you'll have to get a mason to build a decent real barbecue smoker ..and even some masons can't build one .. but fire pit is fun stuff ... what is the exact terrain , and size that you have in mind ? yes you can dry lay all of it ..the stone seating around it is what makes it ... footing for them are ez .. your area of the country has a known frost line all building foundations must stand on these .. 18 - 24 inches ? ..dig the holes pour in the sackret .. water and stir ... self leveling ..lol .. call me if question .. i can talk better than i can type ... Jim .. 704-996-5737