Adding a Murphy bed completely transforms your home’s functionality and atmosphere. Any room in the house can quickly become a sleeping spot, whether a family member has a small space or you’re hosting loved ones. However, you might feel torn between hiring a professional service or putting the bed in yourself.
Which approach delivers the most sturdy and long-lasting result? Can beginners build and install a Murphy bed? We’ll answer these questions and more to help you make an informed decision between hiring a professional or handling a DIY Murphy bed installation.
Cost Considerations: Tools, Materials, and Time
DIY Approach
A DIY Murphy bed installation might seem to cost nothing, but you will need certain tools to complete the job. These include:
- Ratchet with 8-mm, 11-mm, and 13-mm sockets
- Phillips screwdriver (or cordless screwdriver with Phillips bit)
- Regular screwdriver
- Stud finder
- Tape measure
- 6-foot ladder
- 13-mm open-end wrench
If you don’t already own the tools, you will have to buy or rent them, raising the cost of the installation. Plus, your time is valuable, so factor that into what you will spend on the job.
Professional Service
Professional installation includes all of the above tools and materials. Seasoned staff with several years of experience will know exactly what’s needed to get the job done.
Instead of struggling to estimate the cost of a DIY Murphy bed, contact a professional to get a straightforward quote so you can easily stay within your budget. The average installation cost is between $250 and $500.
Project Complexity: The Skills You’ll Need
DIY Approach
A Murphy bed is more complex than a standard mattress and frame because it can transform into a cabinet or desk. Because of this, setup projects range from intermediate to advanced in complexity.
We don’t recommend that beginners try a DIY Murphy bed project as the risk of issues is high, potentially resulting in safety risks. Building and installing a Murphy bed involves several steps that must be very closely followed for success. You need to be familiar with reading instructions, prepping, painting, construction, and cabinetry alignment, among other tasks.
Seemingly small mistakes can become big problems later. Overlooking important details like stud placement or wall mounting could affect the bed’s structural integrity, causing it to tilt or fall over.
Professional Approach
A professional service will handle all the design, measuring, and construction during the installation process. Instead of worrying that you accidentally placed a screw in the wrong part of the wall or struggling to line up your wood planks, you can sit back while a skilled installer takes care of every step with ease.
At Wilding Wallbeds, our simple ordering process allows you to customize your purchase and have your new bed sent straight to your home. It will only take a few hours to assemble with clear instructions, including video tutorials.
Time and Effort
DIY Approach
A very experienced carpenter might be able to put together a DIY Murphy bed in a few hours or days. However, someone with intermediate skills could take a few weeks or a few months to do the same.
Finding time to build and install your bed while balancing other obligations can feel impossible. If you have work, school, or children to care for, the time and effort required for a DIY Murphy bed installation may be too demanding.
Professional Approach
Hiring a skilled and qualified professional to build your bed frees your schedule to focus on other tasks. Even better, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that the job is getting done right the first time.
Our lead time for a customized Murphy bed is eight to nine weeks, plus an additional two or three weeks for shipping. If you want your Murphy bed faster, we also provide several pre-assembled options that ship in one to three weeks and complement various interior design styles.
Warranty and Long-Term Value
DIY Approach
A voided warranty is one of the biggest risks of a DIY Murphy bed installation. While DIY kits may offer some warranty protection for certain pieces if they’re defective, a manufacturer can deny a claim based on improper installation.
Professional Approach
A professionally installed Murphy bed is typically covered under the warranty provided. Wilding Wallbeds provides detailed limited warranty coverage for furniture, lift mechanisms, power devices, and more, so you can feel confident in your purchase.
Who Should Try a DIY Murphy Bed Installation Project?
Those most well-suited to a DIY approach include individuals with skills rated at intermediate to experienced and several past projects under their belts. The unique challenges of installing a Murphy bed could prove a satisfying challenge that puts your skills to the test.
Who Should Get a Professional to Install a Murphy Bed?
If you’re a beginner to DIY projects, a professional installation will be far less stressful than trying to follow complex instructions. Bed installation services are also ideal for older homeowners with mobility issues. If you aren’t experienced with building and installing this type of bed, it’s best to leave it in the hands of someone who is.
One of the most common questions we get at Wilding Wallbeds is whether DIY or a professional service is best. While both approaches have pros and cons, we highly recommend letting a qualified technician handle the hard parts to save time and money while protecting yourself and anyone who uses the bed.
Enjoy a Safe and Functional Murphy Bed from Wilding Wallbeds
When you turn to Wilding Wallbeds, a specialized Murphy bed manufacturer, you set the stage for a high-quality, long-lasting bed and desk that holds up to several years of usage. For years, our passionate team has combined artisan, handcrafted techniques with cutting-edge technology to create Murphy beds that last.
Whether you’re building it yourself or calling in the pros, make sure your Murphy bed setup starts with the right plan. Explore our installation resources today.