Are lava rocks or glass better for fire pits?

Both are good conductors of heat, but fire glass can generally produce and retain warmth more efficiently. However, lava rock prices are typically more budget-friendly.

Can I use fire glass instead of lava rock?

Fire pit lava rock and fire glass can be used to complement each other when used together in a propane or natural gas fire pit. Mixing lava rock and fire glass, or layering them on top of each other in a fire pit's burner pan, are practical alternatives to using one or the other alone.

What is the difference between fire glass and lava rocks?

Fire glass absorbs the heat better and can exude more heat while it gives shine, color, and beauty. It helps to disperse the heat evenly and keeps the area warmer. On the other hand, lava rock provides a rustic look.

What rocks are best for a fire pit?

Hard rocks like granite, marble, or slate are much denser, and therefore less likely to absorb water and explode when exposed to heat. Other rocks that are safe to use around and in your fire pit include fire-rate brick, lava glass, lava rocks, and poured concrete.

Are lava rocks good for fire pits?

Lava rocks are good for fire pits as they disperse the flames, spread the heat and look great when burning. They can withstand very high temperatures without cracking or exploding (if burnt from dry), and can also retain heat for several hours which makes them ideal for all types of fire pits.

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Can you put fire glass in any fire pit?

Fireplace glass is available in a large variety of colors, and can be used in both fire pits and fireplaces, both indoors and in outdoor fire pits with any either propane or natural gas.

What can I use instead of lava rocks?

Besides the classical red/brown lava rock, we will dive in other alternative materials used for fire pits with similar accents such as the black lava rock, black lava glass or obsidian, reflective fire glass, natural fire glass and landscape glass.

What is the best material for an outdoor fire pit?

Cast Iron. Cast Iron is one of the most common materials used in construction and fire pits are no different. Cast iron is inexpensive, easy to work with and light enough to move around when needed. Cast iron is not as strong as wrought iron nor as heavy, but to some the lightweight nature of cast iron is desirable.

What should I put in the bottom of my fire pit?

What do you put in the bottom of a fire pit? You'll want to start with a layer of sand at the bottom of the pit, and then top the sand with gravel, lava rocks, fire pit glass, paving stones or even bricks for your fire pit. Alternatively, you can simply use dirt.

Will lava rock explode in fire?

Lava rock can explode when heated if it has water trapped inside it. If the lava rock is dry it won't explode. If you have new lava rock or lava rock that got wet you should cure it using the method listed above.

Why did my fire pit explode?

Concrete blocks, pea gravel, river rocks and other materials that are often used in DIY fire pits can trap water inside. When they are heated up, this can cause an explosion. Here's a demonstration of what can happen when the building materials hold a little too much water and pressure builds up inside.

Why are my lava rocks exploding?

Lava rock is very porous and will absorb and retain water in all those little nooks and crannies indefinitely. Or until the heat of the gas flame turns that water to steam and the rocks explode and go flying.

Why is my fire glass popping?

This typically happens when tempered fire glass is damp or wet and the burner is turned on. The heating of the moisture causes an expansion as it turns to a gas which may cause some of the cracked (but not completely broken) pieces of tempered glass to separate into pieces.

How long does fire glass last?

Since fire glass is heat resistant and does not melt, burn, or change color, it's technically possible for it to last 20 years or more (wow!). That said, in most cases, you can expect your new fire glass to last anywhere from 4 to 8 years.

How much glass do I put in my fire pit?

We recommend that you use 1–2 inches of fire glass to cover the burner, but be sure to not overfill your fireplace or fire pit. While fire glass is a great way to bring out the best in your fire feature, you can get even more ideas from our video on how to accessorize your gas fire pit.

How do you clean a fire pit with lava rocks?

You can simply clean lava rocks with some water. The easiest way is to put them in a bucket and add the water, letting them soak a bit. You could even add a bit of mild soap. This will help remove any dust or debris that may be building up in the lava rock's porous structures.

Where do lava rocks go in a fire pit?

Fire Pit Safety

Never burn anything without a protective layer of lava rock on the fire pit bottom. If burning wood, place a layer of lava rock at least 4-5 inches deep. Then place your firewood on the lava rock. For gas fires, fill the fire pit with enough lava rock to at least cover the fire ring.

How do you place glass rocks in a fire pit?

Make a small mark with a pencil, then fill your pit up with lava rock or sand filler up to that mark. On top of your lava rock or sand filler, install your fire pit burner with the gas holes pointing up to help maximize flame size and efficiency.

What wood should you not burn in a fire pit?

Pine, fir, and spruce: cone-bearing trees make for a beautiful sight in the forest, but their wood shouldn't make up the bulk of your firewood pile, especially for indoor fires. Beneath their bark, conifers have a sticky, protective substance called pitch or resin that you won't find in trees like oak or maple.

How can I make my fire pit burn better?

What makes firepit good?

Materials. When choosing a fire bowl, opt for something that will wear well and extend the life of your fire pit. Cast aluminum is less likely to rust, while copper can stain. Cast iron is a solid but heavy choice.

Can you replace lava rocks with glass rocks?

You use fire glass as a filler to replace your outdated lava rocks or fake ceramic logs. Fire glass is a great way to spruce up your fireplace or fire pit with so color and creativity to match the rest of your current decor.

Can you cover the burner with fire glass?

Should I cover the burner with fire glass, or should I leave it exposed? Yes, you should cover the burner — but only with just enough fire glass so that it's not visible. This is especially true if you're using a propane fire feature, since propane is heavier than air and needs to be dispersed close to the flame.

How long does lava glass stay hot?

Lava rocks will hold heat for 20 minutes to an hour depending on how hot they were. Lava rocks do not hold heat as long as lava glass or lava stone which can stay hot much longer. They still hold heat pretty well.