Modern life is built on gravel.
This may seem like a bold statement for a pile of rocks, but gravel is essential for roads, railways, concrete, erosion control, and water filtration. It’s also a critical landscaping material.
The trouble is, with so many different uses, choosing the right type of gravel for a specific landscape project can be a daunting task.
The type, texture, and size are crucial considerations, along with installation techniques, maintenance requirements, cost, and local availability. A comprehensive guide is therefore necessary.
For a more practical approach, I’ve written a series of posts on gravel, each providing detailed information for a specific landscaping scenario. This way, you can easily apply the knowledge to your own projects.
This post is all about gravel for fire pit seating areas.
For guidance on how to design your fire pit landscaping area check out: Fire Pit Landscaping Areas: 5 Ways to Transform Your Small Backyard
TL;DR
- Rounder gravel (e.g., pea gravel) is gentle on bare feet but doesn’t compact well. Consider this type of gravel for passive areas with permanent furniture and low foot traffic.
- Textured gravel and crushed stone are sharper but lock together more easily, creating a stable and level surface when compacted. Consider crushed stone for areas with high foot traffic and movable furniture.
- For those interested in eco-friendly landscaping, there are several sustainable alternatives to gravel and crushed stone, including crushed brick, recycled glass, and crushed shells. While local availability is not guaranteed, these options are worth considering for their environmental benefits.
Choosing the Best Gravel for Your Fire Pit Seating Area
Have you recently purchased a new fire pit or built one from scratch? Here are my gravel recommendations for fire pit seating areas and a few gravel alternatives.
1. Pick Your Gravel
Pea Gravel
Pea gravel is relatively inexpensive and available in many different colors and sizes, making it a popular choice for gravel fire pit areas.
As the name suggests, pea gravel is composed of small, rounded pebbles roughly the size of a pea. The smooth texture of these pebbles makes pea gravel a comfortable walking surface for bare feet and pets.
However, this smoothness also limits your ability to compact pea gravel into a stable and level surface, making it easier to displace. For this reason, it isn’t well suited for spaces featuring movable outdoor furniture or heavy foot traffic.
Consider installing pea gravel in low-activity areas around your fire pit, especially those with semi-permanent or permanent outdoor seating like Muskoka (aka Adirondack) chairs.
Pros:
- Comfortable to walk on
- Wide range of colors
- Excellent drainage
Cons:
- It can be high-maintenance and messy
- Not ideal for furniture with narrow legs
- Not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers
Crushed Granite
Granite is a common volcanic rock comprised of mineral crystals, including quartz and feldspar. Its natural look and color variation integrate well with many different landscape styles.
When crushed, granite breaks apart along the network of different volcanic crystals locked within it. This material quality creates gravel pieces with few sharp edges but enough texture to lock together when compacted. Crushed gravel decomposes quickly over time, smoothing edges and creating a stable surface for walking and furniture.
However, as crushed gravel decomposes, it breaks apart into smaller rock particles, which are more susceptible to settling and erosion. After a few years, a gravel fire pit area will likely need replenishment with a top layer of fresh crushed stone.
Pros:
- Widely available
- Inexpensive
- Versatile
Cons:
- It can have sharp edges when first installed
- It can shift underfoot, creating an unstable surface for wheelchairs, strollers, etc.
- Prone to gradual settling and erosion
Decomposed Granite
Decomposed granite is one of my favorite types of gravel for outdoor fire pit areas. It is inexpensive, easy to install, and looks fantastic in any landscape design. It can be compacted to a solid yet permeable surface that supports casual seating and foot traffic.
Decomposed granite can loosen over time – especially when not sufficiently compacted during installation. Decomposed granite also retains more moisture than other gravel types, potentially contributing to the growth of moss and weeds.
Ensure sufficient compaction during installation to get the most out of this stunning stone. I also recommend using a border to contain decomposed material, as destabilization and erosion first occur at the edges of a compacted gravel area.
Pros:
- Compacts well, creating a stable surface
- Natural colors for an understated look
- Relatively affordable and widely available
Cons:
- It can get muddy when wet and dusty when dry
- Erodes, if not sufficiently compacted
- Retains moisture in wetter climates – prone to weed growth (quickly addressed with proper installation and landscaping fabric)
Basalt Chip
Basalt chip (aka laval rock) is a distinctive landscaping material for outdoor fire pits. It is a dark, volcanic rock widely available in sizes ranging from 1/4″ chips to large cobbles.
