Fire Glass

Fire Pit Media is a collective term for a variety of materials designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of gas fire features.

These decorative materials cover or surround the burners and pans, dissipating heat to protect the components and ensure their longevity. Additionally, fire pit media optimizes gas delivery for a safe and visually appealing flame.

Common types of fire pit media include fireplace glass, fire stones, lava rock, faux logs, and fire ornaments. Each type offers unique benefits and adds a distinctive look to your fire feature.

Glass fire media is not simply colored glass but is high-quality, tempered glass, specifically designed for high-heat environments.

It must be of superior quality to ensure it does not discolor, warp, emit smoke, or release toxic fumes when exposed to high temperatures. Using any old glass in a fire pit such as old wine, beer bottles, or domestic jars is highly unsafe, as these materials are not heat-proof and pose a significant risk of exploding.

Decorative Fireglass was created as an alternative to lava rock and faux logs, significantly impacting interior decor by offering a modern, elegant, and versatile option for enhancing gas fire features. The variety of colors and styles of glass provides a range of options to complement rustic, traditional fire features as well as contemporary, modern designs.

Fire Glass is also known by other names,  largely because people often search online for items without knowing their exact names, leading to the creation of new terms like ‘gas fire pit glass rocks’ and ‘fireplace glass crystals’. So whether you’re looking to buy fireplace glass, firetable glass, tempered glass for fire pit, or glass for a propane fire pit, rest assured they are essentially the same. 

It is best to follow the fire pit burner manufacturer’s recommendation for fire media size and depth.  For example, Bullet Burners and Torpedo Burners have nozzles that are not designed to be covered but Standard burners are usually (but not always) designed to be 1”-2” below the top surface of the glass or other media. The recommended depth may also depend on the type of gas used as well as the size of the glass or lava rock.
For a more in-depth look at this, we suggest you read our article on how to use firepit glass.

Here at the Magic of Fire all fireglass is high-quality, tempered, and manufactured specifically for use with gas fire features and suitable for either the indoor or outdoor environment, fireplaces, and fire pits.

Generally speaking, there is no such thing as indoor or outdoor fireplace glass, they are one and the same, however, there is eco-friendly, recycled glass that is only rated for outdoor use.

Yes, it can be used for fire features fuelled by either natural gas or propane.

The occasional cleaning is all that is required to remove dust, dirt, and if using propane, perhaps soot. This can easily be done using 1:1 water and white vinegar. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry before lighting the fire feature. For a more detailed look please read our article on how to clean firepit glass.

From an aesthetic perspective, there is no right or wrong here; it is a matter of personal preference.  However, due to the denser, more compact nature of ¼ ” glass, it is not usually used with propane, in fact, fire pit manufacturers may specify the use of larger-sized glass when using Propane for warranty purposes.

Due to the above, the chunkier ½” glass is more suitable for larger outdoor fire features and those that are fuelled by propane. The ¼ ” glass has a more refined aesthetic making it ideal for smaller fire features and indoor fireplaces.

See Glass Size Guides below

Below, we showcase four distinctly different styles of glass. By using a similar color, we’ve demonstrated how each type offers a unique aesthetic.

A link to our calculator is available at the bottom of this page and each fire media listing. By entering the dimensions of your fire pit burn area, you can easily determine the quantity needed.

We offer two calculators: one for fireglass and one for lava rock (not interchangeable). Simply follow the instructions for measuring your fire pit or fireplace, then enter the dimensions into the appropriate calculator. 

The results will indicate how many pounds of glass or rock you need. The fireglass and other media are sold in 10-pound bags.

Tip: Read our article on how to save money when you buy colored glass for fire pits and fireplaces.

Fire Features and Fire Glass

Created as an alternative to lava rock and faux logs, it significantly impacted interior decor by offering a modern, elegant, and versatile option for enhancing gas fire features. The variety of colors and styles of glass provides a range of options to complement rustic, traditional fire features as well as contemporary, modern designs.

Landscaping with Fire Glass

Many homeowners and landscapers incorporate colored glass into their garden or backyard designs as a decorative element in garden beds, pathways, and water features, adding a unique and colorful touch to the landscape.

Crafting

Popular among crafters its vibrant colors and reflective properties make it a favorite for creative endeavors.

General Decoration

Beyond its traditional uses, colored glass is increasingly used to enhance the look of aquariums, planters, and even home decor items, providing a sparkling and eye-catching effect.

Lava rock is a timeless favorite for everything from landscaping to fire pits. Its long-standing popularity stems from its affordability and versatility. Innovative design applications have made it a favorite for both contemporary and rustic settings.

Lava rock now comes in a more contemporary finish. It is tumbled to achieve a smooth, pebble-like texture while preserving its rugged, organic feel. This blend of refinement and rawness seamlessly bridges rustic charm with modern style.

In recent years, American FireGlass has released new ranges of Ceramic Fire Stones for gas fires and fire pits. The stones look amazingly realistic and come in a variety of colors.

Fire Logs have also come a long way in the last decade or so. 

Whether you’re drawn to the sparkling elegance of fire glass, the raw, natural appeal of lava rock, the contemporary feel of ceramic fire balls, or simply the classic fire logs there’s a fire media option to suit every aesthetic and functional need. Each type offers its unique benefits and style, allowing you to create a personalized and captivating fire feature.

Explore our diverse selection to find the perfect fire media for your space and bring your vision to life.