Boost the aesthetics of your fire pit without making a dent in your wallet!
Fire glass is a popular way to beautify your DIY gas fire pit, fire bowl, fire table, or any outdoor fire feature. However, fire glass can cost $5/lb. or more! That can get expensive when filling an entire fire pit.
At EasyFirePits.com, we suggest using a bottom filler layer of pea gravel and then “glass gems” or lava rocks to compliment your fire feature and its surroundings.
Pea gravel does a number of things for you. It saves you money, while also allowing water to drain and prevents propane from pooling. Use it to fill in any areas that may be hollow and where gas has the ability to leak and potentially pond. In fire features that are not well ventilated (like most pits), should there be a hollow ponding area for gas to accumulate, the byproduct is an eventual “whoosh.” This is known as a flare up (3,500 degrees that can instantly cause first degree burns and or quickly melt the end off rubber hoses).
Fill the majority of your fire pit or fire feature with pea gravel, until you get within 1/2 inch of the gas burner. Then use glass or lava rocks to fill in the top without exceeding 1/2 inch of cover over the burner. See the diagram below as a reference.
“Glass gems” can commonly be found at dollar stores for 1/5 of the price of fire glass (about $1-2/lb.). These are shiny and slick, which prevent soot from sticking well. They’re also easily cleaned by morning dew. For propane, dark colored “glass gems” are best for preventing any soot from showing. We have not seen them “pop” or melt under low pressure heat despite online guys saying you must buy their glass to avoid this. They’ve worked just fine with all of our fire features.
Lava Rocks are also great for filling in above the pea gravel. They’re sold for $3-4/10 lb. bag and can be purchased at dollar stores, craft stores, or home improvement stores.
Remember to visit EasyFirePits.com to check out all of our DIY gas fire pit kits or get inspired and customize your kit today!