Featured DIY Fire Pit Articles - Celestial Fire Glass Support

A Must-See “Triple-Threat” Fire Pit Design by Gill Landscaping

admin — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 16:29:05 +0000

What’s better than a fire feature on your back patio? A fire feature that’s accented by shimmering glass, gently trickling waterfalls, and gorgeous custom stonework.

This description sums up a recent project completed by Gill Landscape Contracting of Moon Township, Pennsylvania. With a gas fire pit centerpiece and lighted water feature, this outdoor space is the ultimate destination for entertaining guests or for kicking back and relaxing on a quiet summer (or even winter) night.

Fire Glass Details

The designer on this residential project created a custom blend out of three distinct colors of fireplace glass:

Using several contrasting shades instead of one adds visually compelling texture and depth that’s further enhanced by the fire. The copper, diamond, and black colors seem to spring to shimmering life beneath the flames! Gill Landscaping used R.I. Lampus Rosetta Dimensional blocks in a charcoal color to create the fire pit and retaining wall / water feature — it’s a wise choice that really sets off the fire pit glass.

Why Was Tempered Fire Pit Glass Chosen?

Tempered fire glass was selected for this project because it’s both beautiful and practical. Here are few of its key benefits:

Extreme durability: While regular glass would crack, pop, and melt under the flames, tempered fire pit glass is specially engineered to withstand searing temperatures. It won’t disintegrate — even over time.
Cleaning-burning nature: Tempered fireplace glass doesn’t produce harmful, smelly smoke or fumes and won’t result in the ash or soot that occurs when you’re burning wood. That means you can use it around your family (including small children) with complete peace of mind.
Exceptional glimmer: Like all Celestial Tempered Fire glass, the glass used in this project is not tumbled; instead, it underwent a special process that removes the small sharp pieces of glass through a gentle sifting process. This leaves you with fire glass with a highly reflective surface. This glass also features a mirror backing on every piece, which amplifies the glitz.

Triple Threat Gas Fire Pit

Stone Paver Fire Pit

Stone Paver Gas Fire Pit

Stone Paver Outdoor Fire Pit

About Gill Landscape Contracting

Serving the greater Pittsburgh area, Gill Landscape Contracting specializes in creating custom landscaping designs for both residential and commercial clients. They blend creativity with years of know-how to accommodate each client’s unique tastes and budget — all while focusing on delivering a superior level of customer service.

To learn more about Gill’s landscaping and lawn-care services, please visit http://www.gill-landscaping.com

Stone Paver Outdoor Fire Pit

The post A Must-See “Triple-Threat” Fire Pit Design by Gill Landscaping appeared first on Celestial Fire Glass Support.

Fire Glass is the Perfect Finish for this Stunning Wine Barrel Fire Pit by Ken Klein

admin — Mon, 25 Dec 2017 14:02:19 +0000

Handcrafted from beautiful wood varieties, Ken Klein’s furniture designs are awe-inspiring all on their own. But what happens when you add fire pit glass by Celestial Fire Glass?

Custom Wine Barrel Fire Pit – LP Gas

Take a look at how our Cobalt Blue Crushed Fire Glass lends a brilliant pop of color to this gorgeous propane fire pit ensemble, in the photos below. The cool blue of the glass provides a wonderful contrast to the warm, earthy tones of the wood. What’s more, the gravel-like texture of the crushed glass is the perfect complement to the natural wood grain and the rustic look of the wine barrel.

Toss in some blue tableware and you’ve got a showstopper of a backyard dining set! Imagine topping this table with delicious food and gathering around it with your favorite people on a fall or summer evening. Picture the light from the golden flames dancing across your glass and silverware as the fire warms the air. Heaven!

Why Crushed Fire glass?

Crushed firepit glass is an easy and inexpensive way to add color and shimmer to a new or existing fire pit. It’s crushed instead of shattered, resulting in small pieces shaped like small rocks. The jagged edges create extra space in between the pieces. This space leads to higher flames that deliver unmatched beauty and drama to your fire feature.

Other high points of crushed fire glass:

- Rich, textured color: The gravel-like appearance of crushed fire glass adds a coarse, varied look to your fire pit or fireplace, and provides unstoppable shimmer when the flames are ablaze.
- It lasts and lasts: Made from high-quality glass, crushed fire glass is specially engineered to hold up under extreme heat. Unlike wood, the glass doesn’t burn down — nor will it crack, melt, or fade.
- No fumes: Worried about funny smells and potentially toxic smoke tainting the air your family breathes? You can breathe easy with crushed fire glass — it produces no chemical vapors or irritating smells.

Wine Barrel Fire Pit Table with Crushed Fire Glass in Cobalt Blue

Cobalt Blue Crushed Fire Glass in Wine Barrel Fire Pit

Wine Barrel Fire Pit with Cobalt Blue Crushed Fire Glass

About Ken Klein Design

Based in Healdsburg, California, Ken Klein had been a building contractor for 30 years. During that period, customers often commissioned him to design and build handcrafted furniture. Realizing how much he enjoyed custom furniture making — and how much his work delighted his customers — Ken chose to focus his career on his true passion.

The post Fire Glass is the Perfect Finish for this Stunning Wine Barrel Fire Pit by Ken Klein appeared first on Celestial Fire Glass Support.

Propane Air Mixers – Everything You Need to Know (And Then Some!)

admin — Fri, 28 May 2021 17:38:26 +0000

Propane air mixers are an important part of any fire feature that uses propane gas. If you’re building a DIY propane fire pit or fire table, you want to be sure to include the right-size mixer in your project. But if you’ve never even heard of an air mixer, where do you begin?

