Although I missed the original post, I assume it was asking the best materials to use for a stand(s). The best stands are made with whatever you have readily available,so long as it is sturdy.I work at the site of an old manufacturing plant converted to an industrial park.When assembling my stands, I looked for materials around the plant.The ideal solution for me was the steel ladders attached to buildigs and to tanks. Each is heavy steel, about 18" wide.They vary in length from 5 to 12 feet. I left the little steel tabs that attached the to the buildings for legs and laid the sideways.The hives sit perfectly leaving about an inch to inch & a half overhang front & back.The area of the rungs is slightly recessed & can be left open or filled by a couple of 2x6s as I did.I sit the legs on cinder blocks in anti freeze jug halfs filled with oil to keep out ants.Each hive sits about 16" from ground level making stacking & unstacking easy.I have never had a hive tip using this bench. The old man taught me bee-keeping and he had his hives in a bench he made from old 1 1/2" galvanized plumbing he had lkaying around. The key is to use whats available, use imagination, and make sure its sturdy. "I take my chances,I don't mind working without a net, I take my chances,I take my chances every chance I get" Mary Chapin Carpenter