As more homeowners look at their outdoor area as an extension of their living space, more homeowners are warming up to the idea of having a fire pit in their backyard.
While fits pits are a cool feature of outdoor spaces, they do require some maintenance in terms of cleaning. There have also been expressed concerns about the safety of fire pits and the toxicity that they can emit as seen in recent studies.
But there’s now a rise in the use of fire glass in fire pits for a more attractive look, as well as other benefits.
What Is Fire Glass?
Fire glass is a tempered glass that is tougher than normal manufactured glass. It’s usually produced through a process of tumbling, which results in the pieces being repeatedly polished so that there are no sharp edges. It also removes any possibility of it having a popping effect that’s similar to the crackling that one gets from burning wood. The pieces of glass are then washed to give them an extra level of sparkle to its exterior. This process also eliminates any injury that could occur in handling it.
Fire glass can be a cost effective and sustainable way to add another dimension of enjoyment to the outdoor space of your new home.Fire glass is usually produced at various sizes, from one-quarter of an inch to one inch depending on the homeowner’s needs. Some companies opt for a different way to create fire glass.
Brian Langohr, president of the Diamond Fire Glass Company, says that the company prefers to handcraft their fire glass pieces, in addition to putting together kits that one would use in fire pits.
“(Our process is) definitely more time-consuming,” Langohr says, adding that their handcrafted process gives their fire glass a better quality that sets it apart from other companies.
Why Choose Fire Glass Over Other Options?
Fire glass can generate three to four times the heat one would normally get from traditional wooden logs once the fire is lit. Another neat feature is that there’s minimal maintenance involved because there isn’t any ash that’s left over. Dirt and dust can build up over time, but that can easily be cleaned by removing the glass and putting it through a thorough rinse.
Fire glass is also an environmentally friendly option for fire pits. When used in combination with natural gas, it doesn’t emit toxic fumes or smoke. In addition, many companies also use recycled glass to manufacture their fire glass products.
When fire glass first burst onto the scene in the early 2000s, choices were fairly limited. These days, one can find a veritable rainbow assortment of fire glass products to choose from.
“We began to put together pre-mixed packages that could go well with combinations like blue, pearl, granite or stacked stone,” says Langohr. “It really gave people more to choose from to find what works for their home and fire pit.”
Fire glass can be a cost effective and sustainable way to add another dimension of enjoyment to the outdoor space of your new home. This option for fire pits makes it easy to make your next outdoor gathering sparkle just a little bit more.
Christopher Smith is a freelance writer when he’s not sampling the best cuisine in his hometown of New York City. Prior to that, he worked in film and television post-production, and counts the honor of working with Eartha Kitt among his milestones.
What Is Scandinavian Design?