In this article, we’ll explain what an air mixer is, why it’s needed and how it functions. We’ll take a look at a cross-section of one to see how it works, provide sizing and installation information and share some technical tips from our own experience. This may be more info than you need to install a mixer and ensure top-notch performance of your fire feature. But, if you love to learn about the mechanics of things (like most of us here!), you’re in for an interesting read.

What is a propane air mixer?

In a nutshell, a propane air mixer is a mechanical component that adds air to propane gas just prior to combustion (burning). This results in a cleaner and hotter flame, which reduces the likelihood of a black soot deposit being left behind. Air mixers are a required component for all decorative fire features that use propane. This is especially important with propane fire pits and fire tables, since you definitely don’t want ugly black residue on your sparkling fire glass or around the edges of your burner pan.

Air mixers are not needed for natural gas, since natural gas burns clean without air being added to it (more on that later on).

ONE cubic foot of natural gas provides about 1,000 BTUs of heat; whereas, the same amount of propane provides about 2,500 BTUs of heat. This is why natural gas fire pits require more than twice the gas flow of propane.

Why is an air mixer needed with propane fire pits?

Unlike natural gas, propane has a high carbon content (C3H8 versus CH4). When propane gas is burned, not all of the carbon in the gas is burned off – and this unburned carbon stays behind in the form of black soot. Propane gas fire pits are prone to sooting because in order to achieve the desirable yellow-colored flame, the fire must get its oxygen from the ambient air around it. The air mixer adds just enough air to the gas to help it burn more completely without adding too much, which would result in blue flames.

The truth is that you can run your propane fire pit without an air mixer. But you’ll get a lot of soot around the burner and on your fire glass or lava rocks. And who wants that?

How does an air mixer work?

An air mixer works by creating a vacuum and drawing air into the propane gas. Those of us old enough to know what a carburetor is will likely be familiar with this mechanism. Basically, the air mixer has a narrow section inside a section of pipe that speeds the flow of gas. This increased speed creates a vacuum that then draws air in through a set of holes around the air mixer. This process is called the Venturi effect.

DID YOU KNOW that the Venturi effect is also used to measure the speed of a fluid in a pipe? By measuring the vacuum a Venturi creates the speed of the fluid can be calculated.

Anatomy of an air mixer

An air mixer is made up of three components:

The air mixer itself
A socket (FNPT x FNPT)
A nipple (MNPT x MNPT)

*Note: FNPT stands for Female NPT (National Pipe Thread), MNPT stands for Male NPT.

The main part of the air mixer is composed of a section of pipe with a narrow section in the center and a series of holes around the perimeter. This component accelerates the flow of the gas through the narrow section, drawing air in through the perimeter holes. The socket extends the length of the air mixer to ensure proper internal gas flow.

The air mixer should never be installed without the socket attached to it. The socket ensures there are no bends or “Ts” too close to the air mixer. The nipple offers compatibility with many types of burners, since it can be removed if not needed. To attach to a burner pan, you’ll usually need to remove the nipple; whereas, to attach to a burner ring, you’ll leave it attached.

Anatomy of an Air Mixer

What is the right way to install a propane air mixer?

It’s important that the air mixer be correctly installed to ensure it works properly – and safely. The first thing you want to check is the direction of the gas flow in the air mixer. The air mixer has a small arrow stamped into it showing the direction the gas should flow. Keep in mind that the air intake holes should face away from your burner.

When installing, you want to use yellow Teflon pipe tape on all tapered fittings. The yellow pipe tape is designed for use with gas fittings. The Teflon tape should only be applied to tapered fittings (NPT) and should never be applied to flared fittings. With tapered fittings, the threads of the fitting provide the seal against leaks. Since these fittings are tapered, the more you tighten it, the tighter the seal around the threads.

With flared fittings, the seal is not provided by the threads, but by a flared tip that fits into an inverted flare. The threads provide the pressure to keep the flared tip pressed tight against the inverted flare to ensure the seal.

SPIDERS can be a problem with air mixers. For some reason they like to make their home inside the air mixer in fire pits which go unused for a long period of time. If you’re having a problem, check that the inside of the air mixer is clear of webs and debris.

Most air mixers are 1/2” NPT (National Pipe Thread/Taper). Note that NPT sizes are based loosely off the inside diameter of the pipe. So, 1/2″ NPT threads actually measure slightly more than 3/4″ when measured at the threads.

The air mixer should be installed directly under your burner, keeping the following in mind:

If your burner has female threads, you can simply thread your air mixer directly into the burner. Be sure to use yellow pipe tape for these connections.
If you have a burner pan with male threads, you’ll need to first remove the nipple from the end of the air mixer (use a pair of pliers, since the threads are sharp).
Be sure to leave the socket (FNPT x FNPT) attached to the air mixer, otherwise the air mixer won’t work properly and can potentially leak gas out of the air intake holes. The other end of the air mixer attaches to the hose from your key valve or adjustable regulator.

Proper installation with the socket in place allows air to be drawn in

Improper installation without the socket causes back pressure resulting in gas leak

An easy way to test that it’s working

We call this the “one-handed eyeball test” (ok not really, but it sounds catchy). While your fire pit is on, keep an eye on the flame and carefully wrap your hand around the air intake holes on the air mixer. If you see the flame drop slightly when you block the air flow, your air mixer is working properly and drawing air in. Congrats!

What size air mixer do I need for my fire pit?

Air mixer sizes are measured in BTUs. The burner you’re installing in your fire pit should have a maximum BTU rating. In general, you want the air mixer to be the closest size to your burner. However, air mixers only come in three sizes: 90,000 BTU, 150,000 BTU and 300,000 BTU.

See the following chart to determine the appropriate size of air mixer to use with your burner.

Air Mixer Rating	Burner BTU Rating
90k BTU	45k BTU to 120k BTU
150k BTU	120k BTU to 250k BTU
300k BTU	250k BTU and above

Will a higher BTU-rated air mixer give me a hotter flame?

