Bowling alley lane wood for component tables?

Are you sure it's Oak? I always thought most bowling alleys where Maple. I don't know that Oak would necessarily be bad (especially if it's free), but Maple is really nice for your application.

Chris

You know, I've never personally tested alternative woods to maple platforms, but maple is the consensus of most who have. If you go to Mapleshade records & audio's website, their chief designer gives quite an account of those woods he did try, with maple emerging his clear favorite. Of couse, I suspect that availablility and cost of alternatives is a major factor in the decision to market a product. I'[d like to hear pricey alternatives to maple such as cocobolo and rosewood, I bet they would sound good too. As Chris mentions, I've never seen an oak bowling alley, every one I've ever seen has been maple.

Well, at least you know they will be well borken in.

Use boards from the left side of the alley, they will be less worn. :-)

In the early 1980's maple was replaced by synthetic surfaces which require far less maintenance.