How to make a pull out bed cabinet?

Elf90

Im wanting to make a large wall storage in a spare room with double height ceilings. In the storage unit I want a hidden fold out bed. See attached photos of an idea ive found.

It looks pretty easy to make, but id love ideas of what materials and hardware to buy to ensure its structurally fit to hold weight.

  

MitchellMc

Hi @Elf90,

The structural strength of your unit will really come down to how it’s built. For the panels, 9mm MDF sheeting would work well for most of the surfaces, provided you frame them out with solid pine timber. Something like 90x19 dressed pine could be used for the framing throughout the unit.

As long as the frame is designed to support the weight of the bed when it’s folded out, it should be strong enough. The key is that the strength comes from the framing rather than the sheet material itself. Looking at the pictures you’ve shared, the timbers don’t appear very large in size, but it’s the arrangement and framing of each piece that gives the unit its structural integrity.

For the fold-out mechanism, there are a few reliable hardware options to consider. For the hinge sections, you could either use standard door hinges or piano hinges. Using proper brackets and supports at the frame connection points will ensure the bed operates safely and lasts a long time. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell