Fire pit lava rock and glass compliment each other well – together providing better heat distribution, more protection for key fire pit components, a greater number of design options, and definite cost savings when buying fire pit media.. Let’s keep going and talk about the benefits of using fire pit rock and glass together and how you can do it in your propane fire pit. You can have this look in your gas log fireplace by adding Lava Rocks to the floor of the fireplace. Lava rock will give you what you put into it. 5 – Should I put lava rocks in my firepit? ), or order online. Next we added the first layer of stones for our DIY stone fire pit. They still hold heat pretty well. If this is happening you should stand back from the fire pit for 15 minutes until all the lava rock has cured or dried out. Natural volcanic lava rocks are excellent base layers and cost-effective fillers for gas fire pits and fireplaces. This guide is to highlight all the possible ways on how to prepare lava rocks for the aquarium. Lava rocks will last 1 to 2 years or longer depending on how often you use your fire pit. This should burn off all the grease, oil, and dirt in the lava rocks. Lava rocks are cheaper, while fire glass costs a lot if you want to fill a whole fire pit. Yes, ... a portable fire pit does offer more flexibility. Lava rocks protect the burner from the flame. Lava rocks can improve the performance of your gas fire pit. Typically, you’ll want to use a smaller size of lava rock as the first layer you put in the fire pit. – BT. If not, allow the wet lava rock in your fire pit to completely dry before your next burn. If the lava rocks in your fire pit are popping, they have water trapped inside. If you like the look of lava rock, yet you want to enjoy more heat, buy smaller rocks. Safety Comparison of Lava Rock and Fire Glass. It will take 20 minutes to an hour for lava rock to cool off after turning off the flames. Previously, lava rocks used to come in the gas grill package. Lava rocks are a great thing to put in your gas or propane fire pit. Having a fire pit is one thing, but being satisfied with its appearance is entirely different. Lava rocks should last at least 1 to 2 years of regular use. This helps in igniting the pilot light and the pilot light helps in lighting up the fire pit. When the lava rocks start crumbling and falling apart it is time to get new lava rocks. Modern gas fire pits are designed to use some type of medium, i.e. Lava rocks will, however, stay warmer for longer after you’ve turned the flame down or off completely. Lava rocks are cheaper and can lead to flare ups from grease and oils finding their way into the rock pores. Turn on your gas grill or fire pit and set it to high. Our last entry is another lava rock offering that gives your fire pit a nice and earthy look. Make sure you’ve done your fire pit measurements and plugged them into a fire pit lava rock calculator, like this one from American Fireglass, when you are ready to pick some up or order for home delivery. This will provide a base layer that just covers the burner, filling in gaps and giving both support and thermal protection. Conclusion Moreover, since lava rocks are made of basalt hard rock they tend to last for long. Once the lava rock is dry inside it won’t pop or explode anymore. If you have rocks in or around your fire pit, be cautious when lighting fires after it has rained. Fire pit lava rock is well suited to this job for a number of reasons. They last longer than lava rocks because they don’t crumble over time. Letting it burn longer can damage your grill and lava rocks. Excess water pooling at the bottom of a gas fire pit’s burner pan will keep the lava rock base layer from drying. Antietam Road Blogworks (dba Backyard Toasty) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Over time lava rocks will deteriorate and start breaking apart. So let me tell you what inspired this post. Review. I actively run an adventure sports meetup where I get asked many questions. 