Gas fireplace rocks are generally bits of tempered glass that decorate the fireplaces and fire pits.
Surprisingly, the gas fireplace rocks tend to survive high temperatures and harsh weather without being harmed or discolored. Furthermore, it produces no toxic smoke, ash, chemicals, or soot.
Fireplace rocks, also known as fire glass rocks or lava glass, are appropriate for use in fireplaces and fire pits both indoors and outdoors. It’s also utilized in aquariums, gardening, and arts and crafts projects.
As a result, most people see gas fireplace rocks as a piece of beauty, which is correct. It does, however, have practical applications. Continue reading to discover more about gas fireplace rocks, including the many varieties, installation procedures, and frequently asked questions.
Related: ProCom Gas Fireplace Review: Things You Should Know About it
Fire Glass vs. Lava Rock
To begin with, both fire glass and lava rock are excellent heat conductors. Overall, the choice between fire glass and lava rock boils down to personal choice.
However, the reflection of the fire glass allows it to absorb more heat and hence emit more heat.
Furthermore, fireplace rocks are typically available in smaller, more uniform pieces. This enables them to distribute heat more uniformly, making the surrounding environment seem warmer.
What is Lava Rock?
Lava rocks are igneous rocks that form spontaneously as a result of volcanic activity. They are commonly found around volcanoes as magma heats up and cools down through the emission of gas.
This, in turn, generates a response on the surface in the form of uneven rock forms known as basalt. Lava rocks are highly porous because they came from naturally high temperatures.
As a result, they are excellent heat conductors and a popular option for fire pits since they diffuse heat equally as well.
What is Fire Glass?
Fire glass differs from ordinary glass in that it does not burn or melt. It will also not discolor, making it an excellent choice for both outdoor fire pits and inside fireplace beds.
Fire glass, unlike lava rocks, is man-made. Typically composed of fire-rated glass that has been tempered at extremely high temperatures. They are practically resistant to melting, burning, and even discoloration as a result of this process, making them a popular choice for fire pit owners.
Furthermore, they are available in a number of hues and sizes, ranging from polished squares to smooth ovals. All of these materials are extremely reflective and may provide a brilliant splash of color to any fire pit.
Things to Consider When Buying a Gas Fireplace Rock
Price
One of the most crucial elements to consider when purchasing a gas fireplace rock from Amazon is pricing. Nobody likes to pay a high amount for high-quality goods. Amazon allows you to compare prices from many merchants and select the best bargain.
Brand
When purchasing a gas fireplace rock for fireplace from Amazon, we should also examine the brand. It is critical to comprehend each sort of brand supplied by different merchants in order to make the best decision. In general, higher-quality and more popular brands tend to be more expensive than less popular ones.
Function
Then, when purchasing a gas fireplace rock, we must think about its functionality. The higher the functionality, the more complex the specifications.
Color
Because the main purpose of fire glass is to establish a look and tone, choosing a color may be the most essential decision we make. There are several possibilities from which to select.
Furthermore, blues, reds, greens, and purples, ranging from cobalt and sapphire to ruby and emerald, are among the most fashionable. Amber, copper, and chestnut fire glass, on the other hand, might give off a rustic vibe.
Some manufacturers, however, have more color possibilities than others, so look for the one that best suits your needs. Whether it’s something ancient and natural, new and fashionable, complementing and subtle, or just bold.
Shape
Also, take note that various firms use different words to describe the type or form of fire glass that is available. Here are a few examples, but make sure to check the photo to be sure you already know what you’re buying.
Beads or drops
Moreover, take note that different companies use different words to describe the type or form of fire glass that is available. Here are a few examples, but make sure to check the photo to be sure you already know what you’re buying.
Nuggets or diamonds
These are smooth, but not flawless ovals or spheres. They have a more natural appearance since they are not exact forms, and the irregularity allows them to occupy space more densely.
Fragments or crushed ice
Third, while they resemble shards of glass, they are safe to touch and move around. Because they may be tightly packed, the forms are more random and likely to provide more coverage. As a result, fewer of them can cover an area.