No, the BTU rating of the air mixer does not affect the heat output of your burner. Rather, the BTU rating of an air mixer is a measurement of the gas flow it’s designed for. It should be matched to the BTU rating of your burner. This ensures the narrow section of the air mixer is large enough to allow sufficient gas flow, while also being narrow enough to speed the gas and create a vacuum effect.

If the BTU rating is significantly higher than the burner BTU rating, a vacuum effect won’t be created – and you could potentially leak propane out through the air intake holes in the air mixer. While an air mixer will seldom match the exact BTU rating of your fire pit, you want to pick the size closest to it.

What happens if I add too much air to my propane gas?

Adding air to your propane affects the heat the flame puts out and the color of the flame. Think of a small propane torch used to solder water pipes. These torches have a very hot blue flame that’s achieved by adding a high amount of air to the gas. While you’ll never get your fire pit to burn flames like this, having too much air mixed with your propane will make the base of your flames turn blue. Having too much air mixed with the propane will not affect the operation of your fire feature otherwise – it’s strictly cosmetic.

Is an air mixer required for natural gas?

As mentioned previously, an air mixer is neither required nor recommended for a natural gas fire pit. Natural gas is a clean-burning gas with low carbon content, so it isn’t prone to sooting. However, if you run your fire pit in windy conditions, you can get some sooting from natural gas. That’s where a flame guard can come in handy.

I hope you enjoyed “geeking out” with us on the topic of propane air mixers! Building your own propane fire feature is fun, but it can also be intimidating at times. With articles like this one, we aim to help you get a basic understanding of fire pit mechanics and how everything works together. This will empower you to build a fire pit showpiece that not only looks beautiful, but also operates safely. Then you can have complete peace of mind when you’re relaxing by that warm, glowing fire with your favorite folks.

As a final note, we’d like to remind you that all gas connections should be made by a professional gas installer. Our best advice is to work with a certified NFI Gas Specialist (search for one in your area here: https://www.nficertified.org/public).

The post Propane Air Mixers – Everything You Need to Know (And Then Some!) appeared first on Celestial Fire Glass Support.

Fire Glass Turning Black? Here’s What to Do.

admin — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 19:34:00 +0000

Why is my fire glass turning black?

If your fire glass is turning black this is most likely soot being deposited on your fire glass due to the gas not burning completely. Typically this is seen with propane gas and is easily fixed. Once the problem is fixed, your fire glass can be easily cleaned to look like new.

Watching your beautiful fire pit glass darken and discolor can be a startling experience. But not to worry — your “burnt” fire glass is absolutely fine. The fact is that fire glass is non-combustible, and it hasn’t been treated with any chemicals or additives that can produce a residue on the glass.

What you’re looking at, actually, is a fine coating of black soot on the surface, which happens when the gas in your fire pit or fireplace isn’t burning properly. This is most common in fire installations that use liquid propane (LP) such as a propane fire pit.

Three Most Common Causes of Fire Glass Turning Black

1) Missing, Improperly Installed or Under Sized Air-Mixer (Propane Only)

Unlike natural gas that is clean and light, LP gas is a denser, heavier fuel that requires the addition of air to the gas. Otherwise, it won’t burn cleanly and will produce a black soot. This soot is visible as smoke rising from the flames that also leaves a black coating on your fire glass and fire pit. An LP gas air mixer will fix this problem by mixing additional air with the gas. This results in the most clean and efficient fuel source possible — and less sooting. Soot typically occurs when there is no LP air mixer present at all in a fire pit installation. Sooting can also occur when an air mixer is improperly installed or undersized for the burner.

To check if you have an air mixer installed, take a look at your fire pit’s piping. An air mixer will be found connected directly below the fire pit burner. Learn how propane air mixers work – including installation, testing and troubleshooting techniques.

Reducing the amount of air mixed with the gas changes the flame from blue to yellow. While this achieves the much DESIRED YELLOW FLAME, it also hinders the complete combustion of the gas resulting in a carbon soot residue.

2) Too Much Fire Glass Covering the Burner

The fire glass covering your burner should be just enough so the burner is not visible. If you have too much fire glass over your burner the gas is dispersed over a greater area resulting in incomplete combustion of the gas.

To fix this problem simply remove some of the fire glass until the burner is hidden just under the surface of the fire glass.

3) Wind Blowing the Flame

Even the slightest breeze can have a detrimental effect on the flame in your fire pit leading to sooting on your fire pit and on the edges of the burner pan. If you’re seeing soot around the perimeter of your burner pan then wind is the most likely cause. When the flame is moved around the burner pan by the wind it leaves some areas where the gas doesn’t burn or burns incompletely leaving a soot deposit behind. For a clean burn you want the flame to be consistently over the gas source.

WIND GUARDS not only keeps the flame nicely centered in the fire feature, they also reduce the likelihood of sooting.

To fix this problem we recommend adding a wind guard to your fire feature. A flame guard is a small tempered glass wall which sits around your burner pan and acts as a wind buffer. Not only will the flame guard help reduce the sooting on your fire glass, it’ll also improve the look and appeal of your fire table – especially if you go with a custom sized wind guard.

How to Clean Soot Off Your Fire Glass

The good news is that no matter how discolored your fireplace glass is, it’s fast, easy, and inexpensive to remove the soot. All you need is some water, regular household vinegar, a bucket and a strainer! In just a few minutes, your dirty glass will be restored to its original, glamorous luster and sparkle.

Get step-by-step instructions for cleaning your burnt fire glass.

Get Your Air Mixer Professionally Installed

Propane gas is highly volatile! As with any kind of installation that involves gas, you should have your new air mixer installed by a trained professional. When looking for a trained professional, it’s a good idea to choose one with an NFI (National Fireplace Institute) certification. An NFI-certified installer has received the proper training in gas hearth appliances and passed NFI’s rigorous exam, ensuring they meet high standards for safety and proper installation.