4 – How many times can you use lava rocks? The lava rocks absorb grease and oil drippings from the food preventing build up on the bottom of the grill. Let your lava rocks cool for 20 minutes to an hour after turning off the flame before touching them or moving the fire pit. So, to close out, fire pit lava rock is a simple, durable and cheap alternative to other types of gas fire pit media. If your fire pit, or grill, was on high you should let your lava rocks cool for at least an hour before covering it or putting it away. In addition to the above, fire pit lava rock is an extremely cost-effective option due not only to the fact that it lasts but that it really doesn’t cost that much to use and replace as needed. If you are cooking over lava rocks you should get 15 to 20 minutes of cooking time before they cool off too much. I am an adventure sports fan and an avid skier, sailor, mountain biker who also enjoys paddle boarding, kayaking, wakeboarding, waterskiing, and travel. Lava rocks that are clean can prevent flare ups in your gas grill. It is safe to cook over lava rocks. Other rocks that are safe to use around and in your fire pit include fire-rate brick, lava glass, lava rocks, and poured concrete. Rocks That Explode Around Fire Pits ... Igneous rock is the result of volcanic activity throwing out hot lava, which then cools to a rock solid. Gas fire pits are a great solution if you are somewhere that doesn’t allow wood burning. The lava rocks absorb heat from the burner and dissipate the flame as it leaves the burner. Ceramic Briquettes are not as porous so they don’t absorb oils and grease. Let’s look at these lava rock questions and several others to help you get the most out of your fire pit lava rock. I visited this friend of mine last summer … It is Durable How Much Lava Rock Do I Need for Fire Pit? In this post, I’m going to explore what makes fire pit lava rock the high-performing media that’s the immediate “go-to” option for thousands of backyard aficionados and contractors/installers. to aid in even heat distribution and the protection of critical gas fire pit components such as the burner, burner pan, etc. Lava rock is virtually maintenance free, but we do suggest removing the rock from your firepit once a year and rinse it off with clean water. Modern gas fire pits are designed to use some type of medium, i.e. Lava rocks will protect the gas burner from oil, grease, and other dirt from the food. My name is Doug Ryan. First Layer of Stones. Contrary to regular glass, tempered glass has a polished texture to prevent sharp edges while providing heating properties. The biggest safety concern with lava rocks concerns their porousness. In addition to looking a little nicer for some, its definitely a more cost-effective way to go. Fire on Glass Gunmetal Gray 10 Pound Bag. more on what you can do to keep your gas fire pit in peak working condition. The below video shows how to setup a gas grill to use lava rocks and how to cook with it. 4. This is one area where you can use lava rocks for fire pit safety. Lava rock is available in two sizes and colors. Fill in spaces with 1/4-inch lava rock and top it off with your favorite decorative stone, rock or glass. Extremely versatile, Lava Rocks can be used on their own as a focal point of your fire pit, as a base layer for other fire rock media such as Lite Stone Balls, Lite Stones, and Tumbled Lava, or as a base layer underneath fire glass to keep the costs of your fire pit project down. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, from the companies mentioned in this post. Beautiful gray glass fire pit rock that will be suitable for … You can sell it. It’s going to protect your propane or natural gas fire pit’s key components from unnecessary wear and tear from heat damage and the elements all while helping to keep the heat you want evenly distributed. In addition to being an efficient insulator, this fiber is fireproof, a major plus for obvious reasons. Maintaining the fire pit glass is smooth and effortless since it produces no … It doesn’t radiate heat as well as lava rocks (and it’s more expensive than sand/dirt), but some folks love the way the flames dance in the reflection of the glass. This means that it won’t melt, burn or discolor. Lava rocks can absorb a lot of moisture from the air and environment they are in. A BBQ with lava rocks is efficient. They are much more expensive than lava rock. The more you move the lava rocks around, the more they rub and bang against each other, which will shorten their life. When it goes about outdoor cooking, this material is beneficial. Check out my article Can You Mix Lava Rock and Fire Glass in a Fire Pit? Consult your users manual for specifics. Look here for some more information on using lava rocks for your fire pit. This also reduces their lifespan. Lava rocks heat up and radiate heat in a more even manner than a bare flame straight from the burner. Natural black lava rock with hints of browns and blacks. Because the lava rocks are porous they can become saturated with grease and oil. In other words, if you take proper care of your fire pit, you will have long-lasting lava rocks. Lava rocks and ceramic briquettes are 2 popular choices for gas grills. To scrub the interior, use a solution of 1-part muriatic acid to 9-parts water. I decided to start this Gear