Wall Beds and What They’re Made Of
In today’s wall bed market there are a number of wood materials wall beds are constructed out of. Four of the main materials used in constructing a wall bed are Particle Board, MDF Board, Ply Wood, and Solid Wood. Each material has unique qualities that lend themselves to the operation, structure or appearance of your wall bed. Each material type is outlined below to give you a better understanding of why it is used, what it is best used for, and what to look for when choosing your perfect wall bed.
Particle Board is an engineered material used primarily for exterior furniture surfaces. It is composed of highly compressed wood pieces, or particles, which gives the material its name. In wall beds, particle board’s chief use is for exterior surfaces, because its guarantees a smooth surface and is less likely to warp or crack over time. Particle board strength is measured by its PSI, which gauges the quality of the particles used as well as the overall quality and strength of the board as a whole. A cheaper product will be composed of cheaper particles, and therefore have a lower PSI. Industrial strength particle board is much stronger, and has a much higher PSI rating. One thing to note is that particle board may contain amounts of formaldehyde, and it is important to be aware of this when furniture will be used in nurseries, or other highly sensitive spaces. Newer age particle board does not utilize formaldehyde in its construction so be sure to ask when purchasing a wall bed that has particle board components.
MDF is a material similar to particle board and has the same usage as an exterior surface wood since it results in a smoother surface and is less likely to warp and crack. MDF, however, is a much more refined product than particle board. It is also composed of wood particles, but they are much, much smaller than those that particle board is comprised of. Because of this, MDF has a slightly smoother texture than particle board. Consequently, this decrease in particle size makes MDF a much heavier product than particle board. This increases its structural use, but also makes your wall bed much heavier, which can be a hindrance when installing or moving your wall bed.
Plywood is a material that is generally stronger as a structural material than particle board or MDF. Plywood is constructed of several thin layers of wood, and can also be called layered board. The wood used to create the layers in plywood is generally B grade wood, which individually would not be strong enough for use, but when layered together creates a much stronger material. Use of plywood minimizes the chance of warping, which makes it desirable for exterior surfaces of a wall bed, as well as interior. Be cautious when selecting a wall bed that utilizes plywood as a main structural component, however, as knots in the wood layers can create instability. If one layer of the ply wood has a knot, it creates a point of weakness that can be transferred throughout the wood.
Solid Wood is the material that is most used in wall beds for structural composition. This is the strongest material available, and is consequently the material used most often for the most important part of the wall bed: the structure. Solid wood is generally not used as an exterior material for several reasons. Solid wood can naturally warp, leading to visual imperfections which decrease the overall appearance and structural performance of your wall bed. It is also difficult to guarantee and align specific grain patterns when using solid wood. Wall beds that utilize solid wood as their main structural material will be extremely strong, but for aesthetic purposes solid wood is not recommended as an exterior surface.
Deciding what you want your wall bed to be made of brings you one step closer to knowing which wall bed is perfect for you. Once you know the materials, the next step is to choose how your wall bed looks. We look forward to seeing you next week for our post “Wall Bed Exteriors: Veneers and Melamine.”
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brichmond
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Vertical Wall Beds versus Horizontal Wall Beds
When you have decided on which type of mounting is the best option for your home, the next factor to consider is the spatial alignment of your wall bed. While looking at all of your options, it is important to evaluate not only the floor space that you have available for the wall bed to operate in, but the wall and ceiling space as well. There are two wall bed configurations to consider and each one lends itself to different space arrangements.
Vertical wall bed systems are the more traditional, upright wall beds. In this configuration, the wall bed is stored vertically, and lowered into the room so that the length of the bed is perpendicular to the wall. This style of wall bed requires ceilings that are high enough to accommodate a fully upright bed. It is also important to note the amount of room allowed for the wall bed’s projection into the room once the wall bed is engaged. Whatever the height of the wall bed is while in its vertical storage position will then be translated into the floor space occupied when the wall bed is engaged. Vertical wall beds lend themselves nicely to utilizing accompanying storage units, such as vertical bookcases, without interrupting the visual line of the room.
Horizontal wall bed systems are ideal for rooms that have lower ceilings, such as rooms in the basement or attic of a home. These wall beds require enough wall space for the full length of the wall bed, as it is essentially a vertical wall bed turned ninety degrees. The projection of this style of wall bed into the room will be more shallow than that of a vertically standing wall bed, but will consequently be wider. Horizontal wall beds lend themselves nicely to rooms utilizing lower height storage units, such as desks or nightstands.