The post Fire Glass Turning Black? Here’s What to Do. appeared first on Celestial Fire Glass Support.

How Long Does a Propane Tank Last on a Fire Pit?

admin — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 17:46:22 +0000

How Long Does a Propane Tank Last on a Fire Pit?

The average gas fire pit will last from 3 to 6 hours on a 20 lb. propane tank. Depending on your fire pit BTU rating a tank can last you as long as 9 hours, or as little as 1-1/2 hours. A 20 pound propane tank contains approximately 430,000 BTU’s. To determine how long the tank will last with your fire pit divide 430,000 by the BTU rating of your fire pit. How long does a propane tank last for a fire pit is a question we’re asked often. Below we have a table where you can determine how long your gas fire pit will last on a 20 pound propane tank.

The times in the table below are an approximation, the actual time you get from your propane tank will be greatly affected by how high you set your flame. The BTU ratings below can be significantly reduced by keeping the flame low and enabling you to get more usage time from your tank. Wind will also affect how long your propane tank lasts. Windy days usually require a higher flame setting to keep it burning nicely.

H-Burner Drop-In Pans

18” x 6” Drop In Pan 70K BTU 6 hours

24” x 8” Drop In Pan 90K BTU 4.5 hours

30” x 10” Drop In Pan 125K BTU 3.5 hours

36” x 12” Drop In Pan 165K BTU 2.5 hours

Linear Burner Drop-In Pans

30” x 6” Drop In Pan 54K BTU 8 hours

36” x 6” Drop In Pan 65K BTU 6.5 hours

48” x 6” Drop In Pan 91K BTU 5 hours

Round Drop-In Pans

13” Round Drop In Pan 48K BTU 9 hours

19” Round Drop In Pan 92K BTU 4.5 hours

Round Burner Rings

6” Round Burner Ring 48K BTU 9 hours

12” Round Burner Ring 92 K BTU 4.5 hours

18” Round Burner Ring 147 K BTU 3 hours

24” Round Burner Ring 294 K BTU 1.5 hours

H-Burners

18” x 6” H-Burner 75K BTU 6 hours

24” x 8” H-Burner 125K BTU 3.5 hours

CSA Certified Burner Kits

10” Square CSA Burner Kit 37K BTU 11.5 hours

12” Round CSA Burner Kit 37K BTU 11.5 hours

18” Square CSA Burner Kit 55K BTU 7.75 hours

18” x 6” CSA Burner Kit 65K BTU 6.5 hours

19” Round CSA Burner Kit 55K BTU 7.75 hours

24” x 8” CSA Burner Kit 65K BTU 6.5 hours

30” x 6” CSA Burner Kit 55K BTU 7.75 hours

30” x 10” CSA Burner Kit 65K BTU 6.5 hours

36” x 6” CSA Burner Kit 65K BTU 6.5 hours

36” x 12” CSA Burner Kit 65K BTU 6.5 hours

48” x 6” CSA Burner Kit 145K BTU 3 hours

How do I get more time from a tank of propane?

The obvious answer is to turn the gas down lower. While this isn’t the answer you wanted we do have something to offer which will help you to burn less propane. By adding a glass wind guard you’ll be able to burn less propane and still have an enjoyable flame. This is because the wind guard (also called flame guard) will protect the flame from the wind which will enable more of the propane to burn. In windy conditions, without a flame guard, the flame is blown back and forth across the table. This constant blowing of the flame results in a significant amount of gas not being burned. By protecting your flame from the wind you’ll burn 100% of the propane resulting in more burn time from a tank of propane.

The post How Long Does a Propane Tank Last on a Fire Pit? appeared first on Celestial Fire Glass Support.

How to Clean Your Fire Glass in Just a Few Quick, Easy Steps

admin — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 13:53:42 +0000

One of the best things about fire glass is that unlike wood, it’s extremely low maintenance. What’s more, when you’re using a natural-gas source, your fire pit glass is among the cleanest burning alternatives available.

That said, even the highest-quality fire pit glass may require a bit of cleaning up now and then. This may be due to exposure to rain and snow, or incomplete burning of the liquid propane (LP) gas in your fireplace or pit that causes soot buildup. Additionally, plain old dust particles can accumulate on the glass over time, blunting their shine.

Never fear, however — removing surface grime and restoring your glass back to its original color and luster is a cinch! Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to clean fire glass right in your backyard or garage:

Supplies You’ll Need

A bucket
1 gallon water
1 gallon household vinegar
Plastic scoop for removing glass from your fire pit / fireplace
Large wire mesh strainer (the kind used in the kitchen to drain pasta)
Tarp or plastic trash bag

Supplies to clean your fire glass

Instructions

In the bucket, combine all of the water and vinegar (50/50 mixture).
Scoop the dirty fire glass from your pit and add it to the bucket (Hint: focus on the top layer and around the edges or near the burner).
Use the scoop to stir the glass around in the solution to clean your fire glass thoroughly.
Remove the glass from the water / vinegar solution and place in the strainer.
Give the glass a final rinse using clean water (a garden hose makes it easy).

Particularly if you’re using the tempered variety, it’s a good idea to dry your glass completely prior to using it again. This is because leftover moisture in cracked pieces can expand when heated and produce a popping noise that might be jarring.

To dry your glass, spread it out on a plastic bag or tarp. It’ll dry quickly in the sunshine, but can also be left overnight in a non-sunny area or even indoors.

