You might have come across colorful glass marbles in fire pits. You may wonder whether you can use glass marbles in your fire pit and why it might be worth doing it. Let’s look into how to use fire glass in fire pits, fireplaces, gas fire pans or fire tables and which glass to use. 

Can You Use Glass Marbles in a Fire Pit?

Yes, you can use glass marbles in a fire pit. 

Can you use any glass in a fire pit?

Definitely not!  Ordinary glass is not safe, as it can explode when exposed to high temperature, throwing off sharp glass bits. For a fireplace or a fire pit you do need especially designed fire glass to stay safe.

Which glass for gas or propane fire pit?

If you have a gas or propane fire pit, you can only use tempered glass. Tempered glass is created to withstand high temperatures and will not melt, burn or discolor.

Is it safe to use glass marbles in a fire pit?

Yes, glass marbles are safe to use in a fire pit. However, you always need to check the manufacturer’s guidance on this, make sure what type of glass it is and whether it is suitable for your fire pit. 

You may also like:

How to get more heat from a fire pit

Can you burn coal in a fire pit?

Why use glass marbles in a fire pit?

One of the main reasons to put glass marbles in your fire pit is the aesthetics. They add color to your fire pit and can look just stunning when you sit around the fire at night with your guests. Apart from that, a glass-filled fire pit will radiate 4 times more heat than wood or artificial logs. So apart from great looks, your fire pit will give off more heat and will be more efficient. 

What kind of fire glass should I use in a fire pit

What color glass looks best in a fire pit?

If you like warm colors, the best warm colors of fire glass are yellow, orange and red. If you prefer cooler colors, then green and blue are the best cool colors.

How to Use Fire Glass in a Fire Pit

The most common use of fire glasses in gas fire pits, especially tabletop fire pits. Fire glass sits atop the flames, usually in a pan which is designed to hold it. To start, place fire glass pebbles evenly into the pan and simply turn on the gas. You will need a layer of 2 – 3 inches. 

Should you cover the burner with fire glass?

Yes, you should cover the burner, but not with a thick layer. Use just enough fire glass to hide the fire burner (about an inch is enough). 

Glass marbles vs lava rocks

What is better: lava rocks or fire glass?

Glass marbles certainly look better than lava rocks while they don’t collect dirt as easily. However they are less durable and may crack over time. 

On the other hand, lava rocks are durable and cope well with high temperatures. They are also more cost effective. 

Can you mix glass marbles and lava rocks?

Yes, you can mix them. However, if you want to use lava rocks to fill the bottom of your fire pit or fireplace and put glass marbles on top, we recommend this little trick: separate the lava rocks and the glass marbles with a metal mesh sheet. It will be easier to remove the top layer for cleaning if you do this. 

Are glass marbles fuel to the fire?

No, glass marbles are fire resistant and won’t burn in your fire pit. Moreover, they can’t burn on their own without a fuel. 

Can You Use Fire Glass in any Fire Pit?

You can use fire glass in virtually any propane or natural gas fire feature and most fire glass marbles can be used in a wide range of fire pits. However, before putting fire glass in a fire pit do check the manufacturer’s guidance. Some glass marbles can be used in wood burning fires while other uses may be dangerous.

In propane fire pits glass marbles may get damaged. You can still use them, but they won’t last a long time, especially if they are in light colors. Propane can change the color of lighter marbles, so it’s better to use dark colored marbles. 

Fire Glass in Wood Fire Pit

Fire glass can be a great addition for your wood burner or fireplace. Although it won’t burn on it’s own and you still need the wood to keep the fire going, you can use both together. The benefit of adding fire glass to a wood fire is that it gives off and keeps much more heat than wood. Not only will you stay toasty, but you will save on wood and make your wood fire more environmentally friendly, as glass doesn’t produce any smoke or ash. 

What to put under fire glass?

As fire glass marbles can be expensive, you may want to consider other materials to fill the bottom of the fire pit. You can use lava rocks or sand underneath the top layer of glass. Then you just need a thin layer of fire glass marbles on top. 

What size glass should I use in my fire pit or fireplace?

For most fireplaces and fire pits 1/4″ or 1/2″ fire glass will be the optimum size. The ideal size will depend on the size of your fire pit or just your personal preferences. 

Fire glass maintenance

Does fire glass get dirty?

Yes, fire glass, especially in an outdoor fire pit, can get dirty over time. Although fire glass is one of the cleanest options available for fire pits, it does collect dust as well as soot from burning gas will build up over time. 

How to clean fire glass?

We have found this useful article with simple instructions here: ‘How to clean fire glass’.

Safety tips for handling glass marbles

As we mentioned before, glass marbles may crack under high temperatures over time. When moving them around or removing them from the fire pit, be aware that they will have very sharp edges. To avoid cuts, wear protective gloves or use a shovel.

Although glass marbles can resist high temperatures, the maximum temperature shouldn’t exceed 1500 degrees Fahrenheit. 

And lastly, larger glass pebbles may have air bubbles in side (the air would have gotten there during production). Under the heat the air bubbles may cause the pebbles to explode, so this is something to have in mind.