I've been looking at making a new hamster cage for my girl Baloney. I love the Ikea Expedit idea, but by the time you get glass doors and stuff it'd be pretty expensive. So I rummaged around my basement and I think I found a much cheaper option.
I have an old stereo shelf system like this:
It has a large glass door/magnet on the front already installed! I would make a new cabinet using MDF, insert vents on the sides, make ramps for her to get to each level, etc.
My only concern would be the wood getting wet under the shavings. How could I treat the wood to ensure it wouldn't get ruined?