How to Install a Murphy Bed Without Drilling Into a Wall

Put together the floor base assembly. This is the framework that mounts directly to the floor and supports the weight and movement of the Murphy bed. Most assemblies are made of angled metal and bolted together to form an L-shape. The corners should be braced and all of the fasteners should be heavy bolts and star nuts.

Remove the carpet and padding beneath the floor base assembly. Cut the carpet and pad with a utility knife. When possible most manufacturers suggest mounting the assembly directly to the subfloor. For other installations you may need to purchase longer bolts to meet the manufacturer's requirements for safety and operation.

Position the front of the frame 14 inches or more from the wall and centered in the location where you want the bed. Mark the location of your floor fasteners. Remove the frame. Drill 5/16-inch holes in concrete floors. Insert the metal sleeve floor anchor provided with the kit, so that the sleeve is flush with the floor. For wood floors drill a 5/16-inch pilot hole designed for 2-1/2-inch wood lag screws and washers.

Position the assembly over the drilled holes. If you are mounting inside a closet, attach your springs before mounting the assembly. Follow your manufacturer's directions for the exact placement of springs on your model. Attach the fasteners to the assembly and floor. Most manufacturers suggest a specific order for installing the bolts and tightening them. Start furthest away from the wall. Tighten one bolt on the left and then move to the right. Move back and forth between the sides until you tighten all of the bolts.

Put together your bed frame following the directions of your bed manufacturer. The bed frame is usually a simple ladder shape made from similar angled metal to the floor base assembly. The bed frame also uses bolts and star nuts. Turn the frame right side up and attach the mattress stop to the foot of the frame. Attach the U-shaped adjustable foot following the directions of the manufacturer.

Stand up the bed frame with the mattress side facing the wall. Position the bed frame over the floor base assembly. Attach the frame to the floor base by bolting the two assemblies together. Usually there are at least four bolting locations. Attach the loose end of the springs to the floor base assembly using a vise grip. Most beds will call for you to attach these earlier as noted in the steps above.

Lower the bed frame, unfold the U-shaped leg and rest the leg on the floor. Position the mattress on the frame and strap the mattress to the frame using the belts provided. Check that the leg is level on the floor. Adjust the leg following the manufacturer's directions. Return the bed to vertical and attach the remaining springs.