The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Fire Pit Media for Style, Performance, and Heat
It’s More Than Just Filler
A fire pit is only as good as what’s inside it. Once you’ve chosen your burner, pan, and ignition system, it’s time to decide what sits on top: fire pit media.
And that’s where most people hesitate.
Fire glass or lava rock? What’s the difference? Does it even matter?
Yes. It matters a lot.
Your media not only shapes the look and feel of your fire pit, it impacts flame performance, safety, heat distribution, and longevity.
In this guide, we’ll break it all down with real comparisons, expert insights, and buyer-focused recommendations so you can confidently choose the right fire pit filler for your project.
What Is Fire Pit Media?
Fire pit media refers to the material that covers your burner. It’s what you see burning, and what fills the fire pit visually.
It serves three key purposes:
- Functionality – Distributes gas and heat evenly
- Protection – Shields the burner and ignition components
- Design – Creates the visual experience of your fire feature
At American Fire Products, we specialize in two industry-standard media types:
- Fire Glass – Crushed, tempered glass made for high heat
- Lava Rock – Natural, porous volcanic stone sourced and sized for flame performance
Fire Glass vs Lava Rock: The Big Picture
Fire Glass: Modern, Dazzling, and Designed to Shine
What Is Fire Glass?
fire glass is heat-tempered glass designed for gas fire features. It’s safe to use, available in a wide range of colors, shapes and sizes, and turns your fire feature into a design centerpiece.
Benefits of Fire Glass
- Eye-Catching Design
Flames reflect and dance across the surface. No other media offers this level of sparkle and luxury. - Available in Dozens of Colors
From Cobalt Reflective to Bronze or Ice, there’s a style for every build, mood, and brand palette. - Safe and Durable
Our fire glass is tempered to withstand high temperatures. It won’t crack, pop, or discolor under normal use. - Clean Burning
No smoke, no soot, no ash. Just a crisp, clean flame every time. - Low Maintenance
Unlike lava rock, fire glass doesn’t degrade quickly or produce dust. It can be rinsed and reused for years.
Use Cases
- Luxury residential builds
- Modern fire tables
- Hotel rooftops or resort courtyards
- Brand-forward commercial spaces
- Design-driven installations
Lava Rock: Natural, Reliable, and Time-Tested
What Is Lava Rock?
lave rocks is lightweight, porous volcanic rock that has been used in fire pits for decades. It’s known for its raw, natural aesthetic and ability to disperse heat evenly.
Benefits of Lava Rock
- Cost-Effective
Great coverage at a lower price point makes it ideal for large pits or budget-conscious builds. - Great Heat Retention
Its porous structure retains and radiates warmth, even after the flame is off. - Classic, Natural Look
Complements stone patios, wood-heavy environments, and desert landscapes - Good for Ventilation
Because of its structure, lava rock promotes airflow, helping maintain consistent flames and preventing burner damage.
Use Cases
- Rustic backyard fire pits
- Desert landscapes with a natural theme
- Large-scale commercial builds looking to save on volume
- Underlayment for fire glass installations (more on that below)
Pro Tip: Layer Both for the Best of Both Worlds
Want the luxury look of fire glass without filling your pit entirely with glass?
Do this:
- Start with a base layer of lava rock (enough to completely cover your burner)
- Top with 1-2 inches of fire glass for aesthetics
This strategy helps with airflow, reduces cost, and delivers high-end style on a smart budget.
Not Sure How Much You Need? Use Our Fire Media Calculator
Choosing between fire glass and lava rock is step one.
Knowing how much to order is step two.
Whether you’re filling a linear fire table, a round drop-in bowl, or a large custom build, our Fire Media Calculator makes it easy to get it right the first time.
- Calculates pounds based on fire pit shape and size
- Works for fire glass & lava rock (make sure to switch tabs)
- Saves time, eliminating guesswork, and prevents overbuying
Here’s how it works:
- Select either the “fire glass” or “lava rocks” tab
- Choose your fire pit shape (round, square, rectangle, fire bowl, or fireplace)
- Enter your fire pit’s dimensions
- Get an instant estimate of how many pounds you need
Try it now and build with confidence
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular glass or landscape gravel instead of fire glass?
No. Only heat-rated, tempered fire glass is safe for gas fire features. Using standard glass or stone can cause shattering, popping, gas blockage, or melting.
Will lava rock damage my burner over time?
Not if installed and maintained properly. But over time, smaller particles can clog burner ports, so periodic replacement is key.
Is fire glass safe to use with propane?
Yes. Fire glass works with both natural gas and propane systems, as long as your burner and pan are properly configured.
Final Take: What’s Right for Your Fire Feature?
Choose Lava Rock if:
- You’re looking for a natural, earthy aesthetic
- Budget is a priority
- You’re filling a large fire pit and want coverage at a lower cost
- You want a functional base layer beneath fire glass
Choose Fire Glass if:
- You want a polished, design-forward look
- You’re building in a modern or high-end space
- You want low-maintenance media that stays clean and looks new
- You want your fire pit to be a visual centerpiece
