If you have an existing gas fire pit or fireplace, or are in the process of building or picking one out, then you're probably considering what your options are for accessorizing the burn area where the flames are displayed. Fire media&#;an umbrella term for fire glass, fire stones, fire ornaments, lava rock, and gas logs&#;is a decorative add-on that lays on top of a gas fire pit's burner or a fireplace's burner. Although the choice really comes down to your preference, we'll walk you through the pros and cons of each style so that you can select the one that's right for your needs.
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Fire media comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles that range from fire glass, fire stones, fire ornaments, lava rock, and gas logs.
Fire media, which comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, does a wonderful job at discreetly concealing your pan and burner from sight. Because fire media lays on top of the burner, the gas is dispersed through the pockets in between each piece rather than concentrated at the burner ports through which they exit from. This helps create a more natural flame pattern.
Before we dive into each of the different fire media styles, let&#;s go over a few important tidbits.
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if your gas fire pit has been exposed to moisture or rain, it is always important to inspect if the fire media is completely dry prior to lighting it. You should never light your fire pit or fireplace when the fire media is wet because water can expand when heated and may cause it to crack, pop, or burst. For your safety, you should always refer to the lighting instructions as listed in your owner's manual on how to properly operate your unit. We also recommend taking some protective measures, such as using a combination of a fire pit burner cover and a fire pit fabric cover when your fire pit is turned off and cooled, to help keep your burner and fire media dry as much as possible.
Add a pop of color to your flame display with fire glass. These come in a variety of styles that range from broken, pre-mixed blends, fire drops, fire diamonds, and fire cubes.
Fire glass is a translucent, jewel-like media made of tempered glass that is heat treated for use in gas fire features. Designed to radiate heat and never melt, discolor, or produce any smoke, this type of media is offered in an array of colors, styles, shapes, and sizes. From reflective coated options that will add a hypnotizing luster and panache, to broken and diamond edges that'll add a unique texture against the flames, fire glass is certain to accentuate your gas fire pit or fireplace with a modern touch without making the burner too cluttered.
However, depending on how often you use your fire pit or fireplace, one thing to keep in mind is that fire glass requires a little bit of maintenance. With some good ole&#; TLC, it&#;ll take as little as 15 minutes to remove any dirt and debris with water. For information on how to maintain your fire glass, check out our How to Clean Fire Glass blog.
In addition to this&#;with fire glass being offered in such a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors&#;we understand that it can sometimes be difficult to narrow down your choices. That's why we offer Free Fire Glass Samples. This allows you to choose from five different styles so that you can explore your options before making a commitment.
Add a natural design element in your backyard by mixing-and-matching the smooth surface of Greige Fire Pit Creekstones with a contrasting texture, like wood. (Pictured: Cosmopolitan French Barrel Oak Round Fire Table by American Fyre Designs).
If fire glass is just simply not for you, fire stones and fire balls are a great alternative for homes with modern, contemporary, and transitional styles. As the name implies, this type of media sports a smooth surface that mimics the look of river rock. Yet unlike their genuine counterparts, these pieces will not pop under extreme temperatures as they're made from heat resistant ceramic. They are offered in natural shades if you prefer a more neutral look, but also come in an assortment of vibrant colors if you are looking for something livelier. However, remember that some soot will be more noticeable on lighter colors than on darker colors. Another thing to consider is that some fire stones require lava rock filler as the base, so you may have to make an additional purchase on top of your fire stones.
Fire ornaments offer a striking effect to fire pits and fireplaces with their unique cut and contour. They can range from simple geometric shapes to ornate sculptured designs.
Fire ornaments are another great fire glass alternative if you're seeking something more contemporary. Like fire stones, fire shapes are also made from a heat resistant ceramic material that ensures they can withstand extreme temperatures. Whether it is the simple, smooth design of fire balls or the fun, whimsical design of geometric outlines you prefer, there is a shape for everyone. Depending on the style, fire shapes can be positioned on top of one another to create the appearance of a fuller flame. But you'll also want to keep in mind that soot marks may appear more noticeably on lighter colors.
