10 Things to Consider When Buying Fire Glass

Fire glass is more than just an eye-catching upgrade—it's an essential part of creating a safe, efficient, and visually stunning fire pit or fireplace. But with so many types, colors, and sizes available, how do you know which fire glass is best for your space?

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This guide will help you choose the right fire glass for both form and function, while keeping important safety considerations in mind.

Looking for the ultimate guide to outdoor fire pit media? Discover how to enhance your backyard experience - read our comprehensive blog post.

What Is Fire Glass?

Fire glass is a type of specially tempered glass designed to be used in fire features. Unlike regular glass, it can withstand high temperatures without melting, emitting smoke, or releasing harmful chemicals. Fire glass is not only safe—it also adds modern elegance and beautiful sparkle to your fire feature.

Why Choosing the Right Fire Glass Is Important

✅ Safety First
Only tempered fire glass should be used in fire pits and fireplaces. Regular glass can crack or even explode under high heat, creating serious safety risks. Fire glass made for fire features is non-toxic, heat-resistant, and will not burn or discolor with proper use.

✅ Efficiency and Heat Output
Fire glass retains and reflects heat far better than traditional materials like lava rock or ceramic logs. It allows for better airflow around the burner, helping produce a consistent, beautiful flame while radiating heat outward.

✅ Overall Appeal
From sleek reflective black to tranquil Caribbean blue, fire glass adds depth and style to your fire pit or fireplace. It transforms any fire feature into a stunning visual centerpiece, both indoors and outdoors.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Fire Glass

1. Size and Shape
Fire glass typically comes in 1/4” and 1/2” sizes:

• 1/4" fire glass gives a dense, tight look and covers more surface area.
• 1/2" fire glass allows for greater airflow and a chunkier, bolder aesthetic.
• Some glass is crushed, while others are beads or diamond shapes—it’s mostly personal preference, though crushed glass tends to reflect light more dynamically.

2. Reflective vs. Non-Reflective
Reflective fire glass has a mirrored coating that amplifies flame brightness and sparkle.

Non-reflective fire glass offers a softer, matte finish that blends seamlessly with natural settings.

You can even mix both types for a layered, multidimensional effect.

3. Color Selection
Popular colors include:

• Black Reflective – modern and sleek
• Cobalt Blue – bold and vibrant
• Copper and Bronze – earthy and elegant
• Clear or Platinum – neutral and bright

Choose a color that complements your outdoor décor or indoor style—and consider how the flames will reflect off the glass at night.

4. Quantity
How much fire glass do you need? Use a Fire Glass Calculator (available on Starfire Direct product pages) to find the right amount based on your burner pan size. Depth matters—most fire glass beds should be about 2–4 inches deep.

Watch this video below to see how to determine how much fire glass you really need.

Fire Glass for Propane vs. Natural Gas

Fire glass works with both propane and natural gas systems, but propane may require a burner pan and air mixer to ensure a clean, efficient burn. Be sure to verify compatibility before installation.

The only thing to be cautious of is to make sure the fire glass is dry before turning on your fire feature. That way it guarantees the fire glass will not pop or crack due to the water vapors heating up.

Tips for Safe and Effective Use

• Never use regular glass or stones in a fire feature.
• Always let the fire glass cool completely before touching or adding more.
• Install glass only after verifying burner specs and ensuring proper ventilation.
• Keep fire features   — though fire glass is weather-resistant, maintaining your setup improves longevity.

If you'd like to learn how to easily and safely clean your fire glass, read this article about cleaning fire glass and let us know what you think.

Shop the Best Fire Glass at Starfire Direct

Starfire Direct offers one of the largest selections of premium fire glass in the industry named — Starfire Glass. All Starfire Glass products are tested for safety, durability, and brilliance. Whether you need a reflective style, a unique shape, or a custom blend, we have the fire glass to match your vision.