Determining the space you would like your wall bed to occupy is a large step in on the road to making a final decision. It impacts not only the specific wall bed that you choose, but also the company from which you place an order, the accompanying furniture of the room, and eventually the feel that your room will have. Join us next week as we continue to help you on your way to choosing the wall bed that is right for you with our fifth post, “Wall Beds and What They Are Made Of”.
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brichmond
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Murphy Bed Mounting Options: Floor vs. Wall
Once you have decided on what type of mechanism you would like your Murphy Bed to utilize (read Deciphering the Mechanism Market below to learn more), the next step is to consider the way in which the bed will be mounted in your home. There are two ways to install a Murphy Bed.
Some systems require that the unit be drilled into the floor of the room. These are generally systems that rely on spring mechanisms. Mounting a Murphy Bed unit into the floor provides grounded stability and truly makes your Murphy Bed a fixture in your home, but it is important to note the long-term effects of mounting on your floor. Most floor-mount systems call for a solid mounting surface, requiring any carpeting to be cut away which can permanently damage your floor. In addition to marking your floors, floor mount systems are difficult, if not impossible to move once installed. There are several Murphy Bed manufacturers that offer a “false floor” option, where the Murphy Bed is attached to a specifically cut piece of plywood, which is then attached to the wall or baseboards. This option is ideal for those who have settled on a Murphy Bed requiring floor mounting, but want to preserve the appearance of their flooring.
Systems that require the Murphy Bed be mounted to the wall are most commonly used with piston mechanisms. Mounting to the wall provides a much less permanent fixture in your home, as wall mount systems can be easily moved and incur very little damage to the structure of your room. The most common way in which a Murphy Bed is mounted to the wall is by locating three studs, and then attaching the back panel of the Murphy Bed to those studs with the use of a drill. Utilizing studs in your wall creates a stable foundation for your Murphy Bed. It also allows you to reposition your Murphy Bed if need be later on. When deciding on a wall mounted Murphy Bed, take into consideration the wall you will be using. Is it made of sheet rock, concrete or bricks? While most manufacturers provide solutions for all types of walls, certain wall types will require additional installation steps.
Deciding between floor mount and wall mount styles of Murphy Beds, and how they best fit into your home is an important choice. Be sure to investigate all of your options early on in your decision making process, and when you have decided which style is right for you, you will be one step closer to enjoying your Murphy Bed. We look forward to seeing you next week for the third post in our series, “Utilizing Your Space: Horizontal vs. Vertical Murphy Beds.”
By,
brichmond
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Deciphering the Murphy Bed Mechanism Market
When you decide to add a Murphy Bed into your home, determining exactly what you want and where to find it can seem a daunting task. It is important to consider each aspect of a Murphy Bed individually, to ensure that the product you purchase is exactly what you are looking for. One of the first factors to take into consideration when determining what type of Murphy Bed is right for you is the mechanism used. The mechanism in a Murphy Bed is the most basic element of its construction, as the mechanism dictates nearly all of the facets of the bed’s structure. There are several different types of mechanisms, as well as a number of manufacturers for each type. The two main varieties of Murphy Bed mechanisms are spring mechanisms and piston mechanisms. Each style has unique qualities, and can be essential in your decision making process.
Spring mechanisms are part of the traditional Murphy Bed system. They usually consist of a heavy duty compressed steel spring system that may or may not be concealed within the frame of the Murphy Bed. When not concealed within the framework, the spring mechanism is sent to you separately of the metal framework and any other cabinetry, requiring installation on the part of the customer. When concealed within the framework, the spring mechanism may require specialized cabinetry, such as bi-fold doors, which can hinder the use of other storage pieces adjacent to the Murphy Bed. Spring mechanisms are counter balanced, and enhance the ease of lowering and lifting your Murphy Bed. These springs may require adjustment after several years of use, as the springs can fatigue and stretch over time. This fatigue may lead to the Murphy Bed sagging out of the frame if not adjusted. The ability to adjust the mechanism does, however, give you the opportunity to dictate the level of tension in the springs, which is impossible in systems utilizing piston mechanisms. Some of the main spring mechanism manufacturers include Sico, Veritas Spring, Universal Wall Beds, WBS Mechanisms and Selby.
The second main type of mechanism used in Murphy Bed systems is the piston mechanism. These pistons generally utilize either gas or air pressure in their function, and provide generous support when raising and lowering the Murphy Bed. A benefit to choosing a Murphy Bed that operates with a piston mechanism is the use of a locking device. Many Murphy Beds with a piston mechanism employ a locking mechanism as part of their composition to ensure that the Murphy Bed is lowered correctly. These locks also secure the Murphy Bed inside of the cabinet when not in use. Murphy Bed systems that utilize piston mechanism experience a much lower possibility of fatigue and sagging, which significantly extends the longevity of the product. These mechanisms require no adjustment, and are concealed within the frame of the Murphy Bed. Because pistons cannot be adjusted, however, proper installation is crucial to promote the longevity of the mechanism, as piston mechanisms cannot be adjusted once installed. Some of the main piston mechanism manufacturers include Create-A-Bed, Veritas Spring, and Liftco.
