For years, our spare bedroom served as a classic “room of requirement”—a home office by day, a workout space in the evening, and a storage unit for things that had no other home. When guests came to stay, it was a frantic shuffle of clearing desks, hiding exercise equipment, and inflating an air mattress that invariably sagged by morning. We knew there had to be a better way. The dream was a single room that could effortlessly transform from a functional office into a comfortable guest suite. Pre-built Murphy beds seemed like the perfect answer, but the sticker shock was staggering, and the quality often felt compromised, relying heavily on particle board and questionable hardware. That’s when we discovered the allure of a DIY approach and set our sights on the Create-A-Bed Full Deluxe Vertical Murphy Bed Kit.
- TIME TESTED: Our kits have stood the test of time for over 35 years. If you’re going to build a high-quality murphy bed, you want it...
- DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS: Decades of building beds and supporting our customers has allowed us to develop crystal clear instructions and...
What to Consider Before Building Your Own Murphy Bed
A Murphy bed kit is more than just hardware; it’s a key solution for maximizing the utility of your living space. It allows you to reclaim valuable square footage without sacrificing the comfort of a real bed. In an era of smaller homes, home offices, and multi-purpose rooms, the ability to fold a full-size bed away into a discreet cabinet is a game-changer, turning a bedroom into a living area, office, or gym in seconds. The main benefit is efficiency, but a well-built DIY Murphy bed also offers a level of customization and quality that can surpass many pre-fabricated options, allowing you to match the wood, finish, and style to your exact decor.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a passion for DIY projects, a decent set of woodworking tools, and a healthy dose of patience. If you’re comfortable reading plans, making precise measurements, and enjoy the satisfaction of building furniture from scratch, this kit is designed for you. It’s for the homeowner looking to save thousands of dollars compared to a custom installation. However, this is not a beginner’s project. If you’ve never used a table saw, are uncomfortable with precise joinery, or are looking for a quick weekend assembly, you should probably consider a pre-built unit or hire a professional. Alternatives for those seeking simpler space-saving solutions might include sofa beds or traditional platform frames in smaller sizes.
Before investing in this project, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Meticulously measure your room. You need to account for the cabinet’s footprint when closed (82.13″ H x 59.88″ W x 15.88″ D) and the full projection of the bed when open (83″ from the wall). Also, ensure your ceiling height can accommodate the vertical cabinet and that you have a solid wall with studs for secure mounting, which is non-negotiable for safety.
- Total Cost & Materials: This kit includes only the hardware and instructions. You are responsible for purchasing all lumber (typically several sheets of cabinet-grade plywood), screws, and finishing supplies. As many users report, you should budget an additional $500 to $800 for high-quality materials, which is still a fraction of the cost of a pre-made bed.
- Required Skills & Tools: Be honest about your woodworking abilities. To achieve a professional result, you’ll need access to tools like a table saw for long, straight cuts, a miter saw for precision, drills, sanders, and clamps. While some big-box stores can make the large cuts for you, fine-tuning and assembly will require your own equipment and expertise.
- Time Commitment & Patience: This is not a one-day build. From sourcing materials and making cuts to assembly, finishing, and installation, plan to dedicate several weekends to the project. Rushing leads to mistakes; as countless builders attest, taking your time and following the instructions to the letter is the secret to success.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Create-A-Bed Full Deluxe Vertical Murphy Bed Kit stands out for its robust engineering and comprehensive guidance. You can explore its detailed specifications and hardware here.
While the Create-A-Bed Full Deluxe Vertical Murphy Bed Kit is an excellent choice for a DIY build, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against other types of bed frames. For a broader look at all the top models, from simple platforms to complex systems, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
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First Impressions: More Than Just a Box of Parts
The kit arrives in a surprisingly compact and unassuming box. Weighing just over 11 pounds, it’s easy to mistake its small size for a lack of substance. But upon opening it, we were immediately impressed. This isn’t a flimsy collection of screws; it’s a set of heavy-gauge, American-made steel components, including the powerful gas piston mechanisms that are the heart of the system. Everything feels substantial and engineered for longevity. The true value, however, lies in the instructional materials. The kit includes meticulously detailed illustrated booklets, cut sheets, materials lists, and full-size templates for drilling and routing. Create-A-Bed also provides access to an online instructional video, a critical companion to the printed guides. It’s clear from the outset that this isn’t just hardware; it’s a complete, time-tested system designed to empower a skilled DIYer to create a piece of professional-grade furniture.
