How much does a home bowling alley cost?
How much does a home bowling alley cost?
$75,000 – $100,000 average cost for 1 lane
$110,000 – $175,000 average cost for 2 lanes
Home bowling alley cost
The cost of an in-home bowling alley ranges from $75,000 to $175,000 for a traditional 10-pin bowling alley. A mini-home bowling alley costs $35,000 to $90,000. Factors such as the number of lanes, equipment quality, customization options, and installation services play a significant role in determining the final price.
| Lanes | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| 1 lane | $75,000 – $100,000 |
| 2 lanes | $110,000 – $175,000 |
| Mini bowling | $35,000 – $90,000 |
1 lane
A single-lane home bowling alley costs $75,000 to $100,000 to install. A standard bowling alley requires a space at least 88 feet long to accommodate the bowling equipment, including the approach (16 feet), the lane (60 feet), the pin deck and pit (7 feet), and a service aisle behind the pinsetter (3.5 feet minimum). Adding a seating area will require a space closer to 100 feet in length.
The width required for a home bowling alley is 14 feet per lane, which allows 8 feet for the lane itself and 3 feet on either side for a service aisle and room for players to move without fear of scraping their hands on the walls when bowling.
Installers need a minimum ceiling height of 8 feet but recommend 10 to 12 feet for better freedom of movement and room for repairs.
2 lanes
A 2-lane home bowling alley costs $110,000 to $175,000, with more custom lanes costing up to $200,000.The double lanes need a minimum room width of 22 feet to accommodate the 16 feet of lane (two 8' lanes placed side-by-side), plus 3 feet on each side for walkways and service aisles.
Mini bowling
A mini bowling system costs $35,000 to $90,000 and can be installed in much smaller spaces, with systems as compact as 27 feet long. Manufacturers often design these mini systems as a complete unit, with the lanes contained for easy and fast installation.
Mini bowling is a scaled-down version of traditional bowling designed for smaller spaces.
The lanes are significantly shorter than traditional ones, typically ranging from 35 to 45 feet long and 9 feet wide.
The balls are smaller, without finger holes, and are lighter than standard ten-pin balls.
The pins are shorter and lighter and arranged in a smaller triangle.
Duckpin bowling is another space-saving option using smaller balls that weigh around 3.5 pounds. The lane length is 60 feet, which is the same as tenpin bowling, but with smaller gutters due to the smaller ball size. Also, the pins are heavier than mini bowling pins, making them more challenging to knock down.
Home bowling alley cost by installer
Home bowling alley prices vary depending on the installer. Several factors influence the final price, including the location, installer’s expertise, equipment quality, customization options, and services provided.
| Installer | Average installed cost* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Brunswick bowling | By inquiry only | Custom-designed packages and equipment from a trusted name in bowling for over 140 years. |
| All American Bowling Equipment, Inc | $80,000 – $155,000 | All-inclusive in-home bowling centers in 3 package levels: Splurge, Lavish, or Opulent |
| US Bowling | $75,000 – $175,000 | Complete custom tenpin bowling alley packages and mini bowling lanes |
| Striker Bowling Solutions | $135,000 – $160,000 | Customized home bowling lane installations |
| Fusion bowling | $138,700 – $169,900 | Complete custom bowling alley packages with shipping and installation labor included |
| Murray Bowling | $120,000 – $195,000 | Customized home bowling alley installations in both regulation size and rollerball mini bowling systems |
*1 or 2 lanes of tenpin bowling
Consider more than just price when choosing a home bowling alley builder. Look for a builder that offers transparent pricing, quality installation, and good customer service.
Home bowling alley cost factors
Installing a home bowling alley requires careful planning of the available space, electrical requirements, site preparation, and equipment selection. In addition to the installer you choose, final project costs depend on several other factors, including:
Size and number of lanes: A full-size regulation 10-pin bowling alley is more expensive than a smaller, more space-efficient mini bowling lane. The number of lanes also impacts the final cost, with 2 lanes being a common configuration for home bowling alleys.
Equipment quality: The type of bowling lanes, pinsetters, ball returns, scoring systems, and other equipment selected will affect the cost. However, high-quality commercial-grade equipment from reputable brands will last longer and include a better warranty.
Expertise and reputation: Companies that specialize in custom home bowling alley installations may charge more for their services. However, their expertise, customer service, and attention to detail are worth the price.
