How to use Lava Rocks for a Fire Pit? (User’s Guide)

In this guide, we will show you how to use lava rocks for a fire pit. We will discuss the different sizes of lava rock and give you some tips on what type of material is best for your particular situation. Lava rocks are great because they can be used with any outdoor space that has a flat surface, whether it’s in the backyard or near the ocean.

Lava rocks are a great way to provide warmth and ambiance to your backyard fire pit. But how do you use them? Lava rocks come in many shapes, sizes, and colors so it can be difficult to know which type is best for your needs. In today’s blog post, we will discuss the different types of lava rock that are available as well as some tips on how they should be used.Margo Lava Pebbles

What are Lava Rocks and what can they be used for?

Lava rocks are a type of igneous rock formed when magma, which is molten lava flows out onto the surface and cools down. When it does this, it forms what we know as “lava rock”, or sometimes they form in volcanic vents where gases escape to the surface through cracks forming them into little balls.

  • They are typically used for landscaping, but there are plenty of other uses too!
  • One popular use is as a fire pit, where they help retain heat so that the fire continues burning. They also have good insulation properties which keeps it warm enough to touch even after being around an open flame, meaning you can put your feet on it.
  • Lava rocks are typically black, red or brown in color and can be as small as a pebble to as big as your head!
  • They come in many different shapes and sizes which is great for fitting into any type of fire pit or landscape design you may have going on.
  • This is an example of wrong use of Lava Rocks.

Lava Rocks are commonly used for landscaping. They have good insulation properties which keeps it warm enough to touch even after being around an open flame, meaning you can put your feet on it. Lava rocks come in many different shapes and sizes which is great for fitting into any type of fire pit or landscape design you may have going on. They are typically used for landscaping, but there are plenty of other uses too!

Margo Garden Products DFBLP2-20 Dragon Glass Lava Pebbles, 20 lb, Black
  • Sourced from lava fields in Asia
  • Pebble size 3/4" - 1 1/2". Recommended Uses - Walkways, Outdoor gardens, Fountains, Planters, or...
  • Tumbled to create a more uniform shape and unique look
  • Rectangular fireplace/fire pit, (length x width x Height)/ 21 = pebbles (lbs. )
  • Round fireplace/fire pit-(diameter x diameter x Pebble Height)/ 26 = pebbles (lbs. )

Lava rocks can be as small as a pebble to as big as your head! The color varies between black, red or brown depending on the age and type. One popular use is as a fire pit where they help retain heat so that the fire continues burning. They also have good insulation properties which keeps it warm to the touch even after being around an open flame, meaning you can put your feet on it.

Lava rocks are a type of igneous rock formed when magma flows out onto the surface and cools down forming them into little balls. When they do this, they form what we know as “lava rock”, or sometimes they form in volcanic vents where gases escape to the surface through cracks.

Margo Garden Products DFBLP2-20 Dragon Glass Lava Pebbles, 20 lb, Black
  • Sourced from lava fields in Asia
  • Pebble size 3/4" - 1 1/2". Recommended Uses - Walkways, Outdoor gardens, Fountains, Planters, or...
  • Tumbled to create a more uniform shape and unique look
  • Rectangular fireplace/fire pit, (length x width x Height)/ 21 = pebbles (lbs. )
  • Round fireplace/fire pit-(diameter x diameter x Pebble Height)/ 26 = pebbles (lbs. )

Lava rocks are typically used for landscaping but there are plenty of other uses too! They come in many different shapes and sizes which is great for fitting into any type of fire pit or landscape design you may have going on. They are typically black, red or brown in color and can be as small as a pebble to as big as your head!

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How to use Lava Rocks as a Fire Pit?

With the increasing demand for fire pits, there are many different types of materials that can be used to build a great looking pit. The most common type of material is concrete because it is cheap and easy to work with. However, lava rocks have become increasingly popular lately due to their appearance being more aesthetically pleasing. They may be a little expensive, but it is worth the investment due to their high durability and long life expectancy.