A Couple of Important Pointers:

Do not reuse the metal strainer for cooking afterwards. This is because small shards of fire pit glass — not readily visible to the eye — could get caught in the mesh and pose a serious health hazard. It’s better to reserve the strainer for non-food uses and keep it somewhere safe, like a tool shed or garage.
If you’re using liquid propane (LP) versus natural gas, it can result in more discoloration to the glass pieces due to improper burning of the gas. This is easily fixable and is addressed in our article; “Fire Glass Turning Black? Here’s What to Do.“
Do not use any types of soap to clean your fire glass – only use vinegar. Dish soap, and other soaps, will leave a residue/film which if not completely rinsed off will cause your fire glass to discolor when heated.

Now that you know how to wash your fire glass, we’d like to remind you that once again, you’ve made an excellent choice in burning media. When used properly and cleaned regularly, your fireplace glass will retain its color and sparkling beauty for many years to come. Happy Burning!

The post How to Clean Your Fire Glass in Just a Few Quick, Easy Steps appeared first on Celestial Fire Glass Support.

What is Fire Glass?

admin — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 16:18:00 +0000

Fire glass is a special type of decorative glass that’s added to outdoor gas fire pits and fireplaces to enhance their beauty.

In a gas fire pit, fire glass conveniently keeps the burner out of sight; only the decorative glass remains visible. When the gas is ignited, it gives the appearance that the fire is dancing across the bed of glass. It’s truly mesmerizing!
In a gas fireplace, depending on its design, fire glass can be used as a bed under the artificial logs. Or, with the proper burner type, it can be used to hide the burner from view and give that same appearance of flames flickering across the glass.

1/2″ Tempered Fire Glass in Meridian Blue

What is fire glass used for? Primarily to lend radiant color and texture to even the most humdrum fire feature. Depending on the type of fire glass used, it can also provide a captivating dash of shimmer as the light of the flames reflects off the glass pieces. What’s more, high-quality fire glass makes a fire feature look good even when it’s notbeing used. It creates a stylish and inviting appearance no matter the time of day — or whether there’s a fire blazing or not.

The vivid color and reflective properties of fire glass make it stand apart from traditional media like wood, lava rocks, and ceramic fire balls. While these types of media typically come in earthy shades like brown, beige, and black, fire pit glass is available in a mind-blowing array of colors — from deep royal blue to ruby red to everything in between.

So, the next time someone asks you, “What is fire pit glass?” you’ll have the answer!

What Is Fire Glass Made of?

Fire glass is made, very simply, of colored glass. This coloring is achieved by adding metal oxides or metal powders to the glass in order to change its shade. For example, to make blue fire glass, cobalt oxide is added to the molten glass to give it a cobalt-blue tint.

Other than added metal oxides or powders, fire glass is completely inert. This means it does not contain any combustibles, finishes, or additives that will be negatively affected by the heat and flame in a fire pit. In fact, fire glass is specifically manufactured to withstand the searing-hot temperatures of a fire feature. It will not burn or discolor when used in fire pits and fireplaces.

Can’t Regular Glass Be Used in a Fire Feature?

Absolutely not! Placing regular glass in a fire is a recipe for disaster, since it will either blacken and melt, or crack and pop, sending out sharp shards. Conventional glass with special coatings on it may produce highly toxic and unpleasant fumes when burned. If you’re looking to jazz up your outdoor fire pit or fireplace with color and shine, it’s extremely important to go with a glass that’s designed specifically for that purpose.

Is Fire Glass Safe?

Yes, it is. Because fire glass is onlymade of glass, with no chemical additives or plastics, it doesn’t create any toxic fumes or smoke. This makes fire glass a sensible, clean-burning choice for use at home around your family, friends and pets. You don’t have to worry about polluting the air as you do when you’re burning wood and other combustibles. This is great news for your household — and for the environment, too.

Fire glass is so safe, in fact, that you don’t even need to use a screen as you do with a traditional fireplace. This is because fire glass is designed exclusively for use in fire. It won’t crackle and pop or spray red-hot cinders to where you’re sitting. Without a screen or doors in the way, you get a full and unobstructed view of the light show. (Of course, if you have very young children or nosy animals in your home, you may choose to use a screen anyway as an added measure of safety.)

Lastly, while the phrase “fire glass” may conjure up images of dangerously jagged pieces, put your worries to rest. Most fire glass is processed to eliminate sharp edges that can cause injury.

How Does Fire Glass Work?

It all boils down to science! Fire glass acts as a permeablefiller for gas fire pits and fireplaces. This means that when it’s placed over a gas burner, fire glass allows the gas to pass through it and fuel a flame on the surface of the glass.

With natural gas, the gas is lighter than air, so it easily rises to the surface of the glass. Propane gas is heavier than air, so it requires the gas to be dispersed close to, and in the direction of, the surface of the glass. With gas fueling them from below, flames will dance on the bed of fire glass and appear as if they’re rising directly from the glass. It makes for quite a beautiful display!

Popular Styles of Fire Glass

Although many people think of tempered glass when they hear the phrase “fire glass,” there are actually many different types of fire glass on the market today. This fire pit media comes in a dazzling array of shapes, sizes, colors and finishes — and product quality can vary greatly across brands. Let’s take a look at the most popular styles below.

