So as we are getting closer and closer to the drywall stage for our whole basement (and the theater obviously), I need to start figuring out the equipment rack. I have an area in the back of the room that after drywalled will be about 25" wide by 25" deep. It is floor to ceiling of just under 8 feet, but I will have a riser for the back row of seats, so subtract about a foot for that.

I won't have a ton of gear. A receiver, the Dish box, Blu-Ray player and my old HD-DVD player in there. I will probably leave space for some future device, maybe a HTPC or something, but that is it.

I've seen some of these metal equipment racks that look like they came out of a network or server room. That is fine, but they are expensive. I mean, $35 for a single shelf? Really?

I could construct something of course, but I am looking for alternative ideas.

Anyone have an economical idea that doesn't look too " Red Green" (ie: no duct tape )???

Does it have to be visible, or can you just put a door on the front with some IR repeaters inside?

How about a metal NSF (food service) stainless wire shelving thing?

I think my next one will be a combination of a home built wooden frame and racks similar to these. I haven't found pricing yet but they caught my eye somewhere, looked adjustable and seem like they would enhance air flow verses a full, solid shelf. Probably pricey though.

Cool, it threw my sig line in the middle. Wasn't intentional, but I like it.

I was planning on using an IR repeater anyway, but no door. It will be behind the seating, so I won't be looking at it, and without a door it will have more airflow. I still would like for it to look decent though. The food service type stuff would probably be OK if I did do a door. Then again, the door would add cost in both material and cooling. Decisions...