The Outdoor Plus · Maintenance
TOP Fire Pit Lava Rock + Decorative Media Loading Guide
Media depth is the single most-abused install spec on TOP fire pits. The manual limit is 1 inch over the burner surface. Deeper = choked gas flow = pooled gas = explosion risk. This guide covers how to load correctly and which media type fits which TOP pit.
By Ash · Updated November 8, 2026
What you need
- Clean media (lava rock, fire glass, or TOP ornaments)
- Scoop or small bucket
- Ruler (yes, really — measure that 1 inch)
Step by step
Confirm media is fire-rated and dry
Household gravel, river rock, and landscaping stone are NOT fire-rated. They explode or spall under direct flame. Use purpose-made lava rock, tempered fire glass, or TOP-supplied ceramic/steel ornaments. Dry completely before loading.
Spread media directly on the burner — no more than 1 inch deep
The burner holes should still be visible through the media. If you can't see them, you've overloaded. Scoop media OFF and spread outward across the pan.
Match media type to pit material
GFRC + lava rock reads native. Hammered copper + fire glass (amber or clear) pops. Corten steel + black lava rock plays well with the patina. Powder-coated black + colored fire glass is a modern move. The limit is physics; the style is yours.
Common mistakes
- Loading media like landscape gravel. People fill until the pan looks full — that's 3-4 inches. Half the burner is buried.
- Reusing media that's been rained on without drying. Steam explosion on first light.
Hands-on tips
- Buy twice the media you think you need and keep a bucket in storage. Flare-ups and misuse damage individual rocks.
Questions people ask
Is colored fire glass safe long-term?
Yes if it's tempered fire glass. Colored coatings can fade after a few seasons of direct flame contact — that's cosmetic, not safety.
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