Abstract: A composite panel member for use in a bowling lane includes a wooden core member which is formed from a plurality of wood strips, the core having a pair of opposed faces and a plurality of edge portions. Each wood strip has an equilibrated moisture content within 2% of every other wood strip in the core. A high pressure laminate member is adhered to each face of the core, each laminate member having substantially the same length, width and thickness such that each core face is balanced. A moisture proof sealer is disposed on each edge portion of the core so that the entire core is enclosed and protected from moisture and the effects of the atmosphere.