I’m used to burning wood logs in my fire pit, and I bet many people do the same.
But recently, I noticed my neighbors put lava rocks into their fire pits. With that in mind, I have asked myself, “Is red lava rock good for fire pits?”
I’ve spent some time googling and researching online, and I think I’ve got the answer. So if you are also wondering about this topic, you are at the right place!
Table of Contents
Is Red Lava Rock Good for Fire Pits?
The answer is Yes. These rocks will work well for fire pits since they disperse the flames, spread the heat well and look decent when burning.
The lava rocks can effectively disperse the heat and make a protective bottom layer for your fire pit.
Also, they protect your fire pit from hot spots that eventually cause cracking.
You can place lava rocks on your fire pit’s base to create one thick layer four to five inches from the top. Ensure that they still allow water to drain through.
Finally, adding the logs on top of these lava rocks is okay, and you and others can enjoy the warmth from your fire pit.
Is It Possible To Use The Lava Rock in Propane Fire Pits?
These rocks will work well for any propane fire pit as they can withstand extremely high temperatures.
Also, they are helpful in many other ways, such as distributing the heat evenly.
Besides making a decent warmth for others around the fire, they also prevent cold and hot spots from developing, damaging the fabric of fire pits.
These rocks are also helpful in making a drainage layer at the bottom of fire pits and protect gas burners from extreme heat.
Is It Okay To Use Lava Rocks in Your Wood-Burning Fire Pit?
The answer is Yes. It is possible to use lava rocks in wood-burning fire pits.
These rocks can disperse the heat well and make a protective layer for the bottom of your pit.
These beautiful rocks protect your fire pit from hot spots that can eventually cause cracking.
How To Start A Fire Pit With The Lava Rock?
If your fire pit has a push-button ignition, you must remove the rocks around your burner first.
Then slightly open the gas valve before pressing and holding an ignition button.
It will create a spark that can light the fire. Finally, rearrange your lava rocks around the burner before adjusting the valve’s flame.
Using a long match is essential if your fire pit doesn’t have push-button ignition.
Start by removing rocks and slightly open the gas valve. Use the match to light it; then, you can use the valve to control the flames.
Finally, safely move rocks around the burner to cover it.
How Long Does The Lava Rock Last in One Fire Pit?
They can last for approximately two years before starting to show wear signs. Then keep using these rocks in a fire pit till they get crumbly looking.
Several ways will allow you to extend the lifespan of lava rocks, including avoiding moving these rocks around too much and not enabling them to get wet for too long.
What Are the Main Pros of Using Lava Rocks?
Provide More Natural Looks
These rocks come from the earth instead of man-made. So they will give a natural, great look to any fire pit.
Durable
These nice rocks are created from volcanoes, meaning they do not decompose and do not require replacement yearly.
Low Maintenance
These rocks can last a long time if they get the proper care. It is best to cover the fire pit regularly, and you will have to clean lava rocks every half a year to a year.
Easy to Clean
These rocks are easy to clean, provided you clean them regularly. Cleaning lava rocks can be done well with some water.
One of the simplest ways is to put them in one bucket, add the water, and leave them to soak for a while.
Thanks to that, you can get rid of any debris or dust that may be building up in the porous structures of your lava rock.
Water Resistant
Regarding this aspect, lava rocks are a bit contradictory. They have a high water holding capacity but also feature excellent drainage.
Heat Resistant
Lava rocks’ heat-resistant feature adds protection to gas fire pits.
Shield Burners from Exposure
When you add lava rocks to form a three to four-inch layer, they can cover the burner from many weather conditions.
They shield your burner from the surface flame as they have natural insulating abilities. It might lead to a better performing and longer-lasting fire pit.
Create Even Distribution of Your Flame
Lava rocks used in propane fire pits offer even heat throughout a burner pan due to their ability to hold in heat.
Have Protective Porous Surface
It means these rocks have empty spaces along their surface, allowing gasses or liquids to flow through the rock.
Those empty spaces, known as vesicles, are made by gas bubbles in the lava flow.
The porous surface also lets water drainage, which keeps these rocks dry and protects the fire pit’s bottom from the surface heat.
What Are the Different Kinds of Lava Rocks?
Lava rocks come in several colors, including:
- Grey
- Black
- Red/brown
Additionally, these rocks are also available in different sizes, including:
- Crushed gravel size
- Small: Up to one inch in diameter
- Large: Up to four inches in diameter or larger
The lava rocks most used in fire pits are the smaller types, ranging from one to three inches.
FAQs
Can Lava Rocks Stand High Temperature?
These rocks are made of volcanic magma, meaning they can stand very high temperatures. That’s one of the reasons these rocks are ideal for fire pits.
Some of the other rocks can explode or crack when placed at high temperatures, while lava rocks calmly carry on heat.
Does The Lava Rock Hold Heat?
These rocks are excellent at retaining heat, allowing them to form an even, lovely warmth.
If you want to cover or move these rocks, you must let them cool for one hour or more after disabling the flame.
What Can I Use Old Lava Rocks For?
Several valuable ways allow you to use old lava rocks in your yard.
For example, you can use them at your planters’ base to form the drainage layer. So, many people keep old lava rocks in their shed for the next planting session.
You also can mix these rocks with soil to get mulch. They don’t decompose like many other mulch materials, so they are clean and can last longer.
What Components Does Lava Rocks Include?
Lava rocks feature mineral and chemical components:
Mineral Components
These rocks are made from a wide range of minerals, including:
- Olivine
- Amphibole
- Pyridoxine
- Plagioclase feldspar
They sometimes include small amounts of the following minerals:
- Quartz
- Magnetite
- Biotite mica
- Hornblende
Chemical Components
Calcium
It was discovered in 1808. Its melting point is 1548°F.
Magnesium
This was discovered in 1755 and started melting from 1202°F. This element allows the lava rock to be lit and burn brighter!
Iron
These rocks include a high level of iron. People discovered it around 3500 BC, and its melting point is 2800°F! It favors lava rocks’ heat-resistant properties.
Magnesium and Iron belong to the ferromagnesian group, which are vital to many chemical components. Also, they feature a fast cooling rate.
The lava rock also includes a minor amount of aluminum and silicon. The melting point of Silicon is 2577°F, while Aluminum features a melting point of 1220,581°F.
What Is the Lifespan of the Lava Rock?
You can change them every couple of seasons. It depends on how often you use your fire pit. We recommend cleaning them regularly to keep them working at their safest and best.
Is It Possible to Mix Lava Rock and Fire Glass?
Mixing lava rock and fire glass in fire pits is possible, and you will get an excellent effect.
The shiny tempered glass and rustic rock blend together beautifully, creating an aesthetic finish.
In addition, fire glasses are expensive. So you will save money by diluting them with cheaper products.
Remember that you will need to clean the glass more regularly than rocks.
The Bottom Line
Is red lava rock good for fire pits? The short answer is Yes; using lava rocks for your fire pit is one of the best things for various good reasons.
Using red lava rocks is one of the most effective, cheapest ways to make fire pits heat the surrounding place efficiently.
They are also great aesthetically pleasing and an inexpensive alternative to ceramic log or fire glass installations. Thanks for your time!