5 Best Materials to Build a Murphy Bed (And Which One to Avoid in Coastal Areas Like Puerto Rico)

5. Plywood – The Balanced Choice

Best for: Strength + affordability

Plywood is a classic for a reason. Made from layers of wood veneer, it's strong, stable, and budget-friendly. It resists warping better than solid wood and holds screws well, which is crucial for Murphy bed hinges and lifts.

Pros:

• Strong and durable

• Resists warping

• Mid-range cost

Cons:

• Edges may need finishing

• Surface isn’t as smooth as MDF

Great for most homes, but may still need a protective finish for high humidity.

4. MDF – Smooth but Not Moisture-Friendly

Best for: Painted finishes in dry spaces

MDF (medium-density fiberboard) gives you a perfectly smooth surface—great for paint jobs and sleek finishes. But if you're in Puerto Rico or anywhere humid, beware: MDF swells when exposed to moisture and can quickly warp or lose strength.

Pros:

• Smooth surface

• Cost-effective

• Easy to work with

Cons:

• Heavy

• Not water-resistant

• Weakens over time in humid air

Not recommended for coastal homes unless fully sealed and elevated.

3. Solid Wood – Premium Look, Premium Price

Best for: Rustic or luxury interiors

There’s nothing quite like the warmth of real wood. Hardwoods like oak and maple are stunning, sturdy, and timeless. But in a humid setting, solid wood can expand, contract, or crack without proper sealing.

Pros:

• High-end aesthetic

• Strong and long-lasting

• Natural grain beauty

Cons:

• Expensive

• Prone to warping in tropical climates

Use sparingly or only in climate-controlled areas.

2. Melamine-Coated Particleboard – Modern and Budget-Friendly

Best for: Sleek, flat-pack Murphy beds

This engineered option is often used in ready-to-assemble furniture. It's cost-effective and comes in a variety of modern finishes—but it doesn’t hold up well under heavy weight or moisture.

Pros:

• Smooth modern finish

• Affordable

• Low maintenance

Cons:

• Chips easily

• Weak structural integrity

• Doesn’t tolerate moisture well

Not suitable for Murphy beds near the beach or without climate control.

1. PVC – The Winner for Coastal Homes Like Puerto Rico

Best for: Durability, moisture-resistance, and clean aesthetics

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is our top pick for Murphy beds built for the tropics. Unlike wood or MDF, PVC boards are completely water-resistant, mold-proof, and unaffected by salty air. That makes them the perfect match for oceanfront condos, beach houses, or any space in Puerto Rico.

We recently completed a stunning PVC Murphy bed build for a client who wanted durability without sacrificing design. [Insert image here]

Pros:

• 100% moisture and mold resistant

• Doesn’t warp or crack

• Lightweight and low maintenance

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive than MDF

• May require reinforcement for heavy-duty use

The clear winner for Murphy beds in coastal or humid environments.

What’s the Worst Material for Coastal Murphy Beds?

That would be MDF or particleboard. Both absorb moisture easily and break down over time, leading to sagging panels, cracked finishes, and hardware failure.

If you live anywhere near the ocean—or even if you just love leaving your windows open—skip MDF for anything structural.

Our Recommendation (Especially for Puerto Rico Homes)

At Northborn Woodworks, we specialize in crafting Murphy beds that are made to last in our unique Caribbean climate. Our PVC builds offer a clean look, customizable design, and the durability you need for coastal living.

Want a Murphy bed that works just as hard as you do?

📞 Contact us today to talk about your vision, or scroll through our gallery to see what’s possible.