Size
In addition, the size of fire glass varies from small to large. The most frequent size is medium or one-half inch. Take note of the following while deciding on size.
Firepit Dimensions
In general, the size of your gas fireplace rocks should be proportional to the size of your fire pit. Companies will advise you on how much fire glass will accommodate in your firepit in terms of volume.
Please remember that little pieces will be more tightly packed, so we’ll need more of them to cover an area properly.
Quantity
We should also understand how much fire glass we’ll need for the fire pit. If you overfill your fire pit with glass, the flames will be more difficult to control, and the heat will be unpleasant if you’re too close.
However, if there aren’t enough fire glass pieces in the pit, it won’t be successful in generating more heat or looking nice.
For our convenience, we may use this gas fireplace rock calculator to help us.
As a result, most manufacturers recommend that the fire pit be filled with two to four inches of fire glass. The amount of product to use is specified on the bag by the manufacturer. Most bags have an easy-to-read chart, so be sure to measure the fire pit beforehand.
Best Gas Fireplace Rock Reviewed
Hiland Fire Pit Fire Glass
Hiland is a business that offers a vast range of Fire Pit Glass hues, allowing everyone to discover colors that match their own taste.
Furthermore, the Hiland fire glass is simple to use due to its excellent qualities. Because it does not emit ash or soot, our fireplace does not become unclean. We don’t have to clean it as frequently, which is a major benefit for both me and you.
As a result, we like to remark that this is an excellent instrument for shutting up protruding pipes. It is resistant to high temperatures and is long-lasting. We’re going to use it both inside and outside your house.
Midwest Hearth Natural Lava Rock
Midwest Heart manufactures and sells high-quality parts and accessories for fireplaces, stoves, gas logs, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and barbeque grills.
Furthermore, Midwest Hearth Natural Lava Rock adds lava rock surrounding your log set to give our fireplace a full and natural look. It can tolerate extremely high temperatures without deterioration or crumble.
Surprisingly, the one thing we will enjoy about this product is that it has no artificial colors. Natural black lava rock with brown and gray flecks. As a consequence, it is ideal for modernizing our interior and bringing a new style to the fire pit. It has a diamond form, allowing us to cover the whole space with a small amount of fire glass.
Lastly, the company provides a wide range of vibrant and appealing hues so everyone can find the best one for them.
Skyflame Black Natural Lava Rock
Skyflame’s tumbled lava rocks and stones offer our gas fire pit or fireplace a new look. Their products are ideal for our classic and transitional-styled living spaces since these stones form an excellent focal display for both indoors and outside.
It boosts flame performance by dispersing gas in all directions. It can tolerate extremely high temperatures without deterioration or crumble. Because it is eco-friendly and safe, we use it with fire bowls, fire pits, and fireplaces.
GASPRO Fire Glass
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GASPRO sells high-quality reflective fire glass that may be used to decorate any fire pit, including natural gas, propane, and fireplaces.
It also features a reflective coating, which makes the glass seem multi-colored at nighttime and continue to shine during the day. With this fire glass, we will be able to cover the whole surface and conceal the pipes. Cobalt Blue is our hue of choice, and it will undoubtedly satisfy us.
It also produces a beautiful and hypnotic mood in our living rooms and yard.
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Skyflame Fire Pit Glass
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Skyflame’s tumbled lava rocks and stones offer our gas fire pit or fireplace a new look. Their products are ideal for our modern and transitional-styled living spaces since these stones form an excellent focal display for both indoors and outside.
In truth, the greatest fire pit glass was designed to please us. It has good heat resistance and transparency, and we won’t have any problems installing it. The color of the fire glass will not fade over time due to its exceptional quality.
Finally, fire glass does not produce pollutants, soot, or smoke that are damaging to our health. It comes in a range of hues, and each color provides a unique ambiance for our gas fireplaces.
