Rocks to Use for Building an Outdoor Grill

River Rock

• River rock is useful as a landscaping, foundation or grill material. The stones are available in a variety of sizes, from small pea gravel to large boulders and just about everything in between. Select a size of stone that is proportional to the space. Additionally, river rock is available in a wide variety of colors, primarily shades of blue and gray, but also cream, brick red and black. It is ideal for creating a rustic or country style grill. The rocks will require the use of mortar for proper setting and are resistant to heat, rain, strong wind and cold.

Sandstone

• Sandstone is composed of small grains of minerals, most commonly quartz, calcite and feldspar. The stones are most commonly available in brown, gray, cream and red and are ideal for Mediterranean or traditional style homes. It is among the most widely used stones in the construction of homes and commercial buildings, but its resistance to weathering makes it ideal for use as a grill material. It is highly durable, but soft enough to work with and carve if desired.

Granite

• Granite, widely used as a countertop and flooring material inside the home, is an ideal choice for constructing a grill. It is made of quartz and feldspar and is among the strongest, most long lasting stones on the market. The stone comes in a wide range of colors, including white, gray and pink, and can have minerals added to alter the natural color. Granite will create a sleek, modern look, is fairly easy to maintain and will resist most harsh weather conditions.

Other Options

• Brick is perhaps the most widely used materials for grill construction. It is a highly durable material with a warm, classic look that is highly resistant to fire, heat, cold and other harsh weather conditions. Additional benefits include its relative low cost, eco-friendly nature and easy maintenance. Concrete is a more modern option, and has grown in use in recent years. It is fairly low cost, highly durable, easy to maintain and will resist just about any weather with ease. Concrete is an ideal option since it can be painted or stained, and can be stamped to resemble just about any stone on the market, often at a lower cost.