BUILT IN ROLL OUT BED

A SIMPLE WAY TO USE PLYWOOD AND PIANO HINGES TO

TURN ANY SMALL SPACE INTO A BEDROOM
Tiny r(E)volution was established in late 2009 as an alternative to living the McMansions lifestyle complete with staggering mortgage rates and months
of financial concern. As the idea evolved and became a reality our family has made numerous steps to maximize our lifestyle mentally, spiritually,
physically, emotionally, financially, and socially. And while it does not seem an alternative lifestyle anymore it does require a bit of creativity on a daily
basis.
Like any family we enjoy having house guests and visits from friends and family. But with just 240 square feet it is sometimes quite difficult. That is why
when we realized our tiny office had the potential to be so much more. Imagine turning your home office or detached studio into a beautiful and cozy
guest bedroom in less then 3 minutes? That is what our Built In Roll Out Bed allows you to do.

BUILT IN ROLL OUT BED

TWO BOX DESIGN

* Featuring A Simple Roll Out Design *

With just a few sheets of plywood, several piano hinges, a couple of magnets, and some
casters, you can build a space saving Queen size bed for any tiny house or small space.
Assembly Time: 9 hours
Size: 36-3/4 (H) x 81 (L) x 16 (D)
Level: Intermediate
Estimated Materials Cost: $268

BUILT IN ROLL OUT BED

TWO BOX DESIGN

A. The
storage
box that
houses
the bed is
about 38
high and
81 wide
and
extends
only 16
from the
wall.

A.

When your home is less than 300 sq.ft. it can be

quite difficult to host overnight guests. While
many people can find a nights comfort on a futon
or even a sleeping mat typically reserved for
camping/hiking, most guests prefer something a
bit more inviting. Even blow up mattresses can be
cumbersome when your interior walls are less
than 8-feet across. In this case, a folding bed is a
perfect solution for guests. It can be collapsed
when not in use (as it doesnt take up much
space) yet easy to unfold and set up for guests.

The principle behind the folding bed is that it is

primarily comprised of just two boxes. The front
bed box, which is just 6 inches deep, holds the
folding bed frame. The larger back (storage) is
used to store the mattress(es) when not in use. To
set up the bed, you simply pull out the front of
the small box. Casters assist this and as you pull,
the bottom and sides unfold like an accordion.
When the bed is fully extended, the sides remain
in a bit of a zig-zag pattern to support the
bottom and the occupants weight.

To close the bed, remove the mattress(es) and

store them in the back box. Then lift the bottom
slightly with one of the ventilation holes and push
the front into the box. As you push the sides and
the bed bottom automatically fold.

B.

B. When pulled from the front

of the bed the hinged base
and mattress support unfold.

SIDE NOTE : Suggested mattresses are SULTAN FLORVAG foam mattresses (2 of them make up a standard Queen size
bed) from IKEA. One can omit the mattresses and use a queen size air mattress instead.

BUILT IN ROLL OUT BED

CUT LIST

Key

No. Part, Material

Size

2 - Storage box front/back

5/8 x 36-3/4 x 78

1 - Front

5/8 x 28-1/2 x 62

1 - Bed box black

5/8 x 28-3/4 x 60-1/4

2 - Storage box sides

5/8 x 8-3/4 x 36-1/2

2 - Bed box sides

5/8 x 5-3/4 x 28-3/4

1 - Shelf

5/8 x 11-1/2 x 81

1 - Storage box top

5/8 x 10-3/4 x 79-1/2

1 - Bed box shelf

5/8 x 7-1/2 x 65

1 - Bed box top

5/8 x 6-3/4 x 63-1/2

1 - Storage box bottom

5/8 x 8-3/4 x 78

8 - Base sides

3/4 x 10-1/2 x 19

1 - Pull

5/8 x 7-1/2 x 40

6 - Mattress supports

1/2 x 12-3/8 x 60

2 - Spacers, Pine

3/4 x 3/4 x 4

12 - Lattice, Pine

1/4 x 1 x 96

Step-By-Step Instructions
10 3/4

79 1

/2

36
8

28 3/4

2
36 1/

78

/4

3/

60

1/

3/

1.
Assemble the large box with glue and screws.
The box bottom fits between the sides, and top
hangs over the sides and front for a more
finished look. Access to the mattresses will be
through the top panel which is attached either
by a piano hinge or tension.

