What is this

Hi all So, I (finally!) got spousal approval to build a firepit in my backyard. I know that the max size of the pit allowed by my town is 36" (I am not sure if they mean inside diameter, or outside diameter--will be confirming this). My plan is to: [LIST] [*]Dig a 37" diameter circle, down about 6" below grade, ensure level [*]Dig additional 6" wide by 12" deep circle in center and put some gravel in for drainage (we have clay soil) [*]Put 2.5" of stonedust (crushed stone?) down 1" at a time, and tamp it down. Confirm everything is level [*]Stack 12 of these stones in a tight circle ([url]https://thd.co/2WPFnYC[/url]). This gives me approx 24" instide diameter, a little over 36" outside. This is first course, and will be below grade. [*]Repeat on three more courses, using a masonry adhesive to ensure it wont fall on our (young) kids if they jump on it [*]add 2" of gravel (NOT RIVER ROCK) to bottom [*]if my math is right, this should give me an approx 36" wide (outside) by 12" above grade fireptit (inside dimensions should be 24" wide by 12" deep (to top of gravel, 14" total to stonedust base) [*]I have a question on fire ring/liner (please see 'questions', below) [/LIST] I know I need an insert, and one of my options would involve me increasing the size of the pit slightly (see "heavy gauge" liner option below) [B]My questions for this project are[/B]: [LIST=1] [*]Is it necessary to introduce air gaps on the courses above grade? ie: only use 11 blocks in the course/stagger the seams of course)? [*]I know I need a fire ring. I have heard that the galvanized/cheapest option from Tractor Supply type place may not be 100% safe to burn in... So, I am looking at 'fire rings' and 'fire pit liners'... I am torn between a heavy gauge options (this one: [URL="https://amzn.to/2IqteWl"]Heavy Gauge Option[/URL]) or a cheaper option, which would also have air holes, so the fire would get more draft (this one: [URL="https://amzn.to/2WQt9nt"]Cheaper Option[/URL]) [/LIST] I guess I am wondering how must air I need to introduce in this. If I buy that heavier gauge liner, it seems like there wouldnt be much air intake from below in the pit-- would I end up wanting to drill holes in it? That said, maybe--however wasteful-- the less expensive option is 'better'? Its less money, AND it has air intake without any further modification needed. What say the experts? Thank you in advance for any and all advice :)

I'm trying to create a more level walkway from the front of our house around the side. Currently it's heavily sloped/eroded and the blocks the previous owner used are mostly above ground at this point. During a project in the back yard I pulled out 30-40 large natural stones that are between 25-50lbs each, and was thinking of using them to make a short retaining wall to level this area a bit. Because of some shallow/exposed roots of 4 spruce trees that will be on the downhill side of where I want to build the wall, I don't think I can do much digging to add base rock. I'd like to make the wall 2 rows tall to still allow some sloping away from the house but crate a more level walkway. Backfill with 3/4" clean rock. Install either a flagstone or paver walkway. Then either soil, mulch and some small shade plants like Coleus between the walkway and retaining wall, or top it with river rock unplanted. Would a short wall like this require a rock base under it, or could I use landscape fabric (geotextile) to help distribute the weight and prevent collapse? I'll also be removing shrubs in front of the porch and re-routing the downspout/rock swale to make a raised planter bed that wraps around the front porch and covers the ugly exposed concrete parts. So the new walkway & retaining wall will need to be somewhere between the red borders I drew in photo 1. Photo 1 is the area in question with the red bordering what I'd like to be leveled. The stakes are where I pictured the walkway being. (My 2yr old was helping me that day and has trouble navigating the previous owners trainwreck edging) Photo 2 is just a few of the stones I have removed from other areas of the property and would like to use for the new wall Thoughts, advice, critiques of my idea are welcome. Just need some help before breaking ground, and my back!