How to Build a Murphy Door

Are you looking for a creative way to add more storage space and style to your home? Look no further than building a DIY Murphy door!

How to build a Murphy door is an excellent way to add functionality and style to your home. These hidden doors are designed to blend seamlessly into your space, doubling as bookshelves, storage units, or even decorative features while providing discreet access to a hidden room or storage area. Constructing a Murphy door may seem like a challenging project, but with the right tools, materials, and a step-by-step approach, it can be an achievable and rewarding task.

Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or tackling your first major project, this guide will help you create a custom Murphy door that suits your needs and enhances your home’s aesthetic.

What are the Benefits of a Murphy Door?

Before we dive into the building process, let’s explore the advantages of having a Murphy door in your home.

• Maximize Space: One of the most significant benefits of a Murphy door is its ability to save space. Using an existing doorway or creating one can conceal storage areas or rooms without sacrificing precious square footage.
• Versatility: With a Murphy door, you have endless design possibilities. You can use it as a bookshelf, pantry, wardrobe, or hidden entrance to a secret room.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Not only are Murphy doors functional and space-saving, but they also add an element of style to any room. With the right materials and design, you can turn a simple doorway into a beautiful feature in your home.
• Convenient Access: Murphy doors provide discreet access to hidden areas, making them perfect for rooms or storage spaces that you may not want on display at all times. They also eliminate the need for bulky doors that swing out and take up valuable space.

What Will You Need?

Before you begin building your Murphy door, gathering all the necessary tools and materials is essential. Here’s a list of items you’ll need:

• Tools: hammer, drill, saw, measuring tape, level, screwdriver
• Materials: wood boards or plywood sheets, hinges, screws, wood glue, nails
• Optional Materials: paint or stain for finishing touches

Once you have all your tools and materials ready, it’s time to start building your Murphy door!

8 Easy Steps on How to Build a Murphy Door

Step 1: Measure and Cut the Door Panels

Start by measuring the doorway where your Murphy door will be installed. Make sure to take accurate measurements for both the height and width of the opening. Once you have the correct dimensions, transfer these onto your wood boards or plywood sheets. Using a measuring tape and marking the measurements clearly is crucial to avoid mistakes during the cutting process.

Using a saw, cut the wood panels to match the dimensions you’ve marked. Ensure that your cuts are straight and smooth to avoid uneven edges, as these may affect the alignment and appearance of your Murphy door. If you’re using thicker wood boards, a circular saw or a table saw may be the best tools for achieving clean, precise cuts.

A jigsaw can work effectively on thinner plywood. Once all your panels are cut, double-check their measurements against the doorway to ensure they fit perfectly before moving on to the next step.

Step 2. Sanding and Preparing the Panels 

After cutting the panels, sanding them thoroughly is important to create a smooth surface. Use sandpaper or a power sander with a medium grit to remove any rough edges or imperfections on the wood.

Once you’ve sanded all the panels, wipe them clean with a damp cloth to remove any dust. Next, apply a coat of primer and sand again to achieve an even smoother finish. This step is optional but recommended for a professional-looking result.

Step 3: Assemble the Panels

To assemble the panels, lay them out on a flat, level surface in the order they will be used. This will help ensure proper alignment and give you a clear visual of the final structure.

Use wood glue along the edges of the panels to securely attach them. Be sure to apply an even layer of glue and press the panels firmly to avoid gaps. Clamps are highly recommended during this step to keep the panels tightly secured while the glue dries.

After the glue has set, reinforce the assembly by using screws or nails, depending on the type of wood and the weight of the panels. Drill pilot holes for screws to prevent the wood from cracking, and drive the screws evenly along the joints. For a cleaner appearance, consider counter-sinking the screws so they sit flush with the surface. If you opt for nails, use a nail gun for a more precise and efficient process.