2.
Install the shelf F flush with the back of the
storage box and hanging over the top G in front
and on the sides. Bore holes in the top G to
accept the dowels in the sides D.

BUILT IN ROLL OUT BED

Step-By-Step Instructions (contd)

3.
Line up the folding base pieces L and attach
the piano hinges as shown in the drawing. The
holes in the mattress supports N provide
ventilation and a finger grip when folding the
bed. Attach the assembled folding base to the
bed box back C roughly 6 in from the edge.

4.
A view from above shows the spacers O
between the pull M and the bed front
B. Fully open the bed and attach the
mattress supports N.

5.
Attach heavy-duty magnetic catches to the
bed box sides E. The catches hold the bed
in place when its closed. (NOTE: You may
also want to use a spring loaded screen
hook to keep the box shut securely.)

BUILT IN ROLL OUT BED

TWO BOX DESIGN

Full Assembly Instructions

Begin constructing by cutting parts A through J. Attach the storage box front and back A to the storage box
bottom K with no. 8 x 1-1/2 FHWS. Attach the storage box top G to the front and back A so it overlaps the
sides and front by 3/4 inch. Then attach shelf F to the top G with no. 10-1/2 FHWS. The shelf should overlap
the top by 3/4 inch.
Bore out two 1/4 inch diameter x 3/4 inch deep holes in the bottom of the storage box sides D and glue in
1/4 x 1 dowels. Bore 1/2 inch deep holes in the bottom K for the dowels. Install magnetic catches at the top
of the box to hold the sides in place.
It is a good idea to have the casters before cutting the base sides L. The width of the base sides L is based on
caster height. If the casters are not 1-1/2, adjust the width of the base sides accordingly. Otherwise the folded
mattress supports will be too high to fit inside the intended storage box.
In order for the bed to fold and extend smoothly the base sides L and the mattress supports N must be cut
square and exactly to the size shown in the cut list. The assembled mattress support is shorter than the
assembled base sides for structural support reasons.
After the base sides and mattress supports have been cut, drill 1 inch diameter ventilation holes in the mattress
supports. Then install the piano hinges. It is important for the hinges to be evenly mounted to ensure smooth
folding of the bed. Remember, the hinges must be mounted on alternating sides so the panels will fold.
Install the casters and then fasten the base sides to the bed box back C and front B. With the base extended,
position the assembled mattress supports N on the base and attach a hinge to the back C and to the front B.
Cut the pull M and attach it to the front with two spacers O. Attach heavy-duty magnetic catches to sides E
and check for smooth folding action.
Lastly, cut and attach the trim molding starting with the outside pieces and working toward the inside.
To give the bed a finished look apply filler to the exposed edges of the plywood, add filler to any screw holes,
then sand and seal all surfaces. Paint the bed with two coats of alternating latex paint.

BUILT IN ROLL OUT BED

TWO BOX DESIGN

The construction of the bed is a personal one

depending on the overall size of the bed you
want. It is important to note that the total length
of bed includes the area inside the front box.
For people over 6 feet tall this could pose a
problem or slight discomfort. This also means
that if you choose to use an air mattress rather
than the IKEA mattresses the bed may be quite
high rendering that space completely useless.

Once extended the bed is the width and length

of a standard Queen size bed and offers great
accommodations for an overnight guest. And
while it is light weight to roll out it is completely
sturdy based primarily on its plywood
construction and accordion design.

Should you choose NOT to use the mattresses

the back box of the bed offers a great deal of
storage for linens, pillows, etc. Depending on
which option you choose for access (side panel vs- top lid) will determine how efficient your
storage is.

NOTE : A special thank you to Malissa Tack of Tiny Tack House for her excellent renderings making these plans
possible.
To view a short video on how the bed rolls out and rolls back in please visit our YouTube channel and video HERE.