How to Install a Murphy Bed on a Hardwood Floor

Assemble the bed box using the screws and fasteners provided with the bed. The bed box includes the front face of the bed, which will be face down on the floor during assembly. The box is four shallow sides with the front side having a fold-down leg. Usually, most beds have simple turn fasteners, screws and nuts, bolts and washers and all of the fasteners are provided.

Position the bed box on the hardwood floor at the location where you want to mount the bed. Place the side frames of the cabinet on the floor next to the bed box. Align the post of the side frame through the side hole in the bed box. Press the C-shaped clamp over the end of the post to secure the two pieces together. Repeat for the second side.

Attach the back side of the piston to the inward facing metal flange near the bottom of the bed box. Attach the front side of the piston to the post mount approximately 18 inches from the metal flange mounting position. Have a second person elevate the front of the bed box 6 inches in order to place the piston end over the mounting post. Some models of beds will have caps or pins to hold the pistons in place. Follow the directions for your specific bed type to secure your pistons properly.

Attach the top bridge panel. Align the panel with the stained face down or toward the bed box. Most bridge panels mount with L-shaped brackets and screws so that you can remove them later. Usually, there are three screws on each side.

Install the headboard. Place the headboard finish side toward the bed box. Screw the headboard to the bed box using the L-shaped brackets and fasteners provided. Some models will have a second cabinet facing that runs the full size of the bed box and is used to enhance the appearance of the finished unit. Install the base support board connecting the inside of the side panels together.

String the electrical wiring in the plastic wiring clips down the back edge of the side cabinet panel. Connect and plug in your wires to make sure the lights work properly.

Stand up the bed with a friend. Bring a ladder over so you are above the foot of the bed close to the mounting wall. Move a stud finder along the wall in the area where you are mounting the bed. Mark the locations of your studs. Some beds have a notch cut out for the baseboard along the back bottom edge of the sides of the cabinet. If yours doesn't, you can cut the baseboard or scribe and cut the cabinet. Fit the cabinet close to the wall. Climb the ladder and drill through the back top lip of the cabinet into the studs. Screw through the cabinet into the studs using long wood screws. You must use at least three screws into three different studs to secure the bed to the wall.

Attach the three pieces of crown molding together following the directions. Screw the crown molding to the top of the cabinet bridge using the screws provided.