Enjoy a warm evening, the sun setting, a few friends gathered in your backyard, and the soft crackle of fire from your outdoor fire bowl or fire table. You’re sipping a drink, maybe roasting marshmallows, and everything is just perfect... until the wind picks up and blows ash into your face. The mood is ruined, your drink’s now flavored with soot, and you think, “Why didn’t I invest in some accessories?”

Yes, my friend, the key to making your outdoor fire setup truly magical lies in the accessories. They’re not just there to look good (though, they do); they’re there to make your life easier, your fire safer, and your s’mores time drama-free.

Wind Guards: Keeping Your Flames Under Control

You wouldn’t go outside without a jacket in the cold, right? Well, your fire needs a little protection too. Windguards are like the fire’s jacket—keeping the flames steady even when the wind has other ideas. Made of sturdy tempered glass, a windguard surrounds your fire bowl or fire table, making sure those flickering flames stay exactly where they belong. Think of it as putting your fire in a stylish safety bubble. And the bonus? You can actually roast marshmallows without playing dodge-the-flame.

Fire Glass: Because Lava Rocks Need a Break

Let’s be honest: fireglass is the cool, sophisticated cousin of lava rock. It’s like putting on a tuxedo for your fire pit. Available in a variety of colors and sizes, fireglass doesn’t just look fancy—it’s practical too. It helps disperse the heat evenly, requires no maintenance, and won’t crack or pop like traditional wood. Plus, it adds a touch of sparkle. Who wouldn’t want their fire pit to look like it’s hosting a flame party on top of a sea of diamonds?

Why Fire Pit Spark Screens Are a Must-Have for Safety and Compliance

Let’s not forget one of the most important accessories for your outdoor fire pit—fire pit screens. These handy additions are not just a nice-to-have; in some counties, they’re a legal must-have. That’s right, certain areas won’t even let you light up your fire pit without a fire pit spark screen in place. Why? Because they stop those pesky flying embers from escaping and turning your cozy fire night into an unplanned bonfire party for your whole yard.

A fire pit screen acts like a protective net, allowing you to enjoy the warmth and ambiance while keeping rogue sparks under control. Not only does it help you avoid any accidental fires, but it also adds an extra layer of safety, especially if you’ve got kids or pets running around. So, if you want to stay on the right side of local regulations—and avoid sparking any unexpected drama—get yourself a spark screen. Your fire pit will thank you.

When it comes to fire pit screens, there’s more variety than you might think. You can choose a style that fits both your fire pit and your personal preferences. Here are some popular types of fire pit screens available:

Round Lift-Off Dome Fire Pit Screens: These are the classic option for round fire pits. Just lift off the dome to add more wood or tend to the fire, and pop it back on for spark protection.
Round Hinged Fire Pit Screens (Twin Access): Want easier access? These screens open up like a door, with twin access panels that let you add logs or poke the fire without having to remove the entire screen.
Single Access Fire Pit Screens: These offer a single hinged door, providing convenient access to your fire with a simple lift while keeping sparks contained when closed.
Pivot Access Fire Pit Screens: For even smoother operation, pivot screens swing open like a gate, letting you add wood or stoke the fire with minimal effort.
Square and Rectangular Fire Pit Screens: If your fire pit is square or rectangular, don’t worry—there are screens designed specifically to fit these shapes, keeping sparks under control while matching your fire pit's design.

With so many options, you can easily find the perfect fire pit screen to fit your fire pit and keep your backyard fire fun, safe, and legal!

Fire Pit Covers: Protect Your Investment

Would you leave your TV out in the rain? Of course not! So why leave your beautiful fire bowl or fire table exposed to the elements? Enter the fire pit cover—your fire feature’s best friend when it comes to keeping out rain, dirt, and critters. A cover is a simple investment that protects your fire pit from the wild outdoors when you’re not using it. Think of it as giving your fire pit a cozy blanket during off hours.

Fire Pit Grates: Elevate Your Fire Game (Literally)

Next up, fire pit grates. No, they’re not just for barbecue grills. In your fire pit, a grate holds your wood or logs off the ground, allowing better airflow and giving your fire the oxygen it needs to burn hot and bright. Without a grate, your fire might sputter and smoke, but with one, it’ll burn like it’s starring in its own action movie.

Cannon Balls and Fire Balls: For When You Want Your Fire to Be Art

Cannon Blass For Fire Tables And Fire Pits

Tired of the same old logs? Spice things up with cannon balls or fire balls. These aren’t the toys from your childhood; they’re sleek, ceramic spheres designed to make your fire pit look more like an art installation. They come in different sizes and colors, giving your fire feature a modern, sculptural twist. Plus, they’re durable and safe to use in gas fireplaces or fire pits. If you want to add some serious style points to your outdoor space, fire balls are the way to go.

