What rocks are best for a fire pit?

Porous or wet stone, such as sandstone or river rocks, may crack or explode when they reach high temperatures. Hard rocks like granite, marble or slate are suitable for use in fire pits. Lava rocks are another popular option.

What type of rock is best for 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.

What kind of rocks are in fire pits?

Should I put rocks in my fire pit?

No part of the fire pit should be made with flammable materials (e.g., plywood shipping pallets) or non-porous materials that hold water, such as pea gravel, river rocks, or compressed concrete blocks; these materials can trap steam and eventually explode.

What is best to put in the bottom of a fire pit?

Sand is probably the most popular material used in the bottom of a fire pit. It is also the cheapest option available. Almost any type of sand will make an excellent material at the bottom of a fire pit.

Best Rocks For Fire Pit In 2020 (Complete Buying Solution)

Should you put sand in the bottom of a fire pit?

The main benefits of using sand are that it helps to soak up the heat and evenly distribute the heat throughout the fire pit. Sand is also great for protecting the actual metal bowl from the intense heat the fire can put out. At the end of the day, there is no harm in putting sand in the base of a metal pit.

Can rocks explode in fire?

Rocks can explode in a campfire because of rapid expansion due to trapped water inside the rock, or through uneven heating. Although virtually all rocks have some amount of water inside them, porous and more permeable rocks have more water and are thus more dangerous inside a fire.

Can I use river rock in a fire pit?

Again, be sure you purchase these from a fire pit dealer, for fire pit use. DO NOT USE REAL RIVER ROCK as these can shatter. Some actual rocks from a river absorb air and moisture, so when the rock is heated the air and water molecules that are trapped inside the rock expands faster than the rock itself.

Will lava rock explode in fire?

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.

Are glass rocks or lava rocks better?

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.

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.

Are pavers safe for fire pit?

Kiln-fired brick is safe to use in an aboveground fire pit. These bricks are typically fired to 1800ºF and easily withstand the heat of flames. Landscaping brick that's been kiln-fired is safe to use. Brick paver stones should also be safe to use.

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.

Will limestone explode if heated?

The center of the fire pit can be covered with several inches of Blue Granite, Mason Sand or Lava Rock. Never use limestone as excess heat can cause limestone to explode.

Does a stone fire pit need a liner?

Rocks are beautiful accents but most cannot withstand the constant heat of a fire so be sure to use a fire pit liner. Plus, liners will keep logs contained as they burn while the rocks add a rustic element to your outdoor gathering.

Can marble chips be used in a fire pit?

Yes, you can use marble chips in a fire pit because although marble is porous it is dense enough not to trap too much water and air that can cause the marble to explode in the fire pit.

What kind of rock explodes in fire?

Porous and layered sedimentary rocks like limestone, sandstone, shale, and conglomerate, and breccia can explode when heated. Extrusive igneous rocks (pumice, basalt, rhyolite, andesite, dacite) and foliated metamorphic rocks (slate) can explode if they contain water inside. River rocks can also explode.

What stone is fireproof?

Granite can be used with gas or electric fires and can handle the high-intensity heat of wood fires. It is one of the most commonly used stones for hearths because it is extremely hard and durable, and comes in a wider range of colors and patterns than other natural stones.

How many pounds of lava rock do I need for a fire pit?

To calculate the amount of lava rock needed to fill a square or rectangular fire pit, use the following equation: Width X Length X Depth, divided by 19 = pounds of lava rock needed. We recommend a minimum 2” of depth for most installations.

How do I keep my fire pit from rusting?

Keeping a cast-iron fire pit covered is a must and even that might not do the trick completely. Make sure the fire pit is dry before covering. Applying a coat of vegetable oil to the surfaces after cleaning, particularly the inside, can help slow rust from developing.

How deep should a fire pit be?

The hole should be 12 inches in diameter and 18 inches deep. Fill this hole with large gravel. If the soil doesn't drain well or there is heavy precipitation, dig a trench from the center out. If you're adding a drainpipe, dig about 10 feet from the fire pit.

Will regular bricks work for a fire pit?

Fire pits can reach high temperatures, so regular bricks won't work. Regular bricks will crack at high temperatures and can cause a real accident if used in fire pits. Instead, you are going to use firebricks, also called refractory bricks.

What kind of concrete do you use for a fire pit?

Quikrete 5000 (20-25 Bags)

QUIKRETE® 5000 Concrete Mix is a commercial-grade blend of stone or gravel, sand, and cement and is specially designed for higher early strength. This is the recommended concrete mix to use because of the high early strength and low price.