3 Uses for Lava Rock – Or Just Rent a Dumpster!
- David Garrison
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
Lava Rock: The Freebie You’ll Regret Taking
Every week someone turns to Facebook Marketplace with their landscaping problems, and without fail, there’s always a Karen. Karen is offering free lava rock—if you’ll haul it away yourself. And every week, the post sits there. Because no one wants the lava rock, Karen.
Lava rock is one of those things that seemed like a great idea at the time. It’s durable, low-maintenance, and doesn’t blow away like mulch. It holds moisture, suppresses weeds, and adds a “unique” look to your flower beds. But it’s also dusty, dark, and incredibly hard to clean up once you’re over the aesthetic. Gloves and shoes turn orange, and after a few Texas summers, that once-crimson rock starts looking more like crusty driveway debris than a landscaping statement.
When it’s time to move on from lava rock, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You spent money (or maybe you are the Karen giving it away now), and there’s a mountain of it in your yard. Before you panic—or worse, start messaging strangers online with your own “free if you haul” post—let’s talk options.
Creative Ways to Reuse Lava Rock (If You’re Feeling Crafty)
Build a Fire Pit
Many DIYers suggest using lava rock as the base layer of a backyard fire pit. It helps with heat distribution and gives off that rustic vibe. Dig out a small pit, line the base with lava rock, and surround it with retaining wall stone. Just make sure your city allows backyard fires—and that your pit isn’t just a glorified lava rock dump zone.
Use it for Drainage in Flowerpots
A handful of lava rock at the bottom of a planter can help with drainage, especially if you’re working with plants that don’t like soggy roots. It's a smart use for leftover chunks, and bonus—it keeps your plants happy.
Hack Your Gas Grill
Yes, really. There’s a Pinterest hack that recommends layering lava rock over the burners of a gas grill to get that smoky, charcoal-style flavor. We can’t guarantee your grill will survive it, but it’s out there if you’re the adventurous type.
But Let’s Be Honest—You’re Gonna Need a Dumpster
Sure, there are a few ways to creatively reuse lava rock. But if you’ve got more than a couple of bags—or worse, an entire yard of it—you’re looking at a serious removal project. This is where a dumpster becomes your best friend.
Still not convinced? Picture this: your lava rock has been rained on, baked in the sun, compacted into the soil, and kicked around by kids, dogs, and leaf blowers. It’s not just unattractive—it’s a trip hazard. And no one wants to be the neighbor constantly sweeping red pebbles out of the driveway.
Removing it is hard work. But it’s also surprisingly satisfying. Load up a shovel, turn on a good playlist, and start moving one wheelbarrow at a time. Renting a dumpster saves you the headache of trying to sneak lava rock into your weekly trash bins or explain to your HOA why you’ve got a growing mountain on your curb.
Once it’s gone, you’ll feel a weight lifted—literally and mentally. And you’ll finally be free of Karen’s well-meaning but disastrous gift.
So the next time you see “Free Lava Rock!” on Facebook, just smile… and keep scrolling. You’ve been warned.
Now is a perfect time to re-purpose or rent a dumpster and remove that unwanted lava rock. Give us a call!
