Lava Rock Arrangements for Your Fire Pit

Lava Rock Arrangements for Your Fire Pit

Lava rocks, formed from volcanic activity, not only add aesthetic appeal to your fire pit but also serve practical functions. Their porous nature allows for better airflow, resulting in more efficient heat distribution and a visually pleasing flame. Although we know lava rocks are not the most interesting subject, we aim to educate! So, this article will be focusing on the types and sizes of lava rocks that you can use, and how to arrange lava rock on a gas fire pit. Furthermore, the importance of maintaining your lava rocks and how to set up your lava rock with crossfire burner nozzles. 

Lava rock or basalt rock as it is often called, is considered durable, safe and of course, will make your fire pit look beautiful with some added texture and contrast. As well as its esthetic appeal, it also functions to give your fire pit a richer flame and keep you warmer. 

What Are the Types of Lava Rocks You Can Use?

Lava rocks come in various sizes and colors, with black and red being the most common options. It’s worth noting that while some may refer to “grey lava rock,” it’s typically just weathered black lava rock, which may appear lighter in color.

Safety Precautions for Using Lava Rock With Your Fire Pit

When operating your fire pit, it is essential to ensure the lava rock is thoroughly dry before you light it. If they are damp, the lava rocks with heat too quickly, causing them to pop and jump out of the firepit. However, how do you know when your fire pit is safe to use after rain? Well, wet lava will make a crackling sound as it dries. Therefore, you should run the fire pit for a few minutes until the crackling stops, keeping a safe distance of course. Additionally, lava rocks should generally be larger than half an inch when used with fire pits. Anything smaller could cause pieces or lava rock dust to block a gas fire pit.

How Do You Arrange Lava Rock on a Gas Fire Pit?

When arranging your lava rocks on your gas fire pit, regardless if it is a fire bowl or a fire table, you need to be gentle. Be aware that there is an accumulation of dust in the rocks due to how they were sourced, so don’t just dump the entire contents of the bag into your gas fire pit. Dust and little pieces from the lava rock will block the burner jets, preventing the flames from coming out and reducing the performance of your fire pit.

A helpful tip is to rinse your lava rock to remove the dust and then allow it a few hours to dry. When clean and dry, you can then arrange them into the fire pit. If the burner of your fire pit is the type that is meant to be fully covered with lava rock, it should be no more than half an inch below the lava rock. However, if you have the crossfire burner with jets they need to be left exposed, you should position the lava rock in a way that the air intake on the side of the jet is unobstructed.

How Do You Maintain Lava Rock in a Fire Pit?

Lava rocks are low maintenance and therefore a popular choice. They generally last for 3+ years depending on how often you use your fire pit. However, it is important to note that regularly moving lava rock around can shorten its life span as it may cause it to break into smaller pieces. As mentioned earlier, lava rock will break down with use creating a dust which will settle into the burner pan. We recommend that at the start of each season you remove the lava rock and vacuum or sweep the dust that has accumulated, and vacuum the burner as well to make sure the gas ports stay clear. Then put back the lava rock for continued use.  Moreover, you should always cover your fire pit when it is not in use to ensure a safe and beautiful flame!