[quesera]

PVC pipe does not survive outdoors, and the failure mode is messy.

"Structural" does not necessarily mean "very strong".

I think we mostly agree here though. I've used EMT for lots of things, and it has never ever let me down even slightly. I have also chosen square steel tubing for (less frequent) cases.

Choosing carefully is the key. When EMT fits, it's great stuff and preferable in many ways.

[happyopossum]

> PVC pipe does not survive outdoors, and the failure mode is messy.

That's just not the case - thousands of pool owners can point to 20+ year old PVC pipes and fittings in exposed pool equipment decks...

[quesera]

I hear this in other comments, but I cannot reconcile it with my own direct experience with brittle white PVC pipes.

There are a few grades of white PVC, including Schedule 40. There must be a subset of options which are appropriate for outdoor use.

[Edit: FWIW A superficial web search agrees with me that standard white PVC will degrade in UV. A common recommendation is to use "furniture grade" PVC, or to paint or wrap the pipe to protect it. In this context I'm mostly thinking about options available at ordinary hardware stores, not special order stuff, but apparently there are options.]

Other reasons to choose EMT though: thinner, more heat-resilient, less prone to sag, stronger by thickness, subjectively more attractive.

[blacksmith_tb]

Add to that list: recyclable (PVC, not so much).