vermiculite vs. perlite? Pompeii Oven Construction Discuss vermiculite vs. perlite? in the Pizza Oven Design and Installation forums; Are there any differences between vermiculite and perlite that matter? At this point it's a matter of what's available locally. ...

[KEmerson]

Are there any differences between vermiculite and perlite that matter? At this point it's a matter of what's available locally. And perlite seems to be the winner. Should I care?
Thanks

[Neil2]

It will do the same job. Go for the "coarse" perlite.

[KEmerson]

I was sort of coming to that conclusion and it helps to hear the confirmation. Perlite seems about half the cost too. Any research I've done doesn't show any appreciable differences for our needs. I hadn't realized there was a coarse version. Why is it better?
Thanks
Kim

[Jed]

Insulation is created by 'dead air space'. The coarse perlite creates a bit more dead air, and will insulate a bit better.

JED

[KEmerson]

Just the opposite of radio: Dead air is good for us; bad for them.
Thanks
Kim

[dmun]

My perlite was pretty fine, and it seemed to work well.

[KEmerson]

It will be interesting to see if the local vendors are even aware of the fact that there are choices. Some don't seem to know much. I've already flummoxed more than a few people just by starting up a discussion on firebrick. No one seems to have heard of "heavy, medium or light duty" firebrick. It's all firebrick to them. One size fits all, apparently. Anyway, thanks all. I will carry on and pizza will be served before the end of summer!

[charger10s]

I just found a great supplier of Perlite in the Phoenix area! Well, the price is right anyway - $9 for 3.5 cu ft bag - way better than what I have seen at any of the nurseries ($20/same size bag).

Simplot Partners - 623-879-0839
23910 N 19th Ave Bldg 3 Suite 60
Phoenix, AZ

I called the company that has a factory in the area for this stuff, and they refered me to Simplot.

I called them and they currently have about 160 bags in stock.
I hope to get some this week or next, so I will report back on my experience.

[tony boca]

Toby,
Do you know how much a bag weighs? The supplier down here said it's $10.00 a 24 lb bag. She didn't know how many cubic feet the bags were.

[charger10s]

Originally Posted by tony boca

Toby,
Do you know how much a bag weighs? The supplier down here said it's $10.00 a 24 lb bag. She didn't know how many cubic feet the bags were.

Hmm, I don't. Actually, I've never used Perlite or Vermiculite before, so I have no basis to make a guess.

Here is the link to the manufacturer, but I couldn't find weight anwhere:
Perlite Products