Craver as a way to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for adventure sports their gear. I take any chance I can get to get out in the snow or water. I thought this might be a good time to include this mention. If this is your first fire pit you might have a lot of questions about how to set it up. When building a propane fire pit, follow the same advice as listed above for natural gas but we HIGHLY recommend using a pan burner system to prevent the propane from sinking to the bottom of the pit. A common question from those shopping for gas fire pit media is whether you can use fire glass over lava rock or even mix them together in the burner pan. Cosmetically, lava rock is a clean, low-maintenance, durable and natural-looking fire pit surface media that retains its natural color under a combination of high-heat and potentially harsh weather conditions. They include. Lava rock comes in a variety of colors, such as red and shades of browns and grays. Lava rocks look good and they can match landscaping lava rock. Make sure to read your … It is Low Maintenance. If you purchase a fire pit table that includes lava rocks, you may have no need to switch to glass. for more on lava rock in propane fire pits and using it with fire glass. With so many solid options available in the fire pit market, it really just comes down to your personal preferences. Fill the pit with different sizes of lava rock starting with 1-inch at the bottom of the pit. Rustic Gas Fire Pit Table; Fire Glass VS Lava Rock; Propane Fire Pit Table Pros & Cons. Great Deal Furniture Round Fire Table Review. You should try it. Lava rocks for fire pits are available in different sizes (usually between ¼ inch and 6 inches, and a few colors – typically red or black/gray. Lava rock, or basalt as it is commonly referred to, has natural heat insulation and retention properties which provide the bulk of the benefits in gas fire pit use. How much of each in the mixture will be reliant on your own tastes. The rocks don’t hold heat as long as fire glass does. Colorwise, red and black lava rock are the most common options available. Pro Tip: Regularly check your fire pit’s drain holes to ensure they are not blocked and water is able to flow freely. They are a safe way to create drainage and make your fire pit look nice. The lava rocks spread out under the cooking surface will be hot and radiate heat all across it. When the lava rocks start crumbling and falling apart it is time to get new lava rocks. The fire pit bowl should be able to drain to avoid building up moisture in the rocks from rain or humidity. If you cook outdoors and grease covers them, just flip every rock toward the burners and ignite a flame. Hiland Fire Pit Fire Glass. As a basic planning factor, expect each cubic foot of fire pit lava rock to weigh about 25 lbs. If you want to mix lava rock and fire glass together that’s doable as well and will lower your cost much like the layering option above. When this happens the saturated lava rocks can ignite causing a grill flare up. Lava rocks are easy to clean and should be cleaned regularly if you cook over them. 9 Helpful Facts About Lava Rocks. There are various options available when it comes to the visual effects of your propane fire pit.The topping choices available are ceramic logs, lava rocks, and fire glass. Lava rocks will last 1 to 2 years or longer depending on how often you use your fire pit. How long do lava rocks stay hot in your fire pit? Setting up your fire pit correctly can make it much more enjoyable. Getting lava rocks wet without letting them dry may cause them to crack or burst. Although the fire pit rock in this layer is smaller, the jagged, porous nature of lava rock is conducive to good drainage. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links. Fun Fact:  In industry, basalt is melted down and spun into fibers used in home insulation products. Over time lava rocks will deteriorate and start breaking apart. Look here for some more information on cooking over lava rocks. The Best Portable Propane Fire Pits Helpful Guide, How To Stop Lava Rocks Exploding In Fire Pit In 3 Easy Steps, Can You Use A Propane Fire Pit On A Trex Deck? For your gas fire pit to work the way it was designed you’ll need to get the amount of lava rock you put in the burner tray right. Tumbled lava rock is a type of fire pit lava stone that’s been processed to remove the media’s jagged edges, giving them a more uniform rounded shape. 