just ensure you retain a header that is firmly attached to wall studs. We added a light bridge/shelf and installed the Rockler Murphy Bed Lighting Kit that is available on their website, but not on Amazon for some reason. There is a 12" and 60 lb limit on mattresses and after consulting with Create-a-bed folks, I learned the horizontal bed is much more forgiving on weight when the mattress is hinged on longitudinal axis vs. the traditional vertical Murphy bed. We used a 78 lb, hybrid inner-spring/memory foam mattress that is VERY comfortable, reasonably priced, and works perfectly in the horizontal bed. I am attaching a few photos that show the basic bed I built. Missing is the matching bookcase and crown molding that ties the two together, but you'll get the idea. (The mattress looks a little lumpy in the picture because it just came out of the packaging and is still inflating. After a few hours, it grew to a full 12" pillow-top and looks great!)

I am very impressed with the quality of this product. The instruction manual was very detailed and easy to follow, given the scope of the project (I would consider myself intermediate in skill). I love that I was able to use a high quality mattress once it was finished. It was critical to have a table saw. I used red oak and oak plywood and was able to stain it with a walnut wood stain and it turned out so nice. I added some shelving above it along with some trim boards to the face and it looks beautiful. So happy with this product. The build of the Murphy bed too about 3 days (1st day was purchase of materials and cutting each piece. The next day was the majority of construction. Another several days to finish up, paint, stain, etc). Worth every penny and every minute invested.

Good product. The cuts need to be very accurate. The only complaints I have are the instructions just around a bit. It’s beneficial to watch the video for each step and compare to what the manual says because the info differs slightly. I pre-finished all my lumber after cutting which was beneficial because at the end of the assembly manual it says something like “congrats! Now take everything apart, sand, and finish.” And that’s something I wouldn’t have wanted to do after all the assembly. All in all good product. Seemed expensive when I received the box but I had to remind myself I was also paying for the knowledge of the company.

It should go without saying that if you’re looking to build your own Murphy bed instead of buy one, you’re decently skilled with tools and have some equipment ready. This is not a beginner DIY if you want it to turn out really good. I used a lot of my shop tools - Table/Miter/Circular saw, handheld and drill press, drum sander, compressor, nailer, etc. Like with any wood project, being able to make accurate square cuts and assemble is only the first half, the other half being finishing work. I probably spent around $500-600 on the materials in addition to the actual hardware, and spent a few days doing most of the project, but I’m happy to have a product that I made myself instead of paying out the nose for something mass produced. I thought the hardware was a little expensive for what you get, but I have no complaints with the quality. It’s a solid kit, sturdy hardware, and there’s a lengthy instruction manual that tells you everything you need to buy, cut, and assemble.

This is a great kit. Everything worked exactly according to the instructions. The videos along with written instructions were so helpful. We added a mid century modern vibe to the outside …. And ordered a 10 inch mattress. It’s helpful if you have woodworking experience, but if you’re a novice it’s doable. Simply follow the instructions EXACTLY and make sure you don’t rush.

High qaulity parts, with very good plans and instructions. This is a DIY project provided you have the tools and some experience. Although it is doable, I would not consider it a beginner project. I adjusted the plans to create a 5" ledge for the headboard, added a USB charing outlet and overhead reading lights. I also built an entire wall to wall storage unit to surround the bed (doors are still under construction). I used furniture grade plywood and birch edge banding for most of it. A few tips that will help make it easier. 1) Paint the inside of the vertical side panels and the outside of the bed rails before assembly. Once assembled you will not be able to reach some areas. Luckily I realized this before it was too late. 2) Follow imstructions! You have to be able to move it away from the wall to contect pistons. Dont anchor it too soon. 3) When adding handles, install them before screwing in the 1/4 plywood. Otherwise you will have to remove it to install handles. Also measure location of bed support rails so when you drill for handles the hole is not in the 1x2 rail and just through the 3/4 plywood Manufacturer web site has downloadable plans, so you can preview the instructions before purchase.

Having the bed mechanism with good instructions made this project easy. Was able to open up my spare bedroom to accommodate my wife's office. When you're able to handpick wood for a project this size and not rely on other 'stores' questionable product quality, you can rest knowing what you got is better and saved money.