How to Disassemble a Murphy Bed

Murphy Bed Disassembly Guide

An important note on Manufacturer Manuals

Before beginning this process, always locate your original manufacturer's instruction manual and follow your manuals guidance. Because lifting mechanisms and mounting hardware vary significantly between brands, the absolute safest and most accurate way to disassemble your specific Murphy bed is to open that manual and follow the installation disassembly guide or the instructions steps in reverse if no specific guide exists.

If your manual is lost or unavailable please contact the the manufacturer to get a copy of your manual, this is critical. This generic guide provides the standard sequence and critical safety protocols required to take down most standard Murphy beds but murphy beds can vary and it is important to locate your manual.

Disassembling a Murphy bed requires careful attention to safety, as the lifting mechanisms (i.e., pistons) are under immense tension. Follow this guide closely to ensure a safe disassembly process.

We strongly suggest hiring a professional to disassemble murphy beds.

CRITICAL SAFETY WARNINGS

  • High Tension Hazard: The pistons carry heavy tension designed to lift the weight of the mattress and heavy face panels. Once the mattress or face panels are removed, the frame will want to violently snap shut.

  • Always Hold the Frame: You must have someone securely hold the bed frame down while removing the mattress and face panels so it does not abruptly close up and cause severe injury.

  • Do Not Unmount Early: The main cabinet must stay securely mounted to the wall while removing the face panels and the lifting mechanism. Never unmount the cabinet first.

  • Manpower Required: Do not attempt this alone. You will need a minimum of 3 capable adults to safely manage the weight and tension.

Tools & Personnel Required

  • Personnel: 3 adults (1 to work tools, 2 to firmly hold the bed frame).

  • Tools: Screwdrivers, Allen keys/hex wrenches, socket wrench set (sizes will vary by model), safety glasses, and step stools if needed.

Smart suggestions

  • Photograph: Take photos throughout so you remember how to re-assemble later

  • Organize: Place hardware into container or plastic zip bags and label well.

Step-by-Step Disassembly Instructions

Step 1: Remove the Mattress

  1. Lower the Murphy bed into the open (sleeping) position.

  2. Assign two people to firmly hold the metal/wood bed frame down. As soon as the mattress is removed, the lifting mechanism will try to pull the bed closed.

  3. Unbuckle any mattress retaining straps.

  4. Carefully slide the mattress off the frame (or partially off) and move it out of the way so you can access the frame. It is critical that the designated helpers maintain a strong downward grip on the frame during this process.

Step 2: Remove the Face Panels (Consult your original manual!)

  1. 2 people should keep holding the frame. With the mattress gone (or partially off), the upward pull from the pistons will be much stronger. Some users might find it helpful to rest the mattress on part of the frame to help keep some weight on it while still being able to access part of the exposed frame.

  2. While your helpers hold the frame steady, use your screwdriver or drill to unscrew and detach the decorative face panels from the underside of the bed frame.

  3. Carefully set the heavy panels aside.

  4. With 2 people, raise the bed frame up and let it rest inside the cabinet

Step 3: Remove the Lifting Mechanism (Pistons)

Note: The bed cabinet must remain fully mounted and secured to the wall during this entire step.

  1. Depending on your specific model, the bed frame may need to be in a specific position to relieve the remaining tension on the pistons. Consult your manufacturer's manual if available. Typically pistons will slide off of most Murphy beds when the frame is set upright and inset inside the cabinet.

  2. Carefully detach the pistons or unhook the pistons from the mounting brackets. (consult your manual)

  3. Keep fingers clear of pinch points. Once the mechanism is detached, the frame will suddenly become heavy, as it is no longer supported by the lifting hardware.

Step 4: Safely Lower the Bed Frame

  1. With the lifting mechanism completely removed, the bed frame will now carry its full, unsupported dead weight.

  2.  With 2 people, carefully and slowly lower the bed frame to the floor.

  3. Remove the hardware that attaches the bed frame to the cabinet and remove the frame.

Step 5: Unmount the Cabinet from the Wall

Note: Only perform this step after the face panels, mattress, and lifting mechanisms and bed frame have been completely removed.

  1. Locate the L-brackets, toggles, or screws securing the main wooden Murphy bed cabinet to your wall studs.

  2. Have 2 people hold the cabinet steady to prevent it from tipping forward.

  3. Remove the anchoring screws from the wall.

  4. Carefully pull the cabinet away from the wall.

Step 6: Lowering the Cabinet

  1. Place blankets or towels on the ground ready to accept the lowered down cabinet.

  2. With at least 3 people, (check your manual for guidance!) lower the heavy cabinet to the floor.

Step 7: Dis-assembly 

  1. Carefully take apart your cabinet

  2. Place hardware into containers

  3. Blanket wrap your panels for transport