We have all seen concrete and brick firepits as well as stand-alone metal kinds. However, a granite fire pit can bring your home’s outdoor seating area up quite a few notches with this natural stone design. Below are many frequently asked questions in relation to granite fire pits to help decide if it’s the right fit for your yard.
Can you use granite for a fire pit?
Granite is an extremely durable material that can be used safely for fire pit designs. It’s a great choice for a fire pit and there are many types of granite that can be used.
Granite blocks, crushed granite, and decomposed granite are all types that can be used in parts of your outdoor fire pit. You can also use more than one type in your design.
Why use granite for a fire pit?
Besides granite being extremely durable, it is also very visually appealing. It has many custom options as well as a large variety of colors and patterns offered. Along with that, size and shape do not have many limits either. Each piece of granite is so unique that this totally makes your firepit a custom one-of-a-kind piece.
Since granite is a very dense material, it is less likely to absorb any water and explode when heated. Also maintains extremely well being kept outside all or part of the year exposed to rain and other inclement types of weather.
Using granite as material on a fireplace offers other benefits as well. Granite blocks will typically stay cool to the touch when in use so if someone accidentally runs into it, they will not burn themselves.
Granite is very resistant to rusting, cracking, and staining. It also protects your surrounding patio areas from these issues as well, keeping maintenance on this very low. Additionally, granite fireplaces are typically extremely sturdy, meaning the replacement need is also extremely low.
Will fire crack granite?
Granite does not crack under high temperatures. The melting point for dry granite is 1215 to 1260 degrees Celsius (2219 to 2300 degrees Fahrenheit). Fire, at orange to yellow range (which you are most likely to get in a fire pit), is about 1100 degrees Celsius (2012 degrees Fahrenheit).
So, our question to you is why settle for a fire pit that will quickly crack, fade, or break? When you purchase granite from Hard Rock Stone Works, you buy quality. Rest assured that granite will outperform any other material typically used for outdoor firepits.
Why limit the use of beautiful granite slabs to kitchen countertops? We return granite to the outdoors. By casting a spotlight on the beauty of granite, we transform dull backyard spaces into hot backyard get-a-ways.
Granite is the perfect stone material for your custom firepit. This can put the finishing touch to your perfect outdoor space. Just remember, your firepit can be used year-round as will be extra durable as well as beautiful when topped with granite!
If you've thought about enhancing your backyard with granite, contact Hard Rock Stone Works, the industry leader in stone countertops. We design, deliver and install kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and custom countertops to all of the Detroit and Metropolitan areas. Call us today at (586) 251-0083 for a free estimate or reach out to us on our contact form.
FAQs
Granite is a natural stone that is fantastic as a building material for a fire pit or other outdoor lawn or patio feature. This material is fairly dense meaning that it will not readily absorb water from heavy rainfalls.
What rocks should not be used in a fire pit? ›
What rocks to avoid? To mitigate this risk, it's crucial to know which rocks to avoid. Porous rocks, including limestone, sandstone, pumice, and shale, are notorious for absorbing water and should be avoided in your campfire. River rocks, often rounded from years of water erosion, are remarkably deceptive.
What is the best rock base for a 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.
Does granite stone crack with heat? ›
Because of their high heat resistance, any realistic amount of heat applied to granite countertops in your kitchen will not cause them to chip or crack. Even a red-hot cast iron skillet, which radiates at around 1300 degrees, is 1000 degrees shy of the required temperature to damage the stone.
Will granite crack under fire? ›
Will fire crack granite? Granite does not crack under high temperatures. The melting point for dry granite is 1215 to 1260 degrees Celsius (2219 to 2300 degrees Fahrenheit). Fire, at orange to yellow range (which you are most likely to get in a fire pit), is about 1100 degrees Celsius (2012 degrees Fahrenheit).
What are the best fire pit rocks? ›
Natural lava rocks and fire-proof sand are excellent base layers for a fire pit.
What is the best fire resistant stone? ›
Among all the given options sandstones, especially the compacted type has more fire-resisting properties. Additional Information: Characteristics of Sandstone: It is a type of rock that has quartz, or sand bound together with cementing minerals like mica, feldspar, etc.
Should I put stone in the bottom of my fire pit? ›
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.
What should I put in the bottom of my fire pit? ›
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.
What happens if lava rocks get wet? ›
Lava rock is a porous material and easily absorbs water. If you turn your fire pit on high while the lava rock is wet, the water inside will boil. This can cause the lava rock to pop or potentially burst.
Natural Stone Options
- Sandstone. Sandstone is a popular choice due to its natural beauty and durability. ...
- Limestone. Limestone is another common choice for fire pit construction. ...
- Granite. Known for its strength and durability, granite is an excellent choice for a long-lasting fire pit. ...
- Slate.
Using paver sand under a fire pit helps to level the ground and provide some stability for the bricks. I added about 1.5 inches to 2 inches of paver sand, water to make it more compact and then tampered it.
Can you put river rock in a fire pit? ›
Crucially, don't ever use river rocks. There are several reasons why you should never use river rocks for a campfire, with one of the most obvious being that they are often more porous and can contain water. When this water gets hot it creates steam and the rapid expansion can cause the rock to explode.
Can you burn a fire on granite? ›
The simple answer is no, granite as a natural porous stone will not burn. Because it began as a liquid magma deep within the Earth, and over millions of years is cooled and compressed, it has a natural resistance to heat damage.
How well does granite hold up to heat? ›
Granite's Heat Resistance
Granite will resist damage from heat. A hot pan up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit will not damage granite, even if you place the pan directly onto the granite counter. An extreme heat source over an extended period could damage granite surface.
Can granite be used as a heat shield? ›
A Granite Hearth is Long-Lasting. Any fireplace needs a strong, good hearth for support, as well as being a shield from heat to keep the floor safe from burning. Using strong and incombustible materials for making a hearth for the fireplace guarantees protection for the home.
Is granite stone heat resistant? ›
Granite is naturally heat resistant, and heat damage would occur only if the granite was heated unevenly. So briefly putting a hot pan down on your granite countertop isn't going to cause long-term damage. That said, we don't recommend putting hot pans on granite countertops — not for the granite's sake but for yours.
