Fire Pit Media Buying Guide
Find out how to choose the best media option for your gas fire pit
Last Updated: May 22, 2023
Fire media is an essential part of your gas fire pit that enhances the look and helps it operate safely and efficiently.
WHY DO I NEED FIRE PIT MEDIA?
Available in an array of sizes, colors, shapes, and styles, fire media is placed on top of the burner to ensure the gas flow is distributed evenly, rather than being concentrated at the burner ports, creating a fuller, more realistic flame presentation.
It also hides the burner ring and pan from sight.
WHAT FIRE PIT MEDIA STYLES ARE AVAILABLE?
Whether your taste is traditional or modern, you can easily find fire pit media that matches your style.
From contemporary fire glass to smooth, rolled lava stones, classic lava rock, and rustic outdoor gas logs, explore the following fire pit media types to find a look that fits your preferences.
FIRE GLASS
Fire glass is a translucent, jewel-like media made of tempered glass. It’s heat-treated for use in gas fire features and will never melt, discolor, or produce any smoke when you ignite the flames.
Available in a wide range of colors, styles, shapes, and sizes, fire glass lets you personalize the look of your fire pit and offers a mesmerizing visual effect as it twinkles beneath the flames both day and night.
Fire glass can be a little pricey, depending on how much you need. Consider using lava rock as a base layer and placing your fire glass on top. This will reduce the amount of fire glass you’ll need by half, so you can fill your fire pit for less.
You can also use a layer of less expensive fire glass as your base, such as standard clear fire glass, then top it off with your choice of colored fire glass.
Small Fire Glass
Small fire glass consists of tiny, non-unform pieces of glass, usually ¼-inch in diameter, that are chipped off large glass bricks and tumbled to remove sharp edges.
You can layer different shades of small fire glass in your fire pit to design a unique color scheme, without cluttering up the burner area. You can also sprinkle small pieces of fire glass on top of larger pieces as an accent.
OUR MOST POPULAR SMALL FIRE GLASS
Medium Fire Glass
Medium fire glass is about ½-inch in diameter and covers more surface area than small fire glass, so you won’t need to purchase as much to fill your fire pit.
Like small fire glass, you can blend various colors, shapes, and sizes of medium fire glass, or mix small and medium-sized pieces together for added texture.
OUR MOST POPULAR MEDIUM FIRE GLASS
Large Fire Glass
Ideal for fire features with high BTU ratings or burners with gas jets, large fire glass measures ¾- 1-inch in diameter to provide maximum coverage and prevent gas blockages.
With large fire glass, it’s best to stick with one color and shape as the pieces are too big to blend seamlessly.
OUR MOST POPULAR LARGE FIRE GLASS
Smooth Fire Glass
Smooth fire glass is made of smaller, irregularly sized pieces of glass with polished edges that resemble marbles or jellybeans. The coloring is consistent throughout with a slightly translucent finish.
Available in ¼ to 1-inch sizes, smooth fire glass amplifies the natural flow of the flames for a dynamic burning display.
OUR MOST POPULAR SMOOTH FIRE GLASS
Reflective Fire Glass
Reflective fire glass features a mirror-like or high-luster finish and intensified coloring. Each piece of glass reflects the sunlight and flames, casting the light outward for a luminous display, even in the evenings.
Pro Tip:
DO NOT place another type of fire pit media on top of fire glass, it will damage your burning display.
OUR MOST POPULAR REFLECTIVE FIRE GLASS
LAVA ROCK
Lava rock is an organic material formed from volcanic magma. As the magma cools, trapped gases burst through the surface, creating its signature porous texture.
It’s fire safe and can withstand long-term exposure to high temperatures and harsh weather. Plus, lava rock is completely maintenance-free, making it an excellent option for homeowners who love to use their fire pits frequently.
The size, shape, and color of each batch will vary, so if you’re after a uniform look in your gas fire pit, it’s best to buy your lava rock media in bulk.
Lava rock is a gorgeous media bed on its own, but many customers like to use it as a base for more expensive fire pit media, like fire glass and stones.
You can also opt for rolled lava stones, which feature the same porous, heat-retaining properties as standard lava rock, but offer a more modern look for contemporary gas fire pits.
Like lava rock, rolled lava stones outlast the elements and won’t require any upkeep.