Tempered fire glass is made from ultra-strong tempered glass. This fire glass type may have a reflective finish on one side, which adds a shimmery look to the pieces. Color is achieved in tempered fire glass using one of two methods. The glass itself may have color in it, or the fire glass may have a colored reflective backing.
Crushed fire glass is a gravel-like glass that comes in an array of colors and sizes. The random shapes and sizes coupled with the coloring of this fire glass make it a wonderful choice for adding vibrant color and texture to your fire feature. While crushed fire glass comes in several sizes, we recommend choosing the 1/2″ to 3/4″ size range.
Fire glass diamonds are another variation of fire glass that offers both luster and larger, rounded glass pieces. The random, rounded shapes (typically 1″ in overall diameter) have a slight diamond look, but with a smooth surface and gently rounded edges. Fire glass diamonds are made from colored glass that can be either clear or opaque. Adding an iridized finish on the surface of the glass, along with the smooth surface, gives the glass a wet look — and this combined appearance of fire and water is absolutely breathtaking! Fire glass diamonds may also be found under the name of Zircon fire glass (American Fireglass).
Fire beads are yet another type of fire glass. Often called “half-marbles” due to their flattened, rounded shape, fire beads offer much of the same rich color and luster as fire glass diamonds — but in smaller, rounded coin shapes. When used in crafting and home décor applications, fire beads go by the name of “glass gems.” They come in a wide range of colors, iridized finishes, and are typically 1/2″ to 3/4″ in diameter.
Fire glass 2.0 is an exciting new style of fire glass recently introduced by American Fireglass. This type of glass has a decidedly modern look, with a flat cube shape in a high-luster finish. Fire Glass 2.0 comes in various colors in a 1/2″ size.

Does Fire Glass Burn?

A question we hear often is “Does fire glass burn?”

While a properly configured gas fire pit with fire glass makes it look like the glass is burning — in fact, the fire glass does not burn at all. Fire pit glass is specially manufactured to take the extreme heat of the flames without melting, breaking, or disintegrating. The illusion of the glass burning is the ultimate goal of the fire feature’s designer. Therefore, it’s important that the glass be properly placed over the gas burner to achieve this look.

Sometimes people mistake black soot deposited on fire glass as burnt glass. However, since fire glass cannot physically burn, the black discoloration is simply soot from gas that’s not combusting completely. If this happens to you, it could be because your burner is not properly configured for your fire pit.

To troubleshoot fire glass turning back, check out this article here.

After you fix the underlying problem, check out this article to learn how to clean your glass to a lustrous, like-new condition.

How Long Does Fire Glass Last?

The short answer is, quite a while! Since fire glass is heat resistant and does not melt, burn, or change color, it’s technically possible for it to last 20 years or more (wow!).

That said, in most cases, you can expect your new fire glass to last anywhere from 4 to 8 years. Exposure to sunlight will diminish the vivid color in fire glass over time, so the amount of sunlight your glass gets will influence its lifespan. For example, a dark-colored fire glass in the Arizona sun throughout the year will have a much shorter lifespan than fire glass with minimal sun exposure in northern New York.

Once you get your fire glass installed in your fire feature, you’ll want to keep it looking good for as long as possible. Here are a couple of pointers to extend the longevity of your glass:

Keep your fire pit covered with a stainless steel cover. The downside to this is that you won’t be able to enjoy the beauty of your glass when it’s under cover (most people like to showcase their colorful fire feature day and night).
Turn over your fire glass once or twice a year to make it last longer. This involves moving glass untouched by the sun to the surface of the bed, where it adds fresh color.

Since it produces no soot or ashes, fire glass requires minimal upkeep. But like any decorative object, the glass can collect dust and dirt over time. Luckily, it’s fast, easy and inexpensive to give your fire glass a like-new cleaning right at home. Here’s how to do it.

How Much Fire Glass Is Needed for a Fire Feature?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The amount of fire glass you need depends on the type of fire feature you have (that is, fire pit or fireplace) and the size and style of it. If you buy too little glass, you won’t have enough coverage (or shimmer). But if you buy too much, you’ll have wasted your money.

Companies like Celestial Fire Glass, Starfire Direct, Blazing Glass and American Fireglass have calculators on their websites to help customers determine exactly how much glass is needed to fill their fire pit or fireplace. Try this fire glass calculator.

How to Use Fire Glass in Other Fun Ways

When considering the question “What is fire glass?” it’s important to note that fire glass is used as more than just filler for gas fire pits and fireplaces. The beautiful, reflective look of this glass inspires people to use it in other interesting ways!

Glass artists are having a wonderful time integrating fire glass into their glass art. Visit the Celestial Fire Glass Instagram page to see some amazing photos!
Fire pit glass is popular for use in home décor as a decorative accent and vase filler. It’s also used in aquariums and in mosaic countertops. When it comes to fire glass, the sky’s the limit. If you’re creative, you can probably come up with a dozen more captivating ways to use this sparkling colored media.
Crushed fire glass is often used in landscapes and water features due to its natural, gravel-like shape. It’s an imaginative way to add color to an outdoor space. Note: We do not recommend using tempered fire glass in landscapes, as there are some sharp edges to the glass pieces. This can pose a danger to people, particularly young children and pets.

What Colors of Fire Glass Are in Style?

Choosing a type and color of fire glass for your fire feature is as personal as choosing paint colors for your home. These are important decisions that require time and careful thought. It all depends on your personal tastes, your outdoor décor, and what kind of mood you want your fire feature to evoke. For example:

Warm colors like orange, red, and yellow tend to feel cozy and comfortable.
Cool colors like green, blue, and purple can spark feelings of calm and serenity.
Bold, bright colors like a rich meridian blue can give off a sense of passion and power.
Gold, clear, and silver shades create an air of luxury and elegance.

While some people prefer their fire feature to have one solid color, many choose to mix three or more shades to create a truly custom look. You can also have a bit of fun and create a fire glass color palette for each of the four seasons! Simply store your off-season fire glass in a sturdy container until it’s time to use again. For example, Celestial Fire Glass packages its fire glass in sturdy plastic jugs instead of plastic bags, which provides a convenient storage solution.

If you’ve arrived on this page wondering “What is fire glass?” we hope we’ve answered your question. Now that you know all about this lustrous fire pit media, you’re ready to transform your own fire feature from ordinary to extraordinary! We happy to assist you in your project, we can also assist you in determining how much fire glass you need.

The post What is Fire Glass? appeared first on Celestial Fire Glass Support.