The coarse aerated profile of lava rock, which allows oxygen to mix with the gas coming from your fuel source, makes it a fantastic addition both as a main centerpiece display and or as a base layer for fire features.
Lava rock is a timeless option for gas fire pits and fireplaces. Created right in Earth's backyard, this naturally formed mineral's porous composition promotes better air circulation for your gas fire feature and does a wonderful job of retaining heat. Though rough and coarse by nature, lava is also offered in a tumbled style that removes the sharp, harsh edges and makes it smooth if you are a fan of the polished, modern or transitional look. Because it is an organic material, sizes and colors will vary from each batch. From 6" thick chunks that make for great standalone fillers to tiny granules that serve as the perfect base layer for fire stones, fire shapes, and gas logs, lava rocks offer quite an amount of versatility.
Unlike other fire media that is offered in various shades, lava rock's brownish-black coloration&#;and sometimes deep red complexion, as pictured in the photo above&#;is the standard. But this can be of benefit since the dark tones are better adept to masking unwanted soot marks, making it relatively maintenance-free. Keep in mind though that because lava rock does fade over time, it will require it be replaced in the future.
Gas logs, timeless with their contoured silhouettes and intricate details, create the illusion of full-bodied flames. (Pictured: Cosmopolitan French Barrel Oak Square Fire Table by American Fyre Designs).
Perhaps it&#;s the comfort of a crackling campfire surrounded by trees or the coziness of a hearth inside a cabin, but there's just something about gas logs that makes it a tried-and-true option for gas fire pits and fireplaces. Regardless of what contentment it brings to your home, this classic accessory boasts of the beloved traditional style but with a modern twist. With their detailed design, gas logs offer an authentic appeal of wood logs but without the mess. Compared to real wood burning logs, gas logs will not burn or emit any ash or embers as they, for the most part, are made from ceramic or concrete. As with other fire media, however, soot marks will be more noticeable on lighter color options, like white birch.
Are you interested in learning more about decorative fire glass? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Whether you enjoy the modern appeal that fire glass and fire shapes offer or prefer the natural look that lava rock and gas logs add, we're certain there's a design for everyone. But if the pros and cons outlined above still don't help narrow down your fire media search, feel free to reach out to our informative team members through our live chat, filling out this contact us form, or giving us a call at (866) 578-.
Main image: The polished edges of fire drops, as pictured with the 25" x 45" Occasional Height Forma Height Fire Pit by OW Lee, showcase a stunning polished appeal underneath the flames.Can I use Exotic Glass in my fire pit or fireplace?
Exotic Glass is perfect for use in all natural gas or propane fire pits and fireplaces. Always refer to manufacturer instructions when considering fire glass in pre-assembled propane fire pits. Do not use Exotic Glass in wood burning fire applications!!
How much glass should I use in my fire pit or fireplace?
To calculate how much glass you will require, please click on the coverage calculator tool located on the home page and complete the required information. This will help you determine how many pounds of glass you will need to fill your fire pit or fireplace.
In a natural gas fire pit or fireplace, we recommend using 2&#;-3&#; of glass to cover the burner.
In a propane fire pit or fireplace, we recommend using no more than 1&#; of glass to cover the burner (see propane question).
How do you use fire glass?
You use fire glass as a filler to replace your outdated lava rocks or fake ceramic logs. Fire glass is a great way to spruce up your fireplace or fire pit with so color and creativity to match the rest of your current decor.
How long does fire glass last?
Fire glass is meant to withstand extreme temperatures, cracking, and color changing when used with proper gas. The proper gas to use with a fire glass pit is natural gas. You can still absolutely use propane as your fuel source, but be aware that the fire glass may be subject to discoloration and cracking with propane.
Does fire glass burn on its own?
Fire glass does not burn on its own. It needs a fuel source of either propane or natural gas. It is only used for decoration and is not flammable,
How do I light fire glass?
