BASEMENT BOWLING ALLEY CONSTRUCTION
Here is how I went about contructing my basement bowling alley. I'm sure there are better ways of doing so, as I am no engineer or even good at carpentry for that matter. Despite those facts, I got good results from doing it this way with mininal cost.

4. Bowling Lane Surface Assembly

Possibly the most expensive investment in the whole project will be the hardwood laminate flooring used for surfacing the entire bowling alley with. Laminate is available with a maple finish that very accurately emulates the surface of a real bowling alley. Expect to spend between $80-$150 on this part. In my case I did not begin building until I had purchased enough square footage of laminate to cover the entire alley.

Usually a few lengths of the laminate will have to be ripped in order to fit the width of the lane properly. This is best done on a table saw with a sharp carbide tipped finishing blade.

5. Bowling Lane Surface Completion

"Real" Candlepin alleys use a steel or HDPE pin deck for the end of the lane. I chose not to go that route as it would add expense to the project. It is an option one should consider when building a lane of their own. The laminate on this alley runs the entire length as shown here.

Hardwood laminate is easy to assemble, however it generally is not anchored in any way when used as a flooring in a home. For the use of a bowling lane the surface needs to be secure. To do this "liquid nails" adhesive works wonders. A light bead on each panel prior to installation is all it takes followed by applying minor weight to the surface until the adhesive cures. Otherwise, assemble the laminate panels according to the manufactureres instructions
6. Kickback Walls, Backstop & Gutters

At this point, the bowling lane is really coming together. In my case, I had a hard time focusing on finishing since it was finished enough to actually bowl a game on without smashing out any basement windows.

The kickback walls consist of 3/4" thick plywood, 4' long x 30" high, held up by a 2x4 lumber frame with crossmembers for rigidity. Rubber backed area rugs hang doubled layered behind the box about 24" back from the end of the lane to stop balls and pins from hitting the concrete wall of the basement.
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