Typical LP Burner Configuration

admin — Sat, 26 Aug 2017 21:22:11 +0000

Installation of a fire pit burner using liquid propane gas (LP gas) is different from a natural gas installation. LP gas requires a greater air/gas mixture than natural gas; therefore, you’ll need to be sure to install an air mixer to the intake side of the burner. The air mixer should be sized to the burner size (i.e. 90k BTU air mixer for 90k BTU burners).

LP-Burner Configuration

Caution: Installing gas appliances can be dangerous. Although Celestial Fire Glass provides information supporting DIY efforts, all gas connections should be made by a professional gas installer. We advise working with a certified NFI Gas Specialist. Start your search here: https://www.nficertified.org/public/

The post Typical LP Burner Configuration appeared first on Celestial Fire Glass Support.

Typical Natural Gas Burner Configuration

admin — Sat, 26 Aug 2017 21:22:09 +0000

Installing a fire pit burner using natural gas is project usually left for the professionals. While natural gas is ideal for fire pits, you may want to consult a professional to do the installation. For the DIY’ers, installation of the burner requires very few parts and can be accomplished quite easily. The image below shows the typical configuration and components of a natural gas installation of our fire pit burners.

Natural Gas Configuration for fire pit burner

The post Typical Natural Gas Burner Configuration appeared first on Celestial Fire Glass Support.

How to Install a Propane Fire Pit Burner Pan

admin — Sun, 14 Jul 2019 13:20:03 +0000

A gorgeous fire table just might be the perfect addition to your outdoor living space. A fire table creates a natural gathering space for friends and family, and nothing says “hospitality” better than a cozy fire. Building a fire table yourself could save you hundreds of dollars and will allow you to create a custom design that fits your space perfectly. But most importantly, you’ll be able to dazzle your guests with your exceptional DIY abilities. This article provides step by step instructions on how to install a drop-in fire pit burner pan and gas line. Follow these simple instructions and your fire table will not only be beautiful, it will be safe…and stay that way.

CAUTION! Installing gas appliances can be dangerous. Although Celestial Fire Glass provides information supporting DIY efforts, all gas connections should be made by a professional gas installer. We advise working with a certified NFI Gas Specialist. Start your search here: https://www.nficertified.org/public/

Step-by-Step Guide to Install a Fire Pit Drop-In Burner Pan

Measure and Cut the Opening for the Fire Pit Burner Pan
Measure the cutout area for the burner pan.

Measure the drop-in portion of the pan and add 1″ to the overall size. Metal expands when heated, the oversized hole will allow the pan to expand up to 1/2″ on all four sides. For example, a 24″ x 8″ burner pan requires a 25″ x 9″ hole. Be conservative when making your cut out – it’s better to make the hole slightly smaller than too large.
Remove Male Fitting from the Propane Air Mixer
Remove the double male nipple fitting at the top of the air-mixer valve. The propane air mixer is compatible with multiple types of burners, the double male fitting is not needed for this type of burner pan assembly. You can remove the fitting with your hands, but be sure to use a towel or wear gloves as the threads are sharp. If the fitting is too tight to remove with your hands, use a pair of pliers to grip it (don’t worry about damaging the threads, you’re going to discard this portion of the air mixer valve).

Propane Air Mixer Installation

Note: Propane requires air to be mixed with the gas for it to burn properly. The air mixer uses a venturi effect to draw air in and mix it with the propane gas. Without this added air in the gas mixture the propane won’t combust completely leaving soot on your fire glass.
Connect Air-Mixer to Burner Pan
Wrap the male threads on the bottom of the burner pan with Teflon pipe tape and screw the propane air mixer to the pan. Be sure the intake holes on the sides of the air mixer are facing away from the pan.

Attach propane air mixer valve to the bottom of the burner pan.

CAUTION! Installing gas appliances can be dangerous. All gas connections should be made by a professional licensed gas installer.
Connect the Gas Feed Hose to the Propane Air Mixer
Apply Teflon tape to the male threads on the bottom of the air-mixer valve and connect it to the gas feed hose according to the option below. The gas feed hose should be connected before placing the burner pan into the tabletop as it’s easier to access before installation.

There are two common types of feeds for propane:

High Pressure Adjustable Regulator (0-20 psi): Using a high pressure adjustable regulator is the easiest installation option and also the lowest cost. Just note that most high-pressure adjustable regulators have a 3/8” flared fitting; whereas, the air-mixer valve (and burner) have 1/2″ NPT fittings. This high pressure adjustable regulator includes a 1/2″ NPT adapter, so it’ll fit the fire pit without having to purchase any adaptors.

To make this connection connect the 3/8″ male flared by 1/2″ female NPT adapter to the male threads on the air mixer. Then connect the hose to the flared adapter. There’s no need for Teflon tape on the male threads of the flared adapter as the flared fitting on the gas hose has a rubber washer inside which makes the seal.

LP Burner Connection Kit w/ Chrome Key Valve & Regulator: Using an LP burner connection kit with a chrome key valve is a good option for a more finished look. However, installing the key valve is slightly more work as you need to drill a hole in your fire pit to install the key valve through. This option also costs more than the high pressure adjustable regulator.

Connect hose to burner pan.

To make this connection thread the gas line to the air-mixing valve. The connection should be tightened snug with a wrench (be sure not to over tighten it – it only requires a snug fit).
Install the Fire Pit Drop-in Burner Pan and Make Gas Connection
Now that the fittings and hoses are attached you’re ready to set your fire pit burner pan in place. To do this you simply set the pan in the opening on the top of your fire pit table. There is no need to fasten the pan in place, the weight of the pan and filler you put in it will hold it in place. Do not apply adhesive, caulk or silicone of any kind to hold the pan in place.

Placement of the propane tank.