Step 4: Add the Hinges

To add the hinges, start by determining the exact placement. Typically, hinges are placed equally near the top and bottom edges of the panel, with an additional hinge in the center for larger or heavier panels to provide extra stability.

Mark the hinge locations with a pencil and ensure they are correctly aligned on both the door and the frame for smooth operation. Next, use a chisel to create shallow recesses, or mortises, where the hinges will sit. This will allow them to lie flush with the wood surface and create a polished final look.

Once the mortises are prepared, position the hinges within the marked areas and drill pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting during installation. Secure the hinges with screws, tightening them firmly but cautiously to avoid stripping the screws or damaging the hinge.

Step 5: Install the Door Knob or Handle

Installing the door knob or handle is a crucial step that impacts both the functionality and aesthetic of the door. Begin by choosing a knob or handle that complements the door’s design and meets your functional needs.  Next, mark the center point for placement and use a hole saw or chisel to create a recess for the knob. If you prefer a handle instead of a knob, pre-drill holes for the screws before attaching it to the door.

Step 6: Attach Door Stopper

Attaching a door stopper is essential to protect both the door and the adjacent wall from damage caused by frequent opening and closing. Door stoppers come in various types, such as wall-mounted, hinge-mounted, or floor-mounted, so selecting the appropriate style for your space is essential.

Begin by positioning the door stopper at the desired location, ensuring it effectively prevents the door from hitting the wall or any obstructions. If you’re using a wall-mounted stopper, choose a spot on the wall that aligns with the door handle or edge. Position floor-mounted stoppers on the floor where the door makes contact when fully opened. Once you’ve marked the placement, securely fasten the stopper using screws or adhesive, depending on the type.

Step 7: Finish Your Door

Once the stopper is installed and securely in place, take a moment to inspect its functionality. Open and close the door a few times to ensure the stopper is effectively preventing the door from swinging too far or causing damage to the wall or surrounding fixtures.

If adjustments are needed, carefully reposition the stopper or tighten any loose screws. Additionally, check that the stopper’s material and finish complement the overall design of your space, as this final touch can elevate the aesthetic appeal of the installation. With the stopper adequately installed and functioning as intended, your door setup is now practical and visually cohesive.

Step 8: Install Hinge Covers (Optional)

If you want to conceal the hinges and achieve a seamless appearance, consider installing hinge covers over the exposed parts of the hinges. These come in various materials such as metal, plastic, or wood veneer, so choose one that complements your door’s design. Simply snap them over the hinges and ensure they are securely attached.

By following these steps, you can successfully install a Murphy door and transform any doorway into a functional and stylish part of your home.

5 Things You Should Avoid:

1. Using Incorrect Measurements: Precise measurements are crucial when constructing a Murphy door. Mistakes in sizing can lead to poor alignment, difficulty in operation, or a door that does not fit appropriately in the designated space.
2. Choosing Low-Quality Materials: The durability of your Murphy door depends heavily on the materials you select. Avoid using subpar wood, hinges, or hardware, as they can compromise the door’s functionality and longevity.
3. Neglecting Proper Weight Distribution: A Murphy door often incorporates shelving or storage, but failing to distribute weight evenly can cause strain on the hinges and lead to operational issues over time.
4. Skipping Reinforcements: If your door will bear significant weight or frequently use, ensure you adequately reinforce the frame and hinges. Avoiding reinforcements can result in structural weakness and shorter usability.
5. Overlooking Wall and Door Clearance: Ensure adequate clearance between the Murphy door and its surrounding walls or floor. Ignoring this step can result in friction, damage to the door, or hindered mobility.

Conclusion:

How to build a murphy door requires careful planning, precise measurements, and attention to detail.

You can create a functional and durable hidden door by avoiding common mistakes such as improper measurements, low-quality materials, and insufficient reinforcements. Remember to evenly distribute weight, ensure proper clearance, and invest in quality hardware for smooth operation and longevity.

Planning and executing each step carefully will result in a stylish and practical feature that enhances your space.