Advantages
- Robust, American-made steel hardware with a lifetime warranty
- Exceptionally clear and detailed instructions, including video and templates
- Significant cost savings compared to pre-fabricated Murphy beds
- Smooth and reliable gas piston lift mechanism
- Allows for full customization of wood type, finish, and style
Limitations
- Not suitable for beginners; requires intermediate to advanced woodworking skills and tools
- Lumber, mattress, and additional hardware must be purchased separately, adding significant cost
A Deep Dive into the Create-A-Bed Build and Performance
Embarking on this project was an exercise in planning, precision, and ultimately, profound satisfaction. The Create-A-Bed Full Deluxe Vertical Murphy Bed Kit is more than a product; it’s a comprehensive, guided journey into furniture making. Our experience mirrored that of many seasoned builders who praise the kit for its engineering but caution newcomers about the commitment required. Here’s our detailed breakdown of the entire process, from blueprint to finished bed.
The Blueprint for Success: Instructions and Planning
The success of this entire project hinges on the quality of the instructions, and this is where Create-A-Bed truly excels. Before making a single cut, we spent an evening digesting all the provided materials. The kit comes with a spiral-bound booklet filled with clear diagrams, step-by-step text, and precise measurements. We also received a separate cut sheet and bill of materials, which made creating a shopping list for the lumber yard straightforward. Critically, we followed the advice of many experienced users and watched the entire instructional video before starting. This proved to be invaluable. As one user noted, “I found details missing in the plans that were included in the video and vice versa.” We can confirm this is true. The video provides a visual context and sometimes a slightly different order of operations that makes more practical sense during assembly. Using both resources in tandem is non-negotiable.
Planning the materials was the next step. We opted for a high-quality, cabinet-grade birch plywood to ensure a smooth, paintable surface and structural integrity. Cheaping out on the wood is a mistake; this is the core of your furniture, and the stability of the entire unit depends on it. We calculated our total lumber cost to be around $450, with another $50 for screws, wood glue, and other fasteners. This brought our all-in cost, including the kit, to just under $800—a fraction of the $3,000+ price tags we saw on comparable pre-built units. This planning phase is crucial for budgeting and ensuring you have everything you need before you begin the build.
The Build: A Rewarding Test of Precision and Patience
With our materials sourced, the real work began. The mantra for this project is “measure twice, cut once,” but we’d amend that to “measure three times.” Precision is paramount. The plans call for large sheets of plywood to be cut into the panels for the main cabinet and the inner bed box. Having a table saw or a high-quality track saw is essential for getting the perfectly square and accurate cuts needed for everything to fit together seamlessly. We took our time with this process, double-checking every measurement against the cut list. One user mentioned having “hiccups” from mis-measuring, and it’s easy to see how a small error could cascade into a major fitment issue later on.
Assembling the main cabinet was straightforward, following the diagrams for joining the side panels, top, bottom, and back. We used a combination of wood glue and screws for maximum rigidity. The assembly of the bed face and internal mattress frame was more intricate. A great tip we picked up from another user’s review was to drill the holes for the handles *before* attaching the front 1/4″ panel. This saves a massive headache later. Squaring up the mattress frame was the most challenging part of the construction; using corner clamps and checking repeatedly with a framing square was key to ensuring the bed would operate smoothly within the cabinet. The entire construction phase, before any finishing, took us the better part of two full weekends. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, but seeing the raw structure take shape was incredibly motivating. If you appreciate the craft of woodworking, you’ll find the entire build process to be exceptionally rewarding, and the quality of the final product reflects the care you put into it.
The Heart of the System: Mechanism, Operation, and Durability
After constructing and finishing the wooden components (we opted for a durable cabinet paint), it was time to install the heart of the system: the Create-A-Bed hardware. This is where the engineering brilliance of the kit shines. The heavy-duty steel pivot points and mounting plates feel incredibly robust. Following the instructions and using the provided templates made drilling the mounting holes in the precise locations a foolproof process. The most satisfying moment of the entire build is installing the gas pistons. These commercial-grade struts are what make the bed feel weightless and safe to operate.
Once the mattress was in place and strapped in, the moment of truth arrived. The operation is flawlessly smooth. A gentle pull is all that’s needed to lower the bed, and the pistons engage to control the descent gracefully. Lifting it is just as easy; the pistons provide substantial assistance, allowing the heavy bed and mattress assembly to glide back into the cabinet with minimal effort. It doesn’t slam up or down; it’s a controlled, balanced motion. The system is rated for a total weight of 850 pounds, and it feels every bit that strong. There is no wobble, creak, or sense of instability. This is a solid piece of furniture. The lifetime warranty on the mechanism provides ultimate peace of mind, confirming that this is a solution built to last, not just a temporary fix. It has completely transformed our spare room into a truly dual-purpose space.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, user feedback for the Create-A-Bed Full Deluxe Vertical Murphy Bed Kit is overwhelmingly positive, with a shared theme of empowerment and quality. One user perfectly captured the sentiment, stating, “My wife and I are reasonably handy… we went slow, followed the instructions closely, and couldn’t be happier with the results.” This highlights the project’s accessibility for those with moderate skills. Another builder praised the instructions as “very clear, mistake-free instructions and easy to follow,” leading to a “finished product [that] works great!”