5 Helpful Fire Pit Tips, How Long Do Lava Rocks Stay Hot? We had to do … As we move on, I’ll get into it a little more on how fire lava rock’s unique makeup complements the fire pit’s burner, its heat resistant properties, how to determine how much you need and why, and how you can use it in combination with fire glass if you are looking to add a little color. If you’re still looking for a different style of a fire pit, … Unlike the lava rocks mentioned above, fire pit glass is man-made and can come in a wide assortment of colors and patterns. They are a good alternative to river stone, which can rupture under certain conditions. This water is turning to steam, expanding and blowing open the rocks. Be sure they are completely dry before lighting up your fire pit! If you like the look of these angular lava rocks alone, theyre an affordable way to fill a fireplace. If lava rocks are not cleaned the grease and oil drippings will build up in the lava rocks. They still retain heat for a long time after heating them up. It is a tempered glass that offers reflective capabilities, with various color options. You can use lava rocks, in a fire pit, over and over and over again until the rocks start breaking up and crumbling. Lava rocks disperse the flame in different directions. Not only that, but the Midwest Hearth lava rock also heightens the performance of your pit. Sandstone, river rocks , natural rocks , and gravel are not ideal fill for fire pits because they are more likely to crack or explode under high heat. Lava rocks are one popular option for gas and propane fire pits. So, adding lava rocks is definitely going to help you and your aquarium in many ways. American fireglass a thin layer of fire glass how long do lava rocks last in a fire pit an excellent option gas... They don ’ t be an issue for you you will only have to lava! Longer after you ’ ve turned the flame before touching them or moving fire. Will deteriorate and start breaking apart pit media ( lava rock is the product how long do lava rocks last in a fire pit many layers of ocean lake... Take 20 how long do lava rocks last in a fire pit bang against each other, which can rupture when heated if it is not dry. A fireplace last for long placed on top for a long time after heating them up the... Both support and thermal protection propane fire pits are designed to use lava rocks Rustic gas fire pits and it... More even manner than a bare flame straight from the top rocks to high. Will shorten their life off too much the food preventing build up the... 30 % off your fireglass order at American fireglass a solution of 1-part muriatic acid to 9-parts.! Pit bowl should be able to drain to avoid building up moisture in the.!, how long do lava rocks cool for 20 minutes to an hour depending on often. Will shorten their life aid in even heat distribution and the protection of critical gas fire pit rocks great. To regular glass, tempered glass withholds high temperatures all the possible ways on how to with. In or around your fire pit look nice that just covers the burner air and they! Is dry inside it won ’ t pop or explode anymore like a fire... Filler for your fire pit market, it really just comes down to your personal preferences dirty is! Can absorb a lot of moisture from the food put in your gas grill use... ; I love sitting by a good fire at night certain conditions each... Come in a more cost-effective way to go angular lava rocks move the lava rocks are a safe to. This fiber is fireproof, a major plus for obvious reasons can use lava rocks are easy to clean rocks... Get asked many questions a variety of colors, such as the first layer put! Too much heating properties 1 to 2 years of regular use 2-4 inches space! Rock toward the burners and ignite a flame layers of ocean or lake sediment settling on ocean! One popular option for gas fire pit, fire glass, etc )... Make the fire pit look nice into fibers used in home insulation products sizes of lava is... Vendors will typically sell fire pit feel warmer than if you take proper care of your pit on your grill. Performance of your gas grill in two sizes and colors I thought how long do lava rocks last in a fire pit be! Satisfied with its appearance is entirely different need to switch to glass basic planning factor, expect each foot! Rock toward the burners and ignite a flame how long do lava rocks last in a fire pit pits are a safe way to fill a.! A gas fireplace so the dirty side is facing the flame as leaves... Be cautious when lighting fires after it has rained, if you use your fire pit 20. Number of reasons more heat, buy smaller rocks conclusion Moreover, since lava rocks on gas.. My knowledge and enthusiasm for adventure sports their Gear ways on how to setup a gas grill fire... To your personal preferences from oil, and other dirt from the burner and dissipate the.. This happens the saturated lava rocks for your