CAUTION! Installing gas appliances can be dangerous. All gas connections should be made by a professional licensed gas installer.
Inspect the Gas Line and Fittings
This step is only required for the Key Valve installation option. The connections to be tested are the ones between the propane tank and the input to the key valve. Keep clear of sparks or flames. Fill a spray bottle with water and dish detergent. Turn on the gas and spray down the entire length of the gas line and all the connections with the soapy water. Bubbles will form wherever there is a leak. If you find a leak in the gas line, replace it. If you find a leaky connection, tighten it and retest. Do not leave the gas turned on for an extended period with the burner unlit. The entire test should take less than thirty seconds. Turn the gas off immediately after the test is complete and allow the gas to dissipate for a few minutes before lighting the burner.

CAUTION! Propane is heavier than air and will accumulate in unvented enclosures causing a combustion hazard. A minimum of 20 square inches of ventilation is required at the lowest point(s) of an enclosed fire feature to ensure proper drainage of unburned propane gas. NEVER test for gas leaks with a flame.
Add Fire Glass and Enjoy!
Add fire glass to your burner pan.

Fill the burner pan with fire glass so that there’s approximately 1″ of fire glass covering the burner. There should be just enough fire glass over the burner so it’s not visible.

With the proper tools and quality components, installing a drop-in fire pit burner pan is an easy project. Now all that’s left to do is to invite some friends over; fire up your table and enjoy the beautiful evening. You’ll also enjoy all the compliments you’ll receive on a job well done!

CAUTION! Installing gas appliances can be dangerous. Although Celestial Fire Glass provides information supporting DIY efforts, all gas connections should be made by a professional gas installer. We advise working with a certified NFI Gas Specialist. Start your search here: https://www.nficertified.org/public/

Disclosure: Celestial Fire Glass is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

The post How to Install a Propane Fire Pit Burner Pan appeared first on Celestial Fire Glass Support.

Check Out These Extraordinary Fire Tables That Look Like Real Wood (But Aren’t!)

admin — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 23:10:55 +0000

Every so often at Celestial Fire Glass, we see someone using our fire glass and other products in a most fascinating way. A case in point is Rustic Elegance, a small Idaho company that fabricates gorgeous propane and natural-gas fire tables with a charming wooden appearance.

Here’s the thing: although these fire tables look exactly like real wood, they’re actually made of cement! We didn’t believe our eyes, and neither will you. Check it out:

Rustic Elegance Wine Barrel Fire Pit Table

See what we mean? Everything in the pictures is made from cement except for the wine barrel, which is wood (the top is cement). Here’s a neat side note about the wine barrels they use for some of their tables: the barrels are real, sourced from local wineries. Rustic Elegance installs locking wheels on the bottom of all their fire tables so they’re super-easy to move around.

If you’re wondering how the folks at Rustic Elegance can recreate the wood look with so much authenticity, here’s the answer: they use hand-picked vintage barn wood as inspiration for each piece of furniture they create. Plus, their fire tables can be finished in a variety of color tones to match your tastes and patio décor.

We’re honored that Rustic Elegance is outfitting their exquisite custom tables with Celestial Fire Glass flame/wind guards. Note how the clear class barriers lend a dash of contemporary style to the rich, rustic “wood” for a truly unique appearance.

If you’re not familiar with flame guards, these are sturdy glass barriers that fit on top of your fire pit’s burner pan. They block breezes, which can interfere with the steady-burning fire you want to have. Flame guards also help you save on fuel costs by allowing you to maintain lower flame heights on blustery days. Our flame guards are constructed of strong, heavy-duty tempered glass with polished edges and aluminum hardware—so they stay looking sleek and stylish for years. They’re really a beautiful and functional addition to your outdoor fire feature.

Rustic Elegance Cement Fire Pit Table

Why Cement vs. Real Wood?

Handcrafted using a proprietary process, Rustic Elegance fire tables offer the warmth and texture of natural wood—but with far more durability. Their cement tables:

Will not absorb moisture—so no need to fret about water damage.
Won’t stain, so a tipped-over glass of Merlot isn’t a cause to panic.
Don’t need resealing, unlike wood tables, whose varnish can wear down over time and expose the wood beneath. (Note: the wine barrels in some of their fire tables may need to be resealed every couple of years in order to retain their beauty).
Don’t dry out and crack or splinter like natural wood tables.

Rustic Elegance Cement Fire Pit Table

Furniture made of genuine wood is lovely, but it wears quickly when subjected to the outdoor elements. The heavy-duty nature of these cement fire tables allows you to enjoy the beauty of wood-look furniture without the constant upkeep. All in all, Rustic Elegance fire tables require very little maintenance other than cleaning with a moistened cloth. If you’ve got a family and a busy life, this is music to your ears!

It’s also interesting to note that these cement fire tables are not as heavy as you’d think. In fact, they weigh no more than tables made of real wooden slabs.

Perhaps we’re a little biased, but we think Rustic Elegance fire tables, Celestial Fire Glass and Celestial Fire Flame Guards are the perfect trifecta!

About Rustic Elegance

Based in Boise, Idaho, Rustic Elegance specializes in making one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted custom tables, stools and fire tables. Although this furniture has the look of real wood, it’s constructed of cement that’s artfully finished for an authentic appearance. The Rustic Elegance team has a storefront at the Capital City Public Market every Saturday, April through November. They also ship their furniture from coast to coast. Learn more at rusticelegance.info.

Amazing Rustic Elegance Cement Fire Pit Table with wind guard

Rustic Elegance Cement Fire Pit Coffee Table

Rustic Elegance Concrete Fire Pit Coffee Table

The post Check Out These Extraordinary Fire Tables That Look Like Real Wood (But Aren’t!) appeared first on Celestial Fire Glass Support.