However, the praise is almost always accompanied by a crucial caveat. As one reviewer warns, “This is not a beginner DIY if you want it to turn out really good.” Many users emphasize the need for a well-equipped workshop, mentioning tools like table saws, drill presses, and sanders. This is not a simple assembly; it is a full-fledged woodworking project that demands “time, patience and accuracy.” The most common “negative” feedback isn’t a flaw in the product but a warning to future buyers about the required skill level and the additional costs for lumber, which can run into several hundred dollars. This transparency is valuable for setting realistic expectations.
How Does the Create-A-Bed Kit Compare to Other Bed Frames?
The Create-A-Bed Full Deluxe Vertical Murphy Bed Kit occupies a unique niche. It’s not a bed frame in the traditional sense, but a mechanism to build a transforming piece of furniture. Comparing it to standard bed frames highlights its specific purpose: ultimate space optimization. While other frames focus on aesthetics, simplicity, or budget, this kit’s sole purpose is to make a bed disappear.
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- UNDERBED CLEARANCE - A 14 inch platform features 12.4 inches of underbed space perfect for storing extra odds and ends
The ZINUS Lorelei is the antithesis of the Create-A-Bed project. It’s designed for maximum simplicity, speed, and affordability. You can assemble it in under an hour with a single included tool. It offers excellent under-bed storage but permanently occupies its floor space. This is the ideal choice for someone who needs a functional, sturdy bed frame immediately and on a tight budget, without any desire for a complex DIY project. If space-saving isn’t your primary concern and you value convenience over customization, the ZINUS Lorelei is a practical and economical alternative.
2. ZINUS Dori Upholstered Queen Bed Frame Wingback Headboard
- Sturdy wood slat and steel frame provides superior mattress support without the need for a box spring
- Padded wingback headboard offers an elegant, traditional style with modern charm
The ZINUS Dori prioritizes aesthetics and comfort. Its upholstered wingback headboard creates a cozy, luxurious focal point in a bedroom, something the utilitarian cabinet of a Murphy bed cannot do on its own. Assembly is still far simpler than building a Murphy bed, but the trade-off is a large, permanent piece of furniture. This frame is for someone whose primary goal is to create a stylish and comfortable traditional bedroom. It competes on visual appeal and comfort, whereas the Create-A-Bed kit competes on functionality and spatial efficiency.
3. VECELO Twin Loft Bed with Ladder
- 【Space-Saving】 The loft bed twin size design effectively utilizes vertical space and frees up the space under the bed. The 59"...
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The VECELO Loft Bed is another space-saving solution, but it achieves its goal differently. By elevating the mattress, it frees up the floor space underneath for a desk, seating, or storage. This is an excellent option for children’s rooms, dorms, or small studio apartments where you need to layer functions within the same footprint. However, it’s typically limited to smaller mattress sizes (like Twin) and isn’t as guest-friendly or discreet as a Murphy bed. It’s a more casual, utilitarian approach to space-saving compared to the elegant, concealed solution offered by the Create-A-Bed build.
Final Verdict: An Expert-Level Project with Professional-Grade Results
The Create-A-Bed Full Deluxe Vertical Murphy Bed Kit is, without a doubt, an exceptional product. It is not, however, for everyone. This is a serious woodworking project that demands skill, the right tools, and a significant time investment. If you are a novice DIYer or need a bed set up by this weekend, this is not the product for you. But for the dedicated hobbyist, the hands-on homeowner, or anyone who values craftsmanship and customization, this kit is an unparalleled value.
It empowers you to build a piece of high-quality, solid wood furniture for a fraction of the cost of a comparable pre-made unit. The hardware is commercial-grade, the instructions are superb, and the final result is a seamless, smooth-operating Murphy bed that completely transforms a room. It’s a challenging but deeply rewarding project that delivers on its promise of quality and durability. We wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone up for the challenge.
If you’ve decided the Create-A-Bed Full Deluxe Vertical Murphy Bed Kit is the right fit for your next home project, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API