Its rough, uneven edges bind basalt chip pieces together. Like decomposed granite, basalt chips can be compacted to a solid yet porous surface, making it an excellent option for areas with foot traffic and seating.
Basalt chips are quite dark, creating a striking contrast with plants and lighter landscaping materials. This also means that basalt chips absorb more heat from the sun, quickly melting snow and ice during the winter but creating an uncomfortably hot walking surface during the summer.
Basalt chips are also lighter and more brittle than other gravel types, making them prone to displacement and erosion. After a few years, you may need to replenish your fire bit area with fresh basalt chips occasionally.
Pros:
- Compacts well, creating a stable surface
- Dark color creates a striking landscape
- Decent drainage
Cons:
- Easily displaced when not sufficiently compacted
- Uncomfortable material for walking barefoot
- The price depends on regional availability
River Rock
River rock (aka river jack) is a large, smooth gravel with individual pieces ranging in size from a golf ball to a softball.
As its name suggests, river rock is typically sourced from the sedimentary deposits of river systems. The tumbling action of a river’s current against other stones over many years creates river rock’s distinctive smooth surface.
Due to its larger size, river rock is more suitable as a passive landscape material for borders and edging around fire pit seating areas and pathways. River rock is challenging to walk on and doesn’t provide a level surface for furniture.
Pros:
- Durable
- Excellent border or edging material
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- Uncomfortable surface to walk on
- It is more expensive than other gravel types
- Heavy – challenging to install
Crushed Limestone
Crushed limestone is a no-nonsense gravel used for a wide array of landscaping and construction applications. It is a common base material for stone walkways and driveways and is a widely used aggregate in gravel road construction.
Crushed limestone is also well suited for fire pit areas with its simple, uniform look. It is larger and more textured than pea gravel, making it a stable furniture base. It also drains well.
Please DO NOT install crushed limestone inside or immediately adjacent to a DIY fire pit ring or fire pit kit. It poses a genuine and dangerous explosion hazard.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Stable surface for foot traffic and furniture
- Great drainage
Cons:
- Plain
- Alkaline – can affect the pH of the surrounding soil
- Explosion hazard if placed inside or directly adjacent to a fire pit
2. The Difference Between Gravel and Crushed Stone
Gravel and crushed stone are fundamental materials in construction and landscaping but differ significantly in origin, shape, and application.
Gravel, naturally formed by the erosion of larger rocks by water over time, is characterized by its rounded and smooth edges. It is found in riverbeds and on beaches. Typical uses include applications emphasizing drainage and aesthetics, such as in gardens, pathways, and as an aggregate in concrete.
Crushed stone, on the other hand, is produced by mechanically crushing larger rocks, which results in angular, sharp-edged fragments. This process allows for various source rocks, giving crushed stone a broader range of colors and textures. When compacted, crushed stone creates a stable and level surface, making it a popular choice for projects requiring a solid base (road construction, foundations, railway ballast, etc.).
The choice between gravel and crushed stone depends on a project’s specific needs. Gravel is generally softer to walk on and better for drainage applications but can shift more easily, requiring more maintenance in high-traffic areas.
Crushed stone, while less comfortable underfoot due to its rough texture, offers greater stability and durability, making it suitable for structural applications that bear heavier loads. Both materials are cost-effective, though their prices vary depending on local availability and the distance from the source.
3. Why Texture Is Important
The texture of gravel is a crucial factor in its effectiveness and suitability for specific landscaping areas like fire pit zones, pathways, and patios. Different textures cater to particular requirements like safety, stability, and visual appeal.
For instance, smoother gravels like pea gravel are ideal for areas where comfort underfoot is prioritized, making them suitable for spaces where people often walk barefoot or play. Their rounded edges are safer, reducing the risk of cuts or scrapes, which is particularly important around fire pits.
On the other hand, more angular gravels, like crushed granite, provide better stability and durability, making them excellent choices for patios and walkways that need to endure heavy foot traffic or support outdoor furniture. These types of gravel tend to lock together better, creating a firmer surface that is less likely to shift, thus maintaining its form and function over time.
Choosing the right gravel texture depends on the area’s primary use and the desired maintenance level. Due to shifting, smooth gravels require more upkeep in high-traffic areas, whereas angular gravels offer a long-lasting solution with less frequent maintenance needs. This balance between functional necessities and aesthetic preferences guides the selection process for gravel fire pit areas.
