How Much Fire Glass Do I Need?
It’s a beautiful night, and you want to sit outdoors with a glass of wine. Perhaps you’re entertaining guests on your deck, or just having a quiet night in by yourself or with a loved one. Either way, the appeal of fire glass adds a special dimension to the evening.
Before you can relax and stare at the peaceful flames, there’s planning and construction to accomplish. Know what you’re getting into with a little quick research and organization, to ensure the results match the brilliant design you’ve got in your mind’s eye.
What is fire glass?
The main indication of fire glass is that it is tempered. This involves a special chemical or thermal treatment that strengthens the glass to withstand high temperatures. In fact, it’s four times as strong as regular (annealed) glass!
Fire glass also wins out in safety for one important aspect: when it shatters, it splits into granular chunks rather than slivers or shards. This is the same type of glass used in your car windows, aquarium tank, shower door, and cell phone protector - basically anywhere that there’s potential for human contact.
Using fire glass for your pit lends protection as well as durability to your setup. Fire glass is more pricey than regular glass, but it’s crucial to use in a setting where it’s adjacent to flame.
Regardless of the outdoor fire feature, fire glass adds a multifaceted, luminous aesthetic to an otherwise functional design. The question is, how much do you need?
Measuring the amount of fire glass you need
How to calculate
Fire glass is sold by the pound. The number you want for your outdoor fire feature usually ends up being around 90lbs per square foot of fire pit space.
If you have a fire pit that’s square- or rectangular-shaped, measure the height, width, and depth. For example, a 1ft x 1ft x 2ft deep fixture will need 180lbs of glass to fill its area.
If you’re dealing with a round or bowl-shaped fire pit, the numbers change slightly due to the different shape. Here, the magic number is 72lbs of glass per square foot. Measure the diameter of the opening, then the burner height (from the bottom of the fixture to where the burner meets air). Since the sides slope up, there’s not as much space to fill in the bottom of the pit.
For irregular shapes, do as you would for a square pit. Measure width and depth, then from the bottom of the pit to the top of the burner. You may need to make some adjustments, but the area should approximate the same.
With a gas-burning fireplace, there is one additional measurement to make: the back width. Often, the opening of a fireplace is wider than the back portion. Ensure the glass doesn’t cover the burner to prevent spillage, especially if this is an indoor or otherwise enclosed fireplace.
How deep
It’s important not to overfill. Why? Too much glass could block the burner, causing a fire hazard in your space. Even if there’s no real danger, impeding the burner pushes the flame to work harder, using more resources unnecessarily and inhibiting the effect.
Create beauty with fire glass
There are myriad options when it comes to fire glass. You may choose a certain color to go with your decor, whether bright and showy, or something more neutral to accent the flame instead. Decide first on your aesthetic, then choose your glass from there. Are you aiming for natural and elegant, or a charismatic and show-stealing look?
Aside from the color, there are also numerous glass shapes to choose from. The pebbles may be perfectly round or oblong for sleek charm, or jagged for a more whimsical feel. There are sizes from brilliantly crushed to large and bulky, whatever suits your fancy.
Sometimes called “fire drops” or “fire beads,” you’ll be able to find just about anything you envision to create the perfect environment for your gas fire.
Type of fire glass
The main question to ask regarding the fire glass is whether you want reflective or non-reflective glass. Both hold an appeal, one glamorous and one more understated.
Reflective glass goes through a polishing process that brings out the shine, for a dazzling effect when the flame flickers through it. Even without an active fire, this type of glass picks up any light for a shimmery sparkle. Use this if you want a real visual pop.
But non-reflective glass can be just as stunning. Though more subtle, it creates a softer look, bringing out the essence of the flame without drawing attention away from it. You might appreciate this option if you’re going for a natural or earthy aesthetic in your outdoor fire feature.
You can also combine types for a multifaceted and mesmerizing look. Your guests won’t be able to pull their eyes away! Remember to cover the burner for a sleek and tidy look.
Fire glass vs. lava rock
Both lava rock and tempered fire glass are safe options with great heat conductivity, so there’s no right or wrong here. The choice comes down to your personal taste.
Generally, fire glass disperses heat more easily due to its smaller pieces. They are designed to be more reflective, so the surrounding area of your fire will be warmer quicker if you choose fire glass. It’s also possible you’ll save a bit on propane costs.
However, the initial price of lava stones is lower, and you can create the same dispersing effect by simply choosing smaller pieces of rock. If earthy tones and a natural look is what you’re going for, lava stones might be a better option than the extroverted radiance of fire glass.
As with any option of size, shape, or color, you can combine glass and stones for a unique look that suits your fire feature and your personality. Using lava rock on the bottom as filler, then layering the top with the appeal of fire glass, can also save you some cost.
Note that if you decide to use lava rock, it has about double the volume of the same weight of fire glass, so you’ll need to halve the result when measuring that portion.
A Stunning Visual
With the many choices available, you’re sure to find filler for your fire pit that appeals to you. A few quick measurements are all you need to determine how much to purchase. Then, sit back and enjoy the gorgeous results!