  • Lava rocks have been used for thousands of years as both decorative stones and heat resistant material in fire pits, so they are definitely one of the most popular choices among buyers looking for quality materials that will last them a long time.
  • There are different types of lava rocks out there, but the most popular ones for fire pits are black or dark grey in color and can be used to build many interesting designs that will look great with any outdoor space you have.
  • Lava rocks for a fire pit should always have certain specific characteristics that make them perfect for this type of application. For example, it is very important that they are porous in order to allow the flames to properly rise through them and not cause different issues like carbon monoxide poisoning or other problems.
  • Another characteristic of lava rocks for fire pits is their shape because it will determine how well the pit fits your space while also preventing smaller burning ember from escaping the pit.
  • The size of lava rocks for fire pits can vary greatly, but it is always recommended to use smaller sized stones when building a new one in order to avoid any issues with safety or design flaws. The most popular sizes are about 18 inches tall and 12-14 inches wide because they give you plenty of room while also being easy to move around when needed.Skyflame Lava Pebbles

Lava rocks for fire pits are an excellent choice of material due to their high durability and beautiful looks, so if you have been considering this option then there is no time better than the present to place your order!

Types of Lava Rocks for Fire Pits

When you look for lava rocks to use in your fire pit, make sure that the type of rock is right. There are various types out there but all can be categorized into three main ones: crushed stone, tumbled stones and natural round riverstones.

  • Crushed Stones – these are small pieces of basalt or other volcanic stone that were crushed into various sizes. These are the most common types of rock and will come in several shapes and colors, but they do not fit well inside a fire pit because you can’t stack them for safety reasons or create patterns when using them on your patio or garden.
  • Tumbled Stones – these rocks have been through a tumbling process which makes them round. They are easy to stack and can create amazing patterns when using for a fire pit, but they do come in different sizes so you have to be careful with the size of your logs or wood pieces since small rocks may not work well with large ones.
  • Natural Round Riverstones – these are naturally rounded stones that can create a beautiful border for your fire pit or an accent in the form of coals and rocks. However, you need to be sure they are not painted because otherwise you will end up with some dirty looking stones.
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Best Fire Pit Cover (Buyer’s Guide)

Pros and Cons of using Lava Rocks as a Fire Pit

Pros: Provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the fire pit, provides good insulation for heat distribution.

Cons: Can be difficult or costly to obtain in large quantities. Needs frequent replacement due to corrosion and abrasion from constant exposure to flames. May not be legal everywhere depending on local regulations regarding burning materials at high temperatures in open air.

Lava rocks are a great alternative to traditional fire pit materials, such as wood or charcoal. Lava stones can provide some benefits over other types of fuel while also providing the same level of heat for cooking and warmth outdoors throughout your backyard patio space. If you’re interested in using lava rocks for outdoor fire pits, then this guide is for you.

How to Care for your Lava Rock Fire Pit (Cleaners, Maintenance)?

  • Lava rocks are porous so you will find ash and soot in the rock after burning. If this happens, wash them with water before using again. Use a stiff brush to remove any built up soot or ashes from inside your fire pit bowl.
  • Use a wire brush with high heat resistant bristles to clean the inside of your fire pit.
  • If you want another option, use a mild abrasive cleaner and soak it in water for about 30 minutes before scrubbing away any built up ash or soot from inside the bowl. Use caution while using an abrasive cleaner. Take extra precaution to avoid scratching the bowl.
  • Never use a wire brush or abrasive cleaner on lava rock that is still hot to touch. It can damage the rocks and make them look dull in color over time due to discoloration caused by chemical reactions with cleaners used, heat from fire pits as well as smoke residue from camp fires.
  • For best results, use a mild dishwashing detergent in warm water for scrubbing any built up ash or soot from the bowl after it cools down to room temperature.
  • If you want another option use non abrasive cleaner and soak it in water for about 30 minutes before scrubbing away any built up ash or soot from inside the bowl.

Where To Buy Lava Rocks in Stores or Online?

Many hardware stores carry lava rock, which you can purchase in bulk for less than $0.50 per pound (prices will vary depending on location and store). You may also find them at some home improvement stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot.Premium Lava Pebbles

You can also buy lava rocks online. A 50 pound bag of lava rock will cost you around $20 from Amazon, which breaks down to only about 40 cents per pound. You’ll have a lot more options on what type of size and shape you want for your fire pit too!

Most hardware stores carry the chunkier lava rocks that are about an inch or two in size. The larger the lava rock, the more expensive it is per pound. Lava rocks can be found for around $0.50-$0.75/pound at most hardware stores and home improvement centers like Home Depot or Lowe’s.(Keep reading).

What Size Do You Need?

As a general rule, you want to use lava rocks that are about the same size as your firepit. So if your pits is 12 inches in diameter, look for smaller stones around one inch or so.(Keep reading).