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Grisun Fire Pit Glass
Grisun has enhanced fire reflecting glass that retains and emits heat exceptionally effectively. Their product is composed of Reflective Tempered Fire Glass, which appears to be moving water when reflected by a magnificent flame, and it provides us with a healthy and safe warming experience.
Furthermore, because it is suited for use in most fireplaces, this fire glass is ideal for use both at night and during the day. This flaming glass is resistant to corrosion and has a high melting point.
Furthermore, it is available in a variety of hues, but our favorite is this manufacturer’s black fire glass since it appears brilliant and sparkly in our fireplace. This color produces a soothing mood while also adding refinement to our houses.
Stanbroil Lava Rock Granules
Stanbroil Lava Rocks will quickly provide a unique but sophisticated aspect to our fire pit.
To begin with, these Lava Rocks can be used only in our fireplace or fire pit, or as a basis or filler for other ornaments. Regardless of how we utilize it, the final impact is very intriguing. The best feature is that they don’t need any upkeep.
Surprisingly, it can resist the most intense temperatures without damage or disintegrate, and it may be used to provide realism or depth to gas logs. We can also use it as a neutral foundation layer before adding logs or fire glass on top.
Mr. Fireglass Crushed Fire Glass
Mr.Fireglass fire glass is a wonderful and stylish accent to any fire feature, from indoor fireplaces to outdoor fire bowls and fire pits.
In reality, because this fire glass is carefully constructed and lacks rough edges, it is safe to use. We can fill the full surface without gaps because of its form. Glass is resistant to high temperatures and does not generate hazardous gases.
Safety Precautions of Gas Fireplace Rocks
In fact, sharp edges of glass fragments are polished specifically to avoid cuts. When working, we should, nevertheless, still use protective gloves.
How to Install Gas Fireplace Rocks?
When placing fire glass in the fire pit, we recommend that you take proper safety precautions. Check with the manufacturer to see if the fireplace is compatible with fire-rated glass. Simply review the instruction manual for this equipment to find the precise amount of fire pit glass we need.
Conclusion
The outdoor fire pit is a fantastic addition to our gatherings, parties, and family occasions. Proper planning on how large to construct our fire pit and what rocks to use inside it may assist our fire pit to bring a lot of value to our property.
As a result, don’t underestimate the influence that gas fireplace rocks may have on the appearance of our fireplace.
We can now appreciate the surroundings year-round and enjoy every moment now that we understand what to put in our gas fireplace.
FAQs About Gas Fireplace Rocks
What are the benefits of using rocks in a gas fireplace?
Fireplace rocks are often used in natural gas fireplaces and propane or natural gas fire pits. Fire rocks have been shown to boost combustion efficiency while also maintaining a desired visual quality.
Is it possible to use river stones in a gas fireplace?
No. Natural rocks and gravel should not be used as fire pit fill as they’re more likely to fracture or explode when subjected to high temperatures. Whatever sort of fill we use, we must ensure that it is dry before lighting the fire.
What is the lifespan of fireplace rocks?
Fireplace rocks should endure for around two years before showing symptoms of deterioration. Continue to use them in your fire pit until you see them becoming crumbly.
What happens if you get lava rocks wet?
Lava rocks, like sponges, are hydrophilic in nature. When lava rocks become wet, water can become trapped inside. When the water within the wet lava rocks is heated by the fire, it turns to vapor and swells. This builds up pressure inside the lava rocks, causing them to blast apart.
How often do you replace the fire glass?
Fire glass has the ability to persist for 20 years or more since it is extremely durable and does not crumble, burn, or change color. However, in most circumstances, we can anticipate our new fire glass to endure between 4 and 8 years.
James is a marketing specialist based in New Jersey who has worked for a fireplace company for over 10 years. With his years of experience in the industry, he has learned everything to know about fireplaces, including the best brands, best fireplace features, and types and troubleshooting the most common issues.
He has helped thousands of customers and clients find the best fireplace for their homes and family.
Now, he uses this expertise to educate Fireplace Heaven readers about new fireplace technologies and features and reviews some of the best ones available in the market today!