Why are equipment racks so expensive?

It is child's play to make a very functional rack. Threaded rods with painted PVC pipe spacers and large maple butcher block cutting boards. You can even buy fancy feet for the bottom if you like. I would use casters. Makes the rack much easier to move. Cost? Maybe $500 at the most. 
I would much prefer spending the money on a new cartridge rather than a rack. Many of them are flimsy. The only equipment that needs isolation is the turntable.  

The only equipment that needs isolation is the turntable.  

Absolute rubbish............

“Am I willing to spend the money, reorganize my gear, and take the time to listen for the (possible) subtle improvements in sound?

Nope. Too lazy for that.”

Then why bother with the rant! Are you bored?

+1, @ozzy62 for Butcher Block Acoustics recommendation. 

"You certainly must do your research, but high quality audio racks can be considered a component. Not if you have $500 components, but if you have $10K or higher...."
So a $500 component isn't worthy of isolation?
Glad you told me, I just about the waste my money on a top quality rack.
Can't understand why some people think that audiophiles are elitist.

Reading through this thread has certainly opened my eyes. Now that I think about it, we took an old lawnmower motor, ran an old fan belt to an axle, we were able to drive all around the neighborhood. Why then does a Porsche Turbo cost $200k?