Hey everyone! I’m thinking about turning an IKEA Rudsta glass cabinet into a fully planted greenhouse-style terrarium. It would be designed mainly as a plant station or propagation station, not specifically for any kind of animal, although someone could add one later if they wanted to. I’d waterproof it, build a natural background with expanding foam and dirt, add wood and rocks, plant it heavily, and let everything grow in before listing it. I attached a photo as an example of the style I’m going for so you can get an idea of what the finished setup would look like. I really enjoy making naturalistic setups and want to turn this into a little side project. I was just wondering if this is something anyone would actually buy. I am limited to selling locally, so it would be for pickup only.
Honest opinions appreciated!
by Waynebaby1
8 Comments
Frank answer: no. Seems like too much work.
Perhaps find a buyer first, then customize the project to their specifications. Take a deposit so f they back out you’re not SOL
The reality is that people who want this sort of thing either build them themselves, or spend money to have formal built-ins installed by pros. The cost/profit margins on cases like this are also so slim and the market is so niche.
It’s a great idea but the market just isn’t there.
I actually just finished making one with that exact cabinet. It definitely has some downfalls as far as durability and closing gaps while also using all of the original hardware. I just have plants and I may add isopods but nothing bigger. If I was going to make something for sale I’d probably have a custom wood frame built and do a custom glass build like serpa design.
That said, I’ll probably make another one because it’s a cheap cabinet and I don’t mind daily maintenance.
Edit to add: it’s also a lot shallower in depth than I anticipated which is causing some lighting challenges towards the bottom. Can’t hurt to try though! Cheap way to make a big viv.
I would buy and established one like the picture
I would buy that in a heartbeat.
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Feels a little too basic, but I’m sure there are some who want something simple.