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For smaller stuff like that, I stack them on in/out box trays like this and run the wiring out the back. For larger stuff like systems, I use wire shelving like this. You can adjust the shelves to fit towers or rack-mount size boxes. Or at least, that's what I used to do. Now I have exactly one desktop with a UPS. The cable modem and WAP/router are hidden in the entertainment center.

As far as the sheer quantity of stuff... ours is kind of distributed. The DSL modem, switch/wireless router, VOIP box, etc. live by a phone line demarc I've set up in the center of the basement, with one Linux box down there as a "server" of sorts. Then there are a couple laptops that roam around on wireless, and my kid's computer is connected via a 50' cat5 cable.

At the shelf that serves as my "desk" I've got a 7-space plug strip, which typically has three to six spaces open.

I guess they've changed their name to metro, but they have modular commercial shelf systems capable of carrying 800 lbs. per shelf. To turn them into a cart just requires modular parts like big beefy wheels. I put together my entertainment center from their parts and had my fat ass relatives sit on them to test the weight claim. I'm very happy with them and I can always turn them into something else. They're chromed steel so I don't have worries of scratching them or corrosion. I did put solid wood panels on the shelves for looks and a more stable surface for my electronics but you might prefer the ventilation.

Rack mount hardware is made for business use. This means that the price is set by how much a business would be willing to pay for it. If there were a large demand for a consumer oriented rack mount solutions then you might be able to find less expensive rack mount hardware. As there is not a large consumer demand yet the prices are not likely to drop.

What are your requirements? Requirement examples would be; physical security (the kids keep hacking my hardware), floor space is at a premium (help, I live in a Manhattan apartment) or display (damn that looks slick). Rack mounts are not necessarily the right solution for the home or office or even the data center.

Do you like to be hands on with your computer/network hardware? I personally like to be able to take a machine down and rip into it on a workbench. Depending on your rack mount equipment that may be easy or it could become very difficult. In my experience it is usually the latter. (Think of how the dynamics of disconnecting plugs, accessing innards and lifting out hardware would actually work.)

Do you need a cabinet or will a stand do? If you have wall space available and your equipment is light/small you might consider a wall mount rack.

If you decide that you are going to go with a rack mount solution, these are my personal favorites:

Middle Atlantic - These guys have some really neat enclosures that are recording studio quality.

BUD Industries - Some of the lowest prices I have found.

MilesTek - Good selection of smaller rack mount solutions.

If you don't absolutely have to have a rack mount solution then my recommendation is a wire shelving unit and plenty of cable ties. You can come up with a good looking and highly effective bit of equipment. Here are some links:

Metro Shelving - The big kahuna of wire shelves. Great stuff but can be pricy.

Costco - Seville Classics Commercial Shelving unit and a bundle of cable ties from Costco is the best $70 solution I have found. (I have four of the shelving units and have no complaints.)

Dan

WireTech shelving is pretty good, but it is the consumer version of Metro's Super Erecta shelving. The WireTech (and several other makers of amazingly similar shelving) hold about 300lbs per shelf, the real Metro stuff holds 800 lbs.

Industrial House is an online source. Checkout local restaurant supply houses for better prices.

Metro also has a Rack Mount solution for their shelving system. Metro's computer shelving products are here. When you see a product you want, be sure the get the spec sheet, they are .pdf docs.

Personally, I think the Metro brand is the best out there. I can see the reduced quality in the knock-off brands. YMMV.

All 4 desktop systems and 2 laptops were stored on my Metro shelving next to my desk. I used one KVM switch for all 7 systems. I used a regular desk for my work surface, monitor, keyboard & files. Plus I had another monitor & keyboard for the Sparc. This leaves a clean work surface for me, which is important. I do a lot of document creation and still like working with paper. Also, having a mostly clear desk helps me focus on the tasks at hand.

The Metro shelving also held my fax, laser printer, power strips and networking devices. The cables were kept clean using black velcro strips. The shelves were black too. Metro's Heavy Duty castors let me easily pull the shelving out to manage the cables when needed.

Two shelves held 4 rows of books, back-to-back. I also stored my printer paper on the bottom (increased stability). My working file folders and incoming mail were on side-attached accessories.

All of this stuff used to take up 3 desks, a bookshelf and some floor space. Pretty slick.

Metro also has a Rack Mount solution for their shelving system. Metro's computer shelving products are here. When you see a product you want, be sure the get the spec sheet, they are .pdf docs.

Personally, I think the Metro brand is the best out there. I can see the reduced quality in the knock-off brands. YMMV.

All 4 desktop systems and 2 laptops were stored on my Metro shelving next to my desk. I used one KVM switch for all 7 systems. I used a regular desk for my work surface, monitor, keyboard & files. Plus I had another monitor & keyboard for the Sparc. This leaves a clean work surface for me, which is important. I do a lot of document creation and still like working with paper. Also, having a mostly clear desk helps me focus on the tasks at hand.

The Metro shelving also held my fax, laser printer, power strips and networking devices. The cables were kept clean using black velcro strips. The shelves were black too. Metro's Heavy Duty castors let me easily pull the shelving out to manage the cables when needed.

Two shelves held 4 rows of books, back-to-back. I also stored my printer paper on the bottom (increased stability). My working file folders and incoming mail were on side-attached accessories.

All of this stuff used to take up 3 desks, a bookshelf and some floor space. Pretty slick.

Here is a link to Metro's Website. There is a lot of cheap imitation stuff out there, Metro invented wire shelving.

Metro Rack is a great choice for shelving computers. The shelves are relatively inexpensive and very strong, along with be adjustable.