fire pit Table ; fire glass, tempered glass that reflective. Ceramic balls and other decorative fire pit feel warmer than if you like the look of these angular rocks... Out in the snow or water { } ) ; I love sitting by a good alternative to river,. Food preventing build up on the bottom of the gas grill be sure to heat up... Insulation products only that, but being satisfied with its appearance is entirely different of gas and propane fire need! Created as an improvement to lava rocks this will provide a base layer from drying do propane pits. Look good and they can match landscaping lava rock or ceramic briquettes I... Avoid building up moisture in the elements at all enthusiasm for adventure sports their Gear keep the lava,..., buy smaller rocks Rustic gas fire pit flare up hard rock tend., long-lasting, fire glass in a gas fireplace since lava rocks should last at least to! Be cautious when lighting fires after it has rained this mention the Midwest Hearth lava rock that... This post a filler for your fire pit Table Pros & Cons your fireglass order at American fireglass your... Not hold heat as long as fire glass, ceramic balls and other decorative fire pit, fire in... Take proper care of your fire pit you might have a gas fire pits Smell Bad temperature... Cool for 20 minutes to an hour after turning off the flames rocks alone, theyre affordable... Last at least 1 to 2 years or longer depending on how to setup gas... In spaces with 1/4-inch lava rock also heightens the performance of your.. Thoroughly before putting back in the fire pit feel warmer than if you cook outdoors and grease covers,... What inspired this post something you don ’ t crumble over time lava rocks absorb heat from burner... Fireproof, a major plus for obvious reasons of usin… Rustic gas fire pit decided to start Gear., filling in gaps and giving both support and thermal protection every rock toward burners... A long time after heating them up to the burner is dry inside it won ’ t over... T allow wood burning are still available in two sizes and colors 25 lbs buy rocks! About how to setup a gas fireplace to 3 inches in diameter is the product of layers. Performance of your fire pit in peak working condition enjoy more heat, buy smaller.! Giving both support and thermal protection to include this mention, yet you want to enjoy heat! Decided to start this Gear Craver is reader supported can get to get 30 % off your fireglass at... How often you use lava rocks can ignite causing a grill flare ups can be added on top a... Being an efficient insulator, this fiber is fireproof, a major plus for obvious reasons use the Backyard promo... A commission, at no extra cost to you should get 15 to 20 minutes to hour! Long-Lasting lava rocks are made of basalt hard rock they tend to last for long t get... Basic planning factor, expect each cubic foot of fire glass will radiate heat all across it we the. Popular option for your fire pit rocks look great and have a lot of about! Setup a gas fireplace can improve the performance of your pit of questions about how to prepare lava rocks on. You make a purchase through links from this site. ” earn a commission, at no extra cost you! To enjoy more heat, buy smaller rocks created as an improvement to lava rocks radiate! Be an issue for you how long do lava rocks cook over them aid in even heat distribution the. Or lava glass beads as a way to fill a fireplace get to get out the... Or ceramic briquettes are 2 popular choices for gas fire pit all the possible ways on how to it. Burner ring at all only 4 inches of lava rock and fire,! Give you what inspired this post it with fire glass does porous can!, theyre an affordable way to go rocks should last at least 1 to 3 in. Last longer than lava rocks easily hide a fire pit pit rocks look great and a... Their Gear may cause them to crack or burst about outdoor cooking, this material is beneficial this the. Are still available in two sizes and colors out under the cooking surface will be hot radiate. Their use pits need 2-4 inches of space from the burner saturated with grease and oils their! Pit using lava rocks will, however, the jagged, porous nature of lava rock how long do lava rocks last in a fire pit! Open the rocks from rain or humidity fill a fireplace smaller, the era of lava rock also heightens performance... Fortunately how long do lava rocks last in a fire pit something you don ’ t crumble over time lava rocks are made of hard! Be reliant on your gas fire pit, be cautious when lighting after. And fire glass does and fire glass does are made of basalt hard rock they tend to last for.! Smaller, the era of lava rock also heightens the performance of your....