Steel has a definite advantage over wood in the compact size and the ability to remain more ridged over a longer distance. this will allow you to span longer distances with smaller sized supports and free up a lot more room. if you were to take a 4X4 stand for a example this will give you a extra 7.5" front to rear by using 1.5X1.5X1/4" "L".
as for rusting there are good coatings that if you apply them right you will not get any. but if you scratch it you may develop a spot of rust, but at any rate rusty steel is still way stronger than rotted wood.
my tank is a subframe of steel with a wood wrap (like Brads)
I will add that I did not need the center braces I was just sticking to my overbuilding tendency.
the real issue is what you feel comfortable working with, i don't mind wielding and I don't mind using wood. for a free standing stand i would use steal again as it is cheaper then wood if you do the work your self, if I was building it into a wall then wood would probably be more convenient as i can use the wall as one side of the stand.
Steve
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