Choosing the Perfect Stone for Your Fire Pit | NH Thinstone (2024)

FAQs

Choosing the Perfect Stone for Your Fire Pit | NH Thinstone? ›

Flagstone is a great option for a fire pit, particularly for the decorative elements like the fire pit cap (the top of the pit). Flagstone also comes in several colors or designs, so you're bound to find something that suits your planned design.

Flagstone is a great option for a fire pit, particularly for the decorative elements like the fire pit cap (the top of the pit). Flagstone also comes in several colors or designs, so you're bound to find something that suits your planned design.

Basalt. A volcanic rock, basalt is a mix of quartz, iron ore, and similar substances. It's formed under extreme heat, which is why it has a darker hue. While attractive for other landscaping uses, basalt is generally not a rock you want in your fire pit.

We typically use ¾” clean crushed limestone for the gravel fire pit patios we build. We recommend crushed limestone around fire pits because of its excellent drainage. Plus, it compacts well, giving a solid base for seating and other heavy items.

Among all the given options sandstones, especially the compacted type has more fire-resisting properties.

What Do You Put in the Bottom of a Fire Pit? To create a safe, sturdy foundation for a fire pit, we use a gravel paver base. Other common materials used for the bottom of a fire pit are sand, lava stones, dirt, fire glass and concrete slabs.

Crushed rocks provide a stable base for a wood fire, and is suitable for permanent or portable fire pits. Choose a hard rock that is fire resistant, such as granite, marble or slate.

A good rule of thumb is to make an above-ground fire pit 12-14 inches tall. This is a few inches shorter than standard patio furniture seat height. If you want to be able to sit on the edge of the pit itself go a bit higher, 18-20 inches will be comfortable.

Putting concrete pavers under your fire pit will protect your grass. If you're using a fire pit on grass, it's important to use a fire pit mat. This will help protect grass from the extreme heat of the fire pit.

First, you need to build a gravel or sand base that's at least 10 inches deep. This non-combustible base ensures the fire doesn't make direct contact with the earth. The fire pit wall should be 6-12 inches high and made out of non-combustible materials like stone or brick.

What rocks hold heat in fire pits? ›

Soapstone Hot Rocks are the best alternative to Lava Stone and Glass. They're designed to be used in every type of gas fireplace, grill, fire pit, and BBQ.

Here are some tips: Select REAL gemstones over artificial or treated ones that do not have lasting effects. While real stones are rarer and more expensive, their energy and impact are also exponentially higher. Analyse cut, carat, and clarity, and treat the gemstone carefully as a precious extension of yourself.

Granite is the most popular choice for a stone fireplace surround. It is one of the most durable and long-lasting types of stone you can buy. Granite is extremely durable with its scratch-resistant surface. Granite is also very unlikely to crack or chip, and it has a good level of heat tolerance.

Not all rocks are suitable for use in a fire pit, so make sure you check the type of stone before using it. 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.

Stainless Steel: This material boasts a modern, industrial look, stainless-steel fire pits are durable, lightweight, and one of the best fire pits for handling the outdoor elements. Copper: Copper offers a warm, shiny look to a fire pit, creating a touch of warmth to your backyard or patio.

Flint rocks, such as quartz, agate, chert, and jasper, which are high in silica content, are needed for striking fires. These stones have a smooth, glassy appearance. Stones that are easy to grasp in one hand are the ideal size.

Generally speaking, both media options are durable. However, over time, the rocks will break down and deteriorate. Depending on how often your fireplace is enjoyed, the lava rocks will need to be replaced every 1-2 years. Alternatively, fire glass will last for a much longer time than lave rock.