Why are equipment racks so expensive?

It’s high end here so high end gear naturally goes on high end furniture.

Good furniture to put gear on is usually very robustly constructed so I don’t know if IKEA is a fair comparison. Anyhow the benefits will vary by room. With the rise of digital and vinyl more of a niche,  the actual need is less than ever.

Bahahaaaaaa.....
IKEA vs custom audio racks.

It should be obvious that while Ikea makes many useful items (I bought a couple of things in the past), they are pretty much disposable junk like clothing from Old Navy. Dedicated audio racks by the better name companies are well worth the money, and they have much more material and design value than anything that Ikea makes.

1. Because someone charges 3-10k for rack doesn't mean you or me will pay it.. I'm with you. 30k amps, 10k DACs, 20k speaker cables.

Someone will pay for sure. Just not me.. BUT I covet none of it.

Admire maybe, covet, never. 225.00 per 24 x 60 x 1 1/2 tier of BBlock. Serious manufacturing and shipping cost I'd say. 1k max for all the parts stain, serious spring loaded dollies and clear coat.. 6K Retail for 3 tiers

What do they pay their labor. 150.00 per hour.. Where is that application form.. I'm game at 67. I can turn out one a day. :-). Heck one a week would pay ALL the bills..

I'm right there having to BUY or BUILD for my new set up. I'll build.  Not a lot of equipment racks that accommodate 2 TT and RtR that don't look just like a recording studio.. Gotta make it..

Regards