Rack mounting or custom cabinetry??

[avab]

Hi there all,

just a quick question: I am working on finishing a basement and would like to have my equipment flush against the wall. I am deciding between purchasing a rack-mounted system like the Mid-Atlantics/Salamanders versus getting custom cabinetry. Which is more cost efficient? The Mid-Atlantic systems are a bit too pricey for my taste...

My cabinet is only about 40inches high and about 21-24in across. Any recommendations from you HT gurus out there?

thnx

 

[majorloser]

I ain't no guru but,

The Middle Atlantic stuff is definitely the nicest and most professional looking way to go. They make them that roll out, pull out 'n spin and fixed. The wire management systems are also nice.

There is another way to go. Look for an electronics/computer surplus store. I have one by me that gets tons of government surplus items. Can pick up an old computer or telecommunications rack for cheap. You can cut them to the height you need. Just a little paint and it's as good as new. Once you have the rack you can buy accessories anywhere, even Ebay.

If you have easy access to the back of the cabinet you can save a lot of money by having a fixed rack with a door in the back.

 

[BigGuy]

I was thinking about doing the same thing with flush mounting my equipment. The rack systems were also to pricey for me as well, I have access to the back of where I want the rack from a utility room and was considering flush mounting wooden shelves that I would build myself, 19"wide, shelves at any height I want. It wouldn't look as slick as a pro rack system, but a fraction of the cost. How much access do you have in the back of the rack?

Brian