After countless DMs asking about my space-saving solution, I'm so excited to finally kick off Part 1 of my DIY queen Murphy bed build! If you're like me and dreaming of reclaiming floor space, especially in a smaller home or guest room, a horizontal queen Murphy bed is an absolute game-changer. I remember agonizing over how to fit a comfortable queen bed without sacrificing my living area, and this project was the perfect answer. It's a big project, but totally doable with a bit of planning and the right tools. Before diving into cuts, the most crucial step is meticulous planning. For a queen size bed, you'll need to consider the exact dimensions of your mattress and the specific space where the bed will be installed. I spent hours sketching and re-sketching to ensure everything would fit perfectly when folded away, leaving enough clearance. When it comes to materials, high-quality plywood is your best friend here. For the main cabinet and bed frame, I opted for cabinet-grade plywood – typically 3/4 inch thick – as it offers excellent stability and a smooth finish suitable for painting or staining. Don't skimp on this; it's the backbone of your bed! You'll also need various other wood pieces for internal bracing and trim, along with a robust queen Murphy bed mechanism (spring-loaded or piston-based) specific to a horizontal setup. Measuring twice, cutting once is truly the mantra for this phase, especially when dealing with large sheets of plywood. Beyond the plywood, consider the hardware. A high-quality Murphy bed mechanism is non-negotiable for a queen bed – these systems are specifically designed to handle the weight and ensure smooth, safe operation. I invested in a piston-lift mechanism for its reliability and quiet function. Don't forget essential tools like wood screws, wood glue, clamps, a powerful drill, a reliable measuring tape, and a long level. For cutting large sheets of plywood accurately, a good circular saw with a straight edge guide or even a table saw can save you a lot of grief. I also highly recommend a stud finder, as proper wall anchoring is critical for safety – your cabinet will need to be securely fastened to wall studs. Thinking about the final finish now can also save time later; will you paint, stain, or veneer? This impacts the type of plywood you might choose. For this first part, we're going to focus on building the main cabinet box that will house the bed frame when it's closed. This is essentially the outer shell. I started by cutting my plywood sheets according to my detailed plans for the top, bottom, and side panels of the cabinet. Accuracy is key! I used a circular saw with a guide to get perfectly straight cuts. Once the pieces were cut, I assembled the cabinet using wood glue and screws, ensuring every joint was square and sturdy. This isn't just a simple bed frame; it's a piece of furniture that needs to withstand repeated use, so strong joinery is paramount. Think of it as creating a very robust, shallow box that will be securely anchored to your wall. I found that having a second person to help hold the large plywood pieces in place during assembly made a huge difference. When constructing the main cabinet, I focused on creating a perfectly square and level foundation. Any slight misalignment here will cause issues later when the bed needs to pivot smoothly. I used corner clamps to hold pieces firmly while drilling pilot holes and driving screws. Before committing to final assembly, I dry-fitted everything to ensure a snug fit. This initial cabinet structure is what defines the overall footprint and stability of your horizontal queen Murphy bed. It's where the journey into maximizing your space truly begins, transforming a cramped area into a versatile room. Next, we’ll tackle the actual bed frame that will fold up and down, but cementing this outer shell is your first major victory!