Determining which type of Murphy Bed mechanism is right for you and your home can seem a difficult task. It is important to take your time when deciding, and to explore all of the possible options. We hope that the above information serves as a helpful resource in your decision process. We look forward to seeing you next week for the second post in our series, “Murphy Bed Mounting Options: Floor vs. Wall”
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brichmond
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What Is A Murphy Bed?
A Murphy Bed, also known as a wall bed, folding bed, or hide-a-bed is a functional furniture piece that can transform any room into a bedroom instantly. How? In its most basic form, a Murphy Bed is a bed that is contained vertically but can be lowered quickly and easily into a fully functional bed when needed. These beds are able to utilize vertical space to store a bed without consuming valuable floor space. Therefore, they are the perfect addition to a craft room that you would like to have double as a guest bedroom or for smaller bedrooms that have limited floor space.
The Murphy Bed market has grown in the past decade as people either downsize their homes or decide to make better use of their existing floor space. With more and more companies offering this unique bed style, it can be difficult to navigate through the many options now available. It is our goal to educate you, the buyer, on the things you should take into consideration before you make an investment in a Murphy Bed. As such, each week we will be posting a new article on the different factors that go into choosing and buying a Murphy Bed. The articles will cover pivotal topics such as the types of mechanisms and materials used to build Murphy Beds, finishes and styles available, company characteristics to watch for, and finally, delivery and installation procedures. These posts are compiled and provided by Old Creek Wall Bed Factory, however, they are intended to provide unbiased information.* It is our hope that you will find them useful in your search for the ideal Murphy Bed.
See you next week with the first post of our series, “Deciphering the Murphy Bed Mechanism Market”.
*Please note that each company is unique in its policies and product. The information we are providing is simply a summary based on the general Murphy Bed market.
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brichmond
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Our new Hudson Murphy Bed!
We are excited to announce the debut of our newest Murphy bed, the Hudson. The handcrafted Hudson Murphy wall bed is the epitome of style and our most quality wall bed to date.
The Hudson Murphy bed looks and feels handmade – because it is! Each Hudson Murphy bed is intricately handcrafted with detailed trim work and a six step finishing process that transforms it from an ordinary wall bed to a centerpiece you can be proud to display in your home. Our Hudson queen wall beds are built to order with maple or oak wood (in honey or cherry finish) to match the décor of any room in your home.
The elegant Hudson wall bed complements any room it is in. Visitors will have no idea the beautiful centerpiece of your office or study is actually a wall bed until you pull it down for the night. They will continue to be astounded when they actually sleep in the Hudson. The Hudson wall bed is comfortable yet sturdy; not wobbly like beds from discount stores such as IKEA (which you have to build yourself!).
The Hudson wall bed transforms any room in your home, including your home office, into a guest room – and vice-versa! The Hudson wall bed takes the large, overwhelming bed out of your guestroom and gives you the freedom to turn the room into an office, study, craft room or other usable space you’ve always wanted. We also offer hand-finished desks to match your Hudson wall bed and bring further functionality and quality construction to your office/guest room.
We have heard from many satisfied clients letting us know of the convenience of our Murphy beds, and the Hudson is no exception. The kids no longer have to bum it on the couch when they’re in town; you can convert your office, craft room or study into a guest room with the Hudson Murphy bed. With the ease and convenience of this wall bed you install the wall bed in virtually any room in your home or condo.
Before you invest in a costly room addition or renovation to prepare for guests visiting in the upcoming holiday season, consider our new Hudson Murphy bed. It can increase the value and utility of your home significantly without the inconvenience and cost.
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sghiassy
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Happy Customers
Heres another positive response from one of our customers. We love these!
But on another note, for all of our prospective customers who have red fir floors, our Oak / Cherry Finish Murphy Beds match “perfectly”!
“Thank you so much for all your effort and good service! The bed and towers are just beautiful in my loft! and the color is perfect with my red fir floors. …..I would recommend your wall beds wholeheartedly to anyone.
Thank you, deb”
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sghiassy
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Greg Adamsom’s In-house Pictures
Our commitment to the best customer service coupled with quality products sure is paying off.
We just received pictures from Greg Adamsom who was kind enough to write us a letter, take some pictures of his order and send them in. So we wanted to take the time to share them with you.