You light fire glass by first purchasing a good fireplace or fire pit burner from Exotic Pebbles and Glass that evenly distributes gas to the different sectors of the fire. Once the gas is turned on and the fire glass has been installed, hold an extended lighter next to the burner where gas is emitting from. If the gas is on and is coming out of the respected areas, the flame should ignite, lighting your fire glass fire pit.
Where to buy fire glass?
Use the link here to either find a local or online retailer of Exotic Fire Glass. We sell both our reflective and original fire glass in most Lowes locations, so contact your nearest location to make sure they carry it before stopping in.
Will the fire glass melt, emit toxic fumes or fade?
Exotic Glass will not melt, emit toxic fumes or fade if used correctly in fire applications less than degrees Fahrenheit. Natural gas burns cleaner than propane and for this reason, it is the recommended choice when using light colored glass. Propane gas may leave a residue that will slightly discolor the light colored glass if used in the direct flame. We recommend using only dark colored glass in the direct flame in propane fire applications.
Why is natural gas preferred over propane?
Natural gas is the preferred choice as it burns cleaner and produces less carbon or soot build-up. Propane is also heavier than natural gas and therefore sinks beneath the burner surface rather than mixing in the air above the burner. A buildup of propane may cause flare-ups or combustion under the surface, which may result in the glass cracking and popping.
We suggest using an LP converter (air inducer / mixer) when using propane, which allows air to mix with the gas prior to burning. This allows the propane to become lighter and remain above the surface rather than sinking. We also recommend using a pan burner system when building your propane fire pit to prevent the propane from sinking beneath the surface.
What size glass should I use in my fire pit or fireplace?
We recommend using fire glass no larger than 1&#; in size, particularly in the direct flame of your fire application. During the manufacturing process, air bubbles can form within the glass. The larger the piece of glass, the more air bubble concealed beneath the surface. As the glass heats up, these air bubble trap heat and over time, cause the glass the crack and pop.
When using Recycled Fire Glass, we recommend using either small (1/4&#;-1/2&#;) or medium (1/2&#;-1&#;) size glass. Reflective Fire Glass Collection is not available in any size other than 1/4&#;.
What is the difference between Recycled Glass and Tempered Reflective Glass?
Recycled fire glass is manufactured using 100% post industrial window scraps and glass bottles purchased from various sources and re-melted and re-processes using specially designed furnaces. Each color has a uniquely formulated cooking recipe, which produces consistently vibrant colored glass. Once the cooking & cooling process is complete, the glass is crushed, sized and to remove sharp edges.
Recycled fire glass can also be used in landscape projects, water features, aquariums and floral arrangements. The options for recycled glass are endless, just use your imagination!!
Reflective fire glass is sourced from broken tempered glass panels and has a mirror finish on one side, creating a brilliant yet elegant look in any fire application. Unlike recycled fire glass, reflective fire glass can have sharp edges therefore we do not recommend using in other applications.
Please NOTE&#;&#;&#; Do not believe other companies who may claim their fire glass is specially tempered and manufactured for fire use. The process of tempering glass is not specific to the manufacturing of fire glass. The tempering process increases glass strength and is most commonly used for side and rear windows in automobiles. One of the characteristic of tempered glass is its ability to shatter into small pieces when broken rather than large shards.
When building an outdoor fire pit, to reduce the amount of fire glass needed, what can I use as an alternative base filler?
When building a natural gas fire pit, a great way to save money and limit the amount of fire glass you will need is to use a less expensive base filler material. To fill the gap between the fire ring and the bottom of the fire pit we recommend using sand or Exotic Glass Base Filler to achieve this result. DO NOT use lava rock, lava pebbles, rocks / pebbles or any other porous material UNDER the fire glass.
When building a propane fire pit, follow the same advice as listed above for natural gas but we HIGHLY recommend using a pan burner system to prevent the propane from sinking to the bottom of the pit.
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