OUR MOST POPULAR LAVA ROCK MEDIA
OUTDOOR GAS LOGS
With detailed designs and natural bark finishes, outdoor gas log sets offer a classic, campfire-like ambiance without the hassle of chopping wood.
Made of durable refractory ceramics, outdoor logs stand up to harsh weather conditions without warping. They don't produce any smoke, ashes, or embers, and won’t require much maintenance
Outdoor gas logs come in a variety of distinct styles, including Driftwood, Weathered Oak, Aspen, Juniper, and more, so you can easily find a set that complements your style.
OUR MOST POPULAR OUTDOOR GAS LOGS
FIRE STONES
Fire stones are an excellent option for homes with a modern, contemporary, or transitional style. Designed to resemble authentic river rocks, fire stones are made from lightweight, heat-resistant ceramics, so they won’t pop or warp under extreme temperatures.
You can find fire stones in natural shades for an organic display and multi-colored assortments, like HPC’s Multicolor Ceramic Fiber River Rocks Set, which includes a blend of 84 gel-cast fire stones in various sizes and colors.
If you decide to go with fire stones, you’ll also need to purchase lava rock. Fire stones are not designed to sit directly on the burner and must be placed on a bed of lava rock.
DO NOT use regular stones or river rocks in your fire pit. Regular stones may contain water that will produce a build-up of steam when heated and cause the stones to explode.
OUR MOST POPULAR FIRE STONES
FIRE BALLS
Turn your gas fire pit into a contemporary work of art by adding a set of decorative fire balls to your media bed.
Fire balls are made of heat-resistant, ceramic-bonded refractory materials and come in an array of sizes and shapes.
Since fire balls are meant to be a decorative accent, they can’t sit directly on the burner, so you’ll need to place them on a bed of lava rock media.
OUR MOST POPULAR FIRE BALL SETS
METAL FIRE SHAPES
Showcase hand-crafted artistry in your outdoor space by placing intricate metal accents in the center of your media bed on top of lava rock or fire glass.
Some gas fire features, like the Sedona Fire Bowl from The Outdoor Plus, offer whimsical metal ornaments that instantly elevate the look, like contemporary sticks, a detailed globe, and a blooming lotus flower.
You can also swap your outdoor gas logs for a stack of metal logs with precise cutouts for an authentic wood fire ambiance with a modern twist.
The TimberCraft Metal Art Premium Tee Pee Steel Gas Log Set is made of ¼-inch reclaimed steel and features strategically placed holes to let out extra light and heat. Once it warms up, the log set retains heat for hours, making your fire pit even more efficient.
Add extra charm to your burning display by pairing the Tee Pee Steel Gas Log Set with the TimberCraft Metal Art Pine Branches and Twigs.
OUR MOST POPULAR METAL FIRE SHAPES
HOW MUCH FIRE PIT MEDIA WILL I NEED?
With proper gas pressure, your fire pit media will typically cover the burner by no more than one inch.
The placement of your media may vary, depending on the burner you choose, so make sure to check the installation manual for the correct volume and depth of media to use.
For example, if you're using a burner with raised jets, like HPC’s Torpedo Burner, you'll only cover the burner tube with media, leaving the jets exposed. Your media can sit flush with the jets, or you can arrange it so that the jets can stick out slightly above the media.
HOW CAN I MAINTAIN MY FIRE PIT MEDIA?
The easiest way to maintain your fire pit media is by purchasing a fitted, weatherproof cover for your gas fire pit.
If left uncovered, rainwater and condensation can cause steam to build up inside your fire pit, which negatively impacts the performance of your media and may even cause lava rock to pop or burst.
If you have fire glass, you’ll need to clean it periodically to remove any soot build-up. We recommend removing your fire glass and cleaning it every few months.
Check out our in-depth guide to fire glass and lava rock for a list of simple maintenance steps that will keep your media in excellent condition for years to come.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
Need some help choosing the best media for your fire pit? Call our team of NFI Certified experts today at 800.919.1904.
MORE RESOURCES:
In the market for a new gas fire pit? Check out our top five models for some style inspiration!
Learn the benefits of both fire glass and lava rock to choose the best option for your fire pit.
Make sure your gas fire pit burns safely and efficiently for as long as possible with this in-depth maintenance guide.