  • Do not write numbers or bullet points.
  • You can buy lava rocks in bulk for less than $0.50 per pound (prices will vary depending on location and store). You may also find them at some home improvement stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot, online.
  • A 50 pound bag of lava rock will cost you around $20 from Amazon, which breaks down to only about 40 cents per pound. You’ll have a lot more options on what type of size and shape you want for your fire pit too!
  • As a general rule, you want to use lava rocks that are about the same size as your firepit. So if your pits is 12 inches in diameter, look for smaller stones around one inch or so.
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What Moisture Content Firewood Should Be

Environmental Protection

Lava rocks are 100% reusable, so you can cut down on the number of stones that would otherwise end up in a landfill. These mineral-rich chunks of hardened magma also help insulate your fire pit area from extreme temperatures and weather conditions outside its borders.

Sourcing these organic materials is sustainable as well since they naturally occur in most volcanic regions of the world.

Margo Garden Products DFBLP2-20 Dragon Glass Lava Pebbles, 20 lb, Black
  • Sourced from lava fields in Asia
  • Pebble size 3/4" - 1 1/2". Recommended Uses - Walkways, Outdoor gardens, Fountains, Planters, or...
  • Tumbled to create a more uniform shape and unique look
  • Rectangular fireplace/fire pit, (length x width x Height)/ 21 = pebbles (lbs. )
  • Round fireplace/fire pit-(diameter x diameter x Pebble Height)/ 26 = pebbles (lbs. )

Lava rocks are 100% reusable, so you can cut down on the number of stones that would otherwise end up in a landfill. These mineral-rich chunks of hardened magma also help insulate your fire pit area from extreme temperatures and weather conditions outside its borders. Sourcing these organic materials is sustainable as well since they naturally occur in most volcanic regions of the world.

Safety Tips

  • First, you should always check if the lava rocks are dry and not wet. You can do this by simply attempting to light them on fire. If they ignite easily, then that means they’re still soaking wet with water or other liquid chemicals – which will just cause a lot of smoke when burned and may even extinguish itself.
  • Second, you need to know how much heat resistance your lava rocks have. Different types of Lava Rocks can withstand different levels of high temperatures and must be used accordingly. If the stones are not meant for higher heats then they could burst into flames or crack from excessive exposure to fire. This is why it’s important that you use Lava Rocks that are safe for high temperatures.
  • It’s also important to know how much weight the stones can withstand above ground. If you have children or pets around your fire pit then it may be a good idea to purchase Lava Rocks with less weight resistance. This will cause them not to fall into the fire pit and increase the safety of your living area.
Margo Garden Products DFBLP2-20 Dragon Glass Lava Pebbles, 20 lb, Black
  • Sourced from lava fields in Asia
  • Pebble size 3/4" - 1 1/2". Recommended Uses - Walkways, Outdoor gardens, Fountains, Planters, or...
  • Tumbled to create a more uniform shape and unique look
  • Rectangular fireplace/fire pit, (length x width x Height)/ 21 = pebbles (lbs. )
  • Round fireplace/fire pit-(diameter x diameter x Pebble Height)/ 26 = pebbles (lbs. )

FAQs

What are the best lava rocks to buy?

There is no one-size fits all answer for this because there are so many different factors that come into play when deciding what kind of lava rock you’ll need. The most important thing in terms of material is how well it can hold up against heat and weather. Here at Fire Pit, we sell lava rock that is made to be durable and weather-resistant.

What size of Lava Rocks do I need?

The best way to think about this is for every square foot you want covered by the rocks, you should have a minimum of one pound in weight. So if your fire pit area can hold 100 pounds of rocks, you should aim for at least one square foot.

What color Lava Rocks are best?

From our experience and all the pictures we’ve seen on Pinterest, black lava rock is by far the most common choice when it comes to outdoor fire pits. However there are many different colors available if that’s what you’re looking for.

What are some other uses for Lava Rocks?

You may have heard of using lava rocks as a way to purify water or keep fish alive in aquariums. They are also used to give your home an Asian feel by filling the bottom of pots with them. The uses for lava rocks around your house can be endless!

Conclusion

The best lava rocks for a fire pit should provide easy installation and minimal maintenance. The product must be durable enough to heat up quickly even in adverse weather conditions, yet it shouldn’t emit toxic fumes or flammable gas.