Which Fire Media is Right For You? How to Choose the Best Fire Media for Your Feature
What is Fire Media, and Why Do You Need It?
Fire media is an umbrella term for fire glass, fire stones, lava rock, and gas logs. Also called jewelry, fire media gives your gas fire pit or fireplace a look you want by giving it a more natural appearance.
Available in various shapes, sizes, and styles, jewelry conceals the pan, burner, and inner components of your fire feature from sight. To create a natural-looking flame pattern, fire media lays on top of the burner, dispersing gas through the pockets and crevices between each piece rather than only the burner holes.
The unique design of fire media allows it to heat up rapidly, distribute the radiant heat throughout the appliance, and provide a stunning ambiance to an outdoor space. Create a warm organic look of a wood log fire or stone, or experiment with brilliant reflective fire glass of varying colors for an exciting vibe and mood.
Types of Fire Media
There are several types of fire media available, so you can achieve the look and feel appropriate for your outdoor theme and lifestyle. Spruce up the look of your fire pit with shimmering jewelry-like broken glass, or mimic the woodsy feel of a log fire.
Achieve an island ambiance with lava rock or tailor the style with a combination of media that expresses your preference.
Although there are several options to choose from, here's the breakdown on how to determine which fire media is right for you.
Lava Rock and Lava Stone
Lava rock is a popular choice for gas fire pits and fireplaces. This naturally occurring mineral's porous structure promotes superior air circulation for your gas fire feature while also retaining heat effectively. Mined from the earth, these dark rocks contrast beautifully against a bright flame. Each rock is approximately 1" to 2" in diameter.
Lava rock's aesthetic usually is rough and coarse but is also available tumbled to remove the sharp, harsh edges and produce a smoother look if you prefer the polished, modern, or transitional design. Since it is an organic material, sizes and colors will vary from each batch, but Firegear lava rock and lava stones range in diameter from 1-2 inches. Versatile usage makes lava rock great for standalone accents or the perfect base layer for fire glass and gas logs.
Unlike other fire media that is available in a variety of tones, Lava rock has a typical brownish-black coloration with faint deep red hues. The dark tones mask unwanted soot marks, making it relatively maintenance-free, but all lava rock does naturally fade over time, eventually requiring replacement.
Fire Glass
A decorative and versatile way to add a pop of color and light to your outdoor space, these glass-like stones can be arranged in any pattern. Fire glass comes in a variety of colors and sizes so that you can create a cohesive look that suits your personal preference or theme.
Firegear fire glass measures approximately 1/2" - 3/4" in diameter and is made from tempered glass. This kind of media, which is designed to radiate heat and never melt, discolor, or emit smoke, comes in various colors.
Fire glass is a great way to add a contemporary touch and jewelry to your gas fire pit or fireplace. Without making the burner too cluttered, fire glass can accentuate your gas fire pit or fireplace with a modern feel by adding alluring luster and panache, as well as unique texture against the flames.
Gas Logs
Gas logs are designed to imitate the look of natural wood but burn cleaner and more efficiently. Gas log sets are available in either a ventless or vented version. Vented gas logs require a standard chimney venting system to release exhaust gases outdoors safely. In contrast, ventless gas logs are connected directly to your gas line without the need for a different venting system.
A classic accessory boasting of beloved traditional style, gas logs come in a variety of styles and sizes to model different types of wood, but with a modern twist. With their precise design, gas logs provide a realistic look of wood logs without the hassle. Firegear gas logs will not burn or generate ash or embers since they are constructed of steel or concrete. Over time, soot marks will develop and be more apparent on lighter-colored logs.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Fire Media for Your Home
Deciding which type of fire media you should choose for your gas fire pit or fireplace depends on factors such as where it's located, the look you're aiming for, and how much maintenance is expected.
If you're looking for a sleek, clean design to complement your modern outdoor space, opting for lava stones or reflective fire glass will bring dynamic results. For a more rustic and traditional look, gas logs bring a timeless serenity to the outdoor living area.
No matter which option you select, Firegear is here to help with a full range of jewelry to achieve any style you desire in your backyard fire feature.