Roll-Away Office Bed

Materials:

• Twin mattress, size 39 inches x 75 inches
• 4 sheets medium- density fiberboard (MDF)
• 10 feet frame molding
• 10 feet 1/2-inch wood trim
• Wood glue
• Wood screws
• 1-1/2 yards quilt batting
• 2 yards upholstery fabric
• 4 wheels or rollers
• Locking latch
• Piano hinge
• 2 locking safety hinges for desktop support
• Sandpaper, paint
• Safety glasses
• Table saw
• Miter saw
• Power drill and screwdriver
• Staple gun and staples
• Scissors

1. Construct a platform for a twin-size mattress approximately 2 inches larger than the mattress size and desired height. If using box springs on top of the platform, adjust height so that the bed is a comfortable height. Place 2 vertical supports evenly spaced from side to side. Secure all wood pieces with wood glue and screws. Attach wheels or rollers to each corner of the bottom of the bed.

2. At each end of the bed, attach a piece of MDF cut the same width as the platform and approximately 8 inches higher than the platform to form the storage shelves. The ends of the platform will provide a ledge for securing the top of the platform. Cut a piece of MDF the same size as the completed platform for the top of the platform and screw it to the platform sides and ends.

3. Cut another piece of MDF the size of the outside dimensions of the platform, including the outside end pieces. Cut 2 shelf dividers from MDF the width of the top and 3/4 inch smaller than the height of the shelf section. Attach the 2 shelf dividers evenly spaced to the large MDF piece, which will form the top of the bed on which the mattress will rest.

4. Attach the shelf section to the platform with the shelf dividers resting against the top of the platform.

5. Cut four 2-inch-high pieces of MDF the measurements of the length (2 pieces) and width (2 pieces) and attach to the top of the shelf section to hold the mattress in place. Sand and paint as desired.

6. For the backrest of the bed, cut a piece of MDF the length of the bed and approximately 18 inches high. Trim around the backrest with frame molding mitered at the corners. For the pulll-down desk, cut a piece of MDF 1 inch smaller than the inside dimensions of the backrest all the way around.

7. Cut quilt batting to fit the board, extending it slightly to wrap around to the back. Cut upholstery fabric 4 inches larger than the pull-down desk all the way around. Place the batting onto the desktop, wrap the upholstery fabric around and secure to the edges of the desk with staples.

8. To cover the staples, trim the edges of the desktop with 1/2-inch wood trim.

9. Attach one side of the piano hinge to the bottom of the backrest and the other to the un- upholstered side of the desktop. Add a locking angled hinge on each side of the desktop to keep the desktop level. Attach a latch to the center of the desk and top edge of the backrest. If desired, cover the inside of the backrest with cork for a bulletin board when the desk is in use.

10. Attach the backrest to the wall, positioning the mattress on top of the bed and roll the bed up to the backrest. If desired, add 4 fabric-covered buttons to the upholstery for a tufted look. Make a cover for the bed matching the upholstery fabric on the backrest. Dress with accent pillows that can be stored in the shelving unit under the bed when not in use.