How to Make a 10 Pin Bowling Lane From Wood

Set up the pins in the proper triangle formation once your lane is complete.

Most people who enjoy playing 10 pin bowling do so at a bowling alley. However, you could build your own wooden bowling lane at home. Creating your own lane could be quite simple.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Tongue and groove wood (usually maple)
• Level
• Vapor barrier
• Sander
• Polyurethane glossy varnish

1. Measure the space for the bowling lane area, which should be 62 feet 10 3/16ths inches long for a regulation size lane. The width for a regulation size lane should be between 41 and 42 inches

2. Check the area with a level where the lane will be laid to determine if it is level. If it is not, place flooring patches to fill in uneven area to make the area level.

3. Lay a vapor barrier on the measured lane space. This vapor barrier will prevent any damage to the wooden lane from moisture.

4. Lay the maple wood down the length of the lane. The wood pieces should not align. They should be offset, staggering the joints in order to strengthen the lane.

5. Sand any rough spots of the wood with a sander to create a smooth surface.

6. Coat the wooden lane with a high-gloss polyurethane varnish to finish the wooden lane.

Tips & Warnings

• A bowling lane requires about 90 feet of space for the lane, approach, and pin catching area.

• The best vapor barrier material for protecting wood flooring is polyethylene sheeting, but depending on your budget even something as simple as plastic will work effectively.

• Add a ball catch to the end of the lane and set up the pins by hand for a manual 10 pin bowling lane. You may also add a pin-setter and ball return system to the lane for a fully automated wooden bowling lane.

• Oil the lane to maintain its quality and performance.

References

• Ask the Builder: High Performance Vapor Barriers
• Topendsports: Bowling Facilities and Sizes
• Servicemagin: Home Bowling Alleys: Spare Space?