4. Popular Gravel Alternatives
Gravel and crushed stone aren’t the only options for pit seating areas. My favorite gravel alternatives are listed below.
Crushed Brick
Crushed brick is a visually striking and eco-friendly material suitable for fire pit seating areas. Crushed brick is typically sourced from cleaned recycled construction aggregate, minimizing the carbon footprint and repurposing material otherwise bound for a landfill.
The rich, red, and yellow brick hues add a warm, rustic charm to outdoor spaces, complementing a range of design styles. Crushed brick is similar to crushed stone in texture, making it a stable base for furniture and foot traffic but uncomfortable for bare feet and pets.
Recycled Glass
Recycled glass is an innovative and sustainable material increasingly used in landscaping applications. It offers both functional and decorative benefits. It is tumbled to remove sharp edges and is available in various colors and sizes, making it an attractive option for mulching, pathways, and accent features in gardens.
As with crushed brick, using recycled glass helps reduce landfill waste. Recycled glass does not degrade over time and is inert, meaning it doesn’t leach chemicals into the soil.
Recycled glass is a relatively new landscape material innovation. It is not commonly available and can cost much more than conventional gravel or crushed stone options.
Crushed Shells
Crushed shells, such as oysters, clams, and scallops, offer a distinct coastal charm when used in landscape design. They make great gravel alternatives for garden paths, mulch, and fire pit patio spaces. Their natural white or cream color can brighten a garden space, reflecting sunlight and creating a clean, airy feel. As they break down, crushed shells gradually release beneficial nutrients into the soil, which can enhance soil quality and help support plant health.
Crushed shells are a sustainable choice compared to mined rocks or synthetic materials. They are often sourced from seafood processing waste, thus recycling a natural byproduct. Additionally, crushed shells are excellent for drainage, allowing water to percolate through the soil effectively, which prevents waterlogging and promotes healthy root growth.
Crushed shells are more commonly used as landscaping materials near coastal areas. They will be less available and more expensive for inland locations. They can also alter the pH of the soil, making it more alkaline, which might not be suitable for all plants.
5. Factors to Consider When Choosing Gravel
Several important factors must be considered to ensure that the gravel type you select is functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing for your fire pit seating area.
Safety
Some rocks don’t belong anywhere near a fire pit. The mineral composition and the formation process of certain rocks put them at higher risk of sudden cracking or explosion when exposed to high heat.
Comfort
The texture and size of gravel impact how comfortable it is to walk on, especially barefoot. Smoother gravel types like pea gravel are less abrasive than sharper, angular ones like crushed limestone.
Consider how stable the gravel is underfoot and under furniture. Crushed stone compacts into a stable, level surface ideal for chairs and tables.
Curb Appeal
Gravel comes in various colors and styles. Matching the overall look and feel of your home and outdoor space is vital when choosing gravel for a landscaping project—factor in daytime and nighttime aesthetics. The soft glow of backyard string lights can transform a material from drab to dazzling.
Gravel and crushed stone are generally sold in washed and unwashed varieties. Unwashed gravel is less expensive but filled with dust and smaller particulates. I recommend purchasing washed gravel or crushed stone if available and within your budget.
Maintenance
Some gravel types are more prone to weed growth. To minimize this, consider installing a permeable landscape fabric over the area to be covered by gravel. To make this process easier, use chalk or spray paint to outline your chosen fire pit seating area.
Loose gravel (e.g., pea gravel) requires regular raking and occasional replenishment to keep it looking fresh and full.
Drainage
Good drainage prevents water accumulation. Gravel typically provides excellent drainage, but some types, like pea gravel, are better than others.
Environmental Impact
Consider the gravel’s environmental impact. Locally sourced gravel has a lower carbon footprint due to reduced transportation requirements.
Permeable materials like gravel are eco-friendly as they reduce runoff and soil erosion.
Cost
Gravel varies in price, so choose a type that fits your budget. Remember to factor installation and long-term maintenance into your project budget.
Accessibility
If wheelchair or stroller accessibility is required, install a material that compacts well into a level and stable surface – especially if covering longer distances to a backyard fire pit area.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect gravel for your fire pit is part art, part science. Want cozy toes? Go with pea gravel. Prefer stability? Crushed granite is your rock.
Remember, low-maintenance materials let you focus more on grilling than graveling. Opt for crushed brick or recycled glass to add a touch of eco-friendly flair.
Pick a gravel that mixes practicality with style. Nail this, and your fire pit area will be the talk of the town.
