Fire Pit Foundation/Stone Questions

So I have decided for my first landscape job as a new home owner, I am going to take a crack at making a fire pit.



I have been scouring the internet the last few weeks for steps/advice and I have some questions I would like answers on. It seems these things have contradictory advise from different sources.



1. I would like to build with the stone/mortar look rather than dry stacking, should I go with a cement foundation or gravel?



2. How deep do I need gravel in the center for drainage?



3. I would like to line the inside with fire brick, are those just the packs of 6 or whatever I can grab from the hardware store in the fireplace area? Or is there a better kind of firebrick to get?



4. Is there any ventilation needed in the foundation/wall? I would like to avoid any potential explosions if possible.



If anyone has any other tips from their own jobs, that would always be appreciated. I am a planner, and I wont act until I have thought of every scenario.



Thanks!!

Fire Pit Foundation/Stone Questions