Log Sets: The Classic Touch

If fire balls aren’t your style, maybe you’re more of a traditionalist. Log sets are for those who love the look of real logs but prefer the convenience of gas. These realistic ceramic logs won’t burn down to ash and are designed to withstand high temperatures, giving you all the visual appeal of a wood-burning fire without the mess. Classic never goes out of style, right?

Lava Rock: The Original Outdoor Fire Accessory

Let’s not forget the OG of fire pit fillers—lava rock. It’s porous, it’s heat resistant, and it’s the sturdy base your fire pit needs. Lava rocks are perfect for dispersing heat and are incredibly durable. Plus, they’ve got that rustic, natural vibe that fits any outdoor setting. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows or just relaxing by the fire, lava rock is always a solid choice (pun intended).

Fire Pit Media 101: How Much Do You Need?

First off, let’s talk about fire pit media. If you’re wondering, “Do I even need this stuff?” the answer is a resounding yes. Not only does media create an aesthetic focal point, but it also protects your burner and improves heat distribution. Plus, it makes your fire pit look less like a big metal bowl and more like a fabulous centerpiece that everyone will flock to.

Now, before you start ordering bags of fire glass or buckets of lava rock, let’s figure out how much you’ll actually need. Nobody wants to run out of media halfway through setting up, and on the flip side, nobody wants so much extra that they could start their own fire pit media store.

How Much Media To Use On A Fire Pit Burner

Step 1: Measure the Area

To get started, measure the diameter if you have a round fire pit or the length and width if you’re working with a rectangular or square pit. Also, measure the depth of the area where the media will sit. Typically, a depth of 2 to 3 inches is perfect to cover the burner and create a polished look.

For example:

For round fire pits, you’ll want to multiply the radius (half the diameter) by itself, then by 3.14 (π) to get the area. Multiply that by the depth, and voilà—you’ve got the cubic footage of media needed.
For rectangular fire pits, it’s simpler: multiply the length by width, then by the depth.

Step 2: Fire Glass, Lava Rocks, or Fire Stones?

Now, let’s talk options. Fire glass gives you a modern, sleek look. Lava rocks are more rustic and rugged. And fire stones? They’re like the sophisticated cousin that shows up to every outdoor party looking perfectly put together. The media you choose affects how much you’ll need. Let me break it down for you:

Fire Glass: It’s tiny, it’s shiny, and it’s a crowd favorite for a reason. You’ll need more of it because it’s small and covers a lot of ground. On average, 1 cubic foot of fire glass will cover about 12-15 square inches at a depth of 2 inches.
Lava Rocks: If you’re going for a rustic vibe, lava rocks are your go-to. They’re larger than fire glass, so you won’t need quite as much. 1 cubic foot of lava rocks will cover about 18-24 square inches.
Fire Stones or Fire Balls: These are the heavy hitters of the fire pit media world. Because they’re larger, they take up more space, so you’ll need less. 1 cubic foot covers roughly 8-10 square inches.

Step 3: Do the Math (Don’t Worry, It’s Easy!)

Let’s say you’ve got a square fire pit that’s 30 inches long and 30 inches wide, and you want to cover it with fire glass to a depth of 2 inches. First, multiply 30 by 30 to get the square inches (900 square inches). Then, multiply that by 2 inches (the depth) to get 1,800 cubic inches.

Now, convert cubic inches to cubic feet (1 cubic foot = 1,728 cubic inches). So, divide 1,800 by 1,728, which gives you about 1.04 cubic feet of fire glass. Always round up slightly, just in case you want a little extra sparkle!

Step 4: Always Order a Little Extra

When ordering your fire media, it’s always a good idea to get a bit more than you calculated. Why? Because you might need to make some adjustments, add extra for depth, or just want to keep a little on hand for future touch-ups. Plus, having a little extra ensures your fire pit always looks its best.

Why Should You Buy These Accessories?

Because let’s face it—your outdoor fire setup deserves more than just a hole in the ground with some sticks in it. These accessories don’t just enhance the look of your fire feature; they also make it safer, more efficient, and easier to maintain. Whether you’re keeping the flames under control with a windguard, adding a touch of bling with fireglass, or protecting your investment with a fire pit cover, these accessories are essential for the ultimate backyard experience.

Plus, with options like fire balls, cannon balls, and log sets, you can tailor the look of your fire pit or fire table to match your personal style. So why settle for a plain setup when you can create a fire feature that’s not only functional but also a conversation starter?

So go ahead, get those accessories, sit back, and let your fire do its thing—without the wind, the rain, or the boredom. Your backyard deserves it.

Essential Fire Pit Accessories: Enhance Safety & Style