Propane Patio Heater/Firepit

[Hoey]

I am looking at purchasing a propane powered patio heater/fire-pit.  The stores want $25 for 5lbs of lava rock or the glass beads/balls and it looks like i will need two of those.  

Do you know of any reason why regular landscaping type river rock would not work?  Will it explode, melt, etc, or cause other issues?    

[RebelSS]

It will explode and crack...yes. Can be real dangerous with flying debris! Seen it happen.

[Hoey]

Reb - Thank you for the quick reply.  That is why I was askin.  Hoey

[Big Dave2]

Is it the same Lava rock as they use for landscaping? If so, you can get it a lot cheaper at a landscape supply or home improvement store. Not sure if the stuff you are talking about is different in any way though....

https://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/landscaping-materials/ground-cover-materials/red-lava-rock-1-0-cu-ft/p-1444452017874.htm

[Big Dave2]

Or, how about these?:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Mr-Bar-B-Q-7-lb-Lava-Rock-05002/100331664