Here you will learn the step-by-step process of how to set up and install round tube old-up legs on the side rails of your DIY Murphy bed. You need to decide if you want to leave the footer end of your bedside rails parts D, square or round it as in the photos below.
Regardless of which one you choose, the installation process is the same for both set-ups.
We recommend you to refer to the construction guide, book #2 to assist you with the steps presented here.
We currently offer the newly designed square tube fold-up legs.
Option 1 : You can leave the footer end of your side rails square as in the photo. This requires no cutting and sanding.
You will still use the template to mark and drill the holes to set up the leg plate for both legs.
You will need to use the template to mark, round and drill the holes to set up the leg plate for both legs.
If you do not want to round the footer ends your side rails, you do not need to cut the circle on the template.
Make sure you line up the template properly on the side rails. Improper set up of the template on the wood will cause your leg plates to be mounted off mark. This could cause issues with proper functioning of the legs.
You can use tape to hold the template to the side rails as in the photo.
If you want to leave the footer ends square then SKIP this step and proceed to step 4.
NOTE: We opted to leave the side rail end square for the rest of the following steps.
Tip: You can also use a small drill bit to drill a pilot hole in the center of the cross lines.
Do not drill all the way through the side rail.
The nut in the center of the plate should fit into the 1/2″ diameter hole you drilled in step 5.
The other three 1/4″ diameter holes should line up with the holes on the leg plate.
If they dont will will have to make some adjustments by making the 3 holes on the side rail a little larger.
This step shows you where the screws and leg stopper that came with the hardware kit is supposed to go.
NOTE: We don’t recommend you attach the folding legs to the bed frame side rails at this time because it will interfere with the rest of the construction process of the bed frame and some of the assembly steps. You will attach them later at the end of the assembly process as outlined in the assembly book #3. Repeat steps 1 to 8 to set up the right leg plate on the right side bed frame rail part D. Get Your Easy DIY Murphy Bed
Frequently Asked Questions
What are round tube fold-up legs used for on a Murphy bed?
Round tube fold-up legs support the foot of the Murphy bed when it is in the open position and fold away neatly when the bed is stored upright. They are designed to work seamlessly with the Easy DIY Murphy Bed Hardware Kit, providing stability without taking up extra floor space when the bed is closed.
Do I need to round the ends of my side rails to install the legs?
Rounding the side rail ends is optional and comes down to personal preference. You can leave the footer ends square with no cutting, or round them for a softer look. Both setups install the same way using the template included with your Easy DIY Murphy Bed Hardware Kit, so functionality is not affected.
Why is the pink template so important during installation?
The pink template ensures accurate hole placement for the leg plates, which is critical for smooth folding and proper alignment. Incorrect positioning can cause the legs to bind or sit unevenly. Using the template provided with your Murphy Bed Hardware Kit helps prevent installation issues and keeps everything operating correctly.
What tools are required to install Murphy bed fold-up legs?
Basic woodworking tools are all you need, including a drill, drill bits, and optionally a jigsaw if you choose to round the rail ends. The Easy DIY Murphy Bed Hardware Kit includes the folding legs, plates, cap nuts, and fasteners, making the process manageable for most DIY builders.
When should the fold-up legs be attached to the bed frame?
The fold-up legs should be installed near the end of the build, not during the early frame assembly. Attaching them too soon can interfere with other construction steps. Following the sequence outlined in the Easy DIY Murphy Bed assembly guides ensures the Murphy Bed Hardware performs properly and remains backed by the lifetime warranty.