Do it yourself: how to build a back yard in ground barbecue fire pit

Do it yourself: how to build a back yard in ground barbecue fire pit

Building your own in ground barbeque pit is not difficult. Before you begin though, you should first check with your local officials to find if you are allowed to have one in your yard. Many municipalities do not allow home fire pits. If allowed, there may be regulations on what type of materials can be used and size requirements.
Before you begin to dig your pit, your next decision will be what type of liner you want to use. The type of liner will help decide the 'look' of your pit. Rough stones will give a rustic look, while firebrick (required in many areas) gives a more contemporary feel.
Once that decision has been made, you need to choose your location. Make sure that the spot you choose is well away from your house, any outbuildings and away from trees. You should also check with your local telephone and power companies to discover if there are buried lines where you plan to dig.

The items you will need to construct your pit are simple to gather. You will need:

A shovel,

A tape measure,

A bag of gravel or river rock,

Mortar mix,

A cement trowel,

Large, thick rocks or firebrick for the liner,

A level.

- If you wish to grill over your pit, a grill rack can be purchased at your local hardware store or you can find an inexpensive one at a garage sale or flea market.
- Decide if you wish to dig a round, rectangular or square pit. A round pit should be at least fifty inches in diameter, while a square pit should be minimally four by four feet. You need to dig your pit at least two feet below ground level.
- Line the bottom of your pit with at least a two-inch bed of gravel or river rock. Mix your mortar. Begin lining the sides of your pit, either rock or firebrick, making sure to butter the exposed sides freely with mortar using your trowel. To 'butter' simply means to spread on a thick layer of mortar. Work from the ground up, doing one layer at a time until you reach ground level. As you complete each layer, wipe excess mortar away using the side edge of your trowel.
- At ground level, you are almost done. First, finish off your pit itself by backfilling any spaces between the rock or brick and the walls of the hole with dirt and leftover gravel. Now you have two choices: laying a ring of rock around the outside perimeter or continuing to build above ground level. The choice is entirely up to you, although having a wall above ground will help to prevent accidents. Ground level pits can be dangerous. Children and adults alike can fall into a pit if not aware of their presence. Higher sides can also help contain any sparks or embers, reducing your chance of an unwanted fire.

Allow the mortar to dry, at least overnight, but preferably a few days before first use. Then you are ready to use your pit for whatever you desire, from roasting marshmallows to a full blown pig roast, your fire pit is ready for the challenge.

Secrets you can use to look 10 years younger!

Secrets you can use to look 10 years younger!

Learn some of the top secrets for looking young and at your best byreading this informative article today!
Do you want to look younger? Who doesn't? The need to look younger is part of America's culture!
Most every man and woman has the desire to look and feel at least ten years younger than their biological age. Many people choose to use surgery to make the change. However, there are several secrets that you can use to enhance your looks, and shave off at least a decade of time.

Secret 1
You've heard about the importance of drinking water every day. Well, it's not only good for your health, but it's a beauty secret for men and women alike! Water helps to flush harmful toxins and wastes out of your body. It also moisturizes your skin and provides your body with the proper hydration it needs.
Drink six to eight glasses of water each and every day!

Secret 2
Sure, a tanned body looks young and healthy. But, a tanned body is also a sign that a person is a sun worshiper. Too much time in the sun not only darkens our skin, but it's harmful ultraviolet rays also dries it out. This causes premature wrinkling that will make you look even older!
If you're worried about your skin looking pale like Casper the Ghost, try using a store bought tanning accelerator. It allows you to get tanned with less time in the sun.

Secret 3
If you want to look at least ten tears younger, keep your teeth cleaned, in good shape, and whitened. Gray or yellow teeth age your face as much as wrinkles do.
Teeth that are only lightly discolored, can probably be whitened up several shades at home. Simply wet your toothbrush, then dip it in a mixture of table salt and baking soda. Then, brush your teeth as normal. The salt and baking soda will remove several shades of tobacco, coffee, and other food and drink stains. It will also freshen your breath and gums.
Teeth that are badly stained or need to be repaired to be restored to good shape need a dentist's professional services.

Secret 4
Drinking coffee and smoking usually go hand in hand. If you have one habit, then you might have the other as well. Tobacco and coffee not only stain your teeth, but they can also have adverse effects on your youthful appearance as well. Tobacco smoke, of course, is full of toxins that pollute your body.
Smoking creates wrinkles, especially around your mouth, and it also depletes your body of vitamins and minerals it needs to function properly. Coffee is said to also contribute to weight gain.
Stained teeth, wrinkles, a polluted body, and weight gain are all factors that can make you look older than you actually are! So, Secret 4 is to kick both habits! There are several ways to quit smoking, such as patches, hypnosis, therapy, cold turkey methods, et cetera. And, to quit the coffee habit, replace it with natural teas such as green, chamomile, peppermint, or pekoe teas. Green tea is especially healthful because it's an antioxidant. An antioxidant will help to rid your body of toxins.
Finally, you can look younger by dressing in the newest fashions. Keep your hair cut in a modern style, and keep abreast of the world around you. Looking younger is not only physical, but it's a mental process too!