Site prep and installation: Electrical work, HVAC upgrades, and other site preparation requirements can increase construction costs. The project requires professional installation and a licensed electrician to handle the electrical work to ensure the system is installed safely and up to code.
Location and regulations: The cost of materials, labor, and permits can vary significantly based on the geographic location and local regulations. States with higher costs of living, stricter zoning laws, or more expensive construction materials may see higher overall project costs.
Lighting requirements: A home bowling alley uses LED and anti-glare lighting systems, which adds to the total project cost. Custom color-changing LED lights are a common upgrade.
Design: Working with professional designers to create a cohesive and visually appealing home bowling alley space is an additional cost factor but may be included in some packages.
Customization: Incorporating custom design elements, such as unique ceiling treatments, wall finishes, and integrated entertainment features, can also increase the budget.
Home bowling alley equipment
Outfitting a home bowling alley requires carefully selecting the right equipment to meet your needs and preferences. While standard packages include essential components like lanes, pinsetters, and scoring systems, a wide range of add-on features and customizations are available to enhance the experience.
| Equipment | Description |
|---|---|
| Lane foundation | Fire-resistant base layer that the lanes are installed on |
| Lane system |
Includes:
|
| Pinsetter | Machine that automatically sets up the pins after each roll for the next frame |
| Pins & balls | A set of 10 pins and multiple bowling balls in various weights |
| Gutter system | Automatically guides the balls back to the ball return area after missing any pins |
| Scoring system | Touchscreen tablets for scoring and monitors above the lanes for easy score tracking |
| Miscellaneous equipment | This can include bowling shoes, maintenance equipment, and spare parts. |
Add-on equipment
Add-on options not included in the package price allow homeowners to customize their home bowling alley experience, enhancing both the look and functionality of the space. Features like custom furniture, lighting effects, and advanced scoring systems can elevate the overall bowling experience but greatly increase the total project cost.
Common add-ons include:
Automatic bumpers
Lane conditioning equipment
Overhead scoring monitors
Players' lounge furniture
Custom lane lighting and graphics
Home bowling alley FAQs
How many lanes is a home bowling alley?
A home bowling alley can have anywhere from 1 to 4 lanes, depending on the available space. Most families just want one lane for casual bowling fun. Serious bowlers or people who entertain a lot might want two lanes. Four lanes take up a ton of space, so they're not very common in homes.
How long is a home bowling alley?
A regulation-size home bowling alley requires 88 feet for the bowling equipment, which includes the approach, the lane, the pinsetter machine, and a service aisle. However, if you want room for a small seating area as well, you’ll need closer to 100 feet of available length. Shorter lanes are available for smaller spaces.
How long does it take to install a bowling alley?
A single-lane bowling alley takes about 4 to 5 days to install, while a pair of lanes takes 5 to 7 days.
What is the process to build a home bowling alley?
A home bowling alley starts with a design consultation and site visit to work out what bowling alley package you want and will fit in your home. The builder reviews the plans, prepares cost estimates, and handles the delivery and installation of the essential components included in the package.
Getting estimates from home bowling alley installers
Follow these tips to gather comprehensive estimates from home bowling alley installers:
Research different home bowling alley installation companies that specialize in residential projects.
Compare the services, expertise, and pricing structures of various installers to find the best fit for your needs.
Reach out to the installers and request detailed quotes that outline the cost breakdown for equipment, installation, and any additional features.
Ensure the quotes include all essential components as well as any add-on features or customizations you are interested in.
Inquire about the installation process and associated costs, including site preparation, equipment delivery, and professional installation services.
Clarify any additional expenses related to logistics, maintenance, or ongoing support for the home bowling alley setup.
Questions to ask a home bowling alley installer
Identify the best-qualified installer to handle your home bowling alley project by asking these questions:
What is the total cost estimate for building a home bowling alley, including equipment, installation, and any additional features?
What are the space requirements for a home bowling alley in terms of length, width, and ceiling height?
What essential equipment is included in the standard package for a home bowling alley, and what optional add-ons are available?
How long does it typically take to install a home bowling alley, and what is the installation process like?
Can you provide details on customization options for the bowling lanes, furniture, lighting, and other features?
What are the maintenance requirements for a home bowling alley, and do you offer ongoing support services?
Are there specific electrical, HVAC, or structural considerations that need to be addressed during the installation process?
Can you provide references or examples of previous home bowling alley projects you have completed?
How do you handle warranty coverage for the equipment and installation services provided?
What financing options are available for building a home bowling alley, and how can I ensure a return on investment over time?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.