Here is his letter
I am very pleased with the furniture I have received from Old Creek Wall Bed Factory and I’d like to compliment your company on doing a great job. Good furniture, like a good haircut, looks natural and fantastic. The beautiful wall bed, tower, corner desk, and custom dresser compliment my home and have transformed a tiny 10’ x 10’ bedroom into a light, bright, and airy fully efficient quest bedroom & office.
I’ve been a California real estate broker selling homes since 1979 and since 1986 I’ve bean a Realtor with the Century 21 System. I’ve completed more than a thousand transactions, mostly in working class tracts in North Orange County and I’ve seen hundreds of home improvement projects. Across the nation, between 1948 and 1960 more than 30 million small tract-homes were built to accommodate our retiring veterans after World War II. Whether the home was a 750 sq. foot 2 bed/ 1 bath or a 1200 sq. foot 4 bed/ 2 bath home they all had one thing in common: small bedrooms! Almost all of these early tract-homes had at least one or two dinky bedrooms that were 10’ x 10’ or 11’ x 12’. The tiny bedrooms haven’t gotten any larger in the past half century and people need to get more use from small bedrooms. Most of these homes were built with beautiful hardwood floors that compliment the traditional design integrated in your furniture. The quality furniture that you design and build is perfect for these homes and increases the value and utility dramatically. It is a far better solution than a costly room addition or having to move to a larger home in today’s topsy-turvy real estate market.
I’d like to wish you all the best. I’ve sent some photos of the completed room for you to use so people can see how it all sets out. From my many years of experience, I can assure you that the custom furniture you provide is one of the most valuable home improvements a homeowner can make!
Sincerely,
Greg Adamsom
And here are his pictures
Thanks again Greg
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sghiassy
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Another Satisfied Customer
We love receiving positive customer comments. Its something we really strive for and its rewarding to see that it gets noticed. In case you haven’t read our commitment to customer service make sure to read this post.
But recently we received a comment from Bill & LuAnne M. Here are some excerpts of the email they sent us regarding their recent Murphy Bed order.
“I have attached some pictures of how the room worked out. We are very happy with how well everything fit into the small room. The room is now very usable as both an office and guest bedroom.”
“I want to thank you again for your wonderful customer support. You guys are AAA+ in my book. I have given you website address to a couple people who seem to be somewhat interested. I have and will continue to recommend you to any of my friends. Your products are wonderful.”Thanks again
Bill”
Thanks a lot Bill, we really really appreciate it.
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sghiassy
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Murphy Beds by Realtors
Recently we were featured in Greg Adamson’s newsletter on the benefits of adding a Murphy Bed to your home and getting dual-use out of your room. This is a great idea and we thank him for his recommendation. Below you will find an except of his newsletter
“A fellow in San Francisco named Murphy invented the first wall bed more than a hundred years ago for a studio apartment. The original “Murphy Bed” used springs and required constant adjustment. The modern wall beds use state-of-the-art piston lift mechanisms that never need adjustments and will work flawlessly for many years. Most homes in West Fullerton have at least a couple tiny 10’ x11’ bedrooms where the use of a wall bed can dramatically improve the usefulness of the room. A small guest bedroom is often wasted space because a bed that is infrequently used is taking up precious floor space. The wall bed is available when you need it and is tucked away when you don’t. It only takes up 16” of wall space so you can still get good use from the room. I’ve recently integrated a wall bed with side-tower, complementary corner computer desk, and custom dresser from the Wall-Bed-Factory. If you have a mechanical aptitude and enjoy woodworking you may want to get the plans for a wall bed and all the hardware for only $299 at www.createabed.com and build it yourself. Or, if you don’t have a mechanical aptitude, you can buy the finished product and have it shipped to your home in 3-4 weeks by Old Creek Wall Bed Factory. Their website is www.wallbedfactory.com or you can call them for a free brochure at 1-800-975-8451. These folks have done an excellent job of working out all the details. When it arrived, John Prunean, a local contractor 714-277-7333, installed the wall bed in less than an hour. We are delighted with the furniture from the Wall Bed Factory. It made our smallest bedroom useful and I’m confident many people in West Fullerton will get more enjoyment and use from their existing homes with this special furniture designed to make the most of small bedrooms. Because it uses standard size mattresses, we bought a mattress from Custom Comfort Mattress in Fullerton with a latex toper to go into the wall bed frame. Nowadays, it is smart to get double-duty from ever room.”
Greg Adamson is located near Fullerton, California. Make sure to give him a call on his business line at 714-738-1600 or on his pager at 714-764-8880.
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sghiassy
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