If you're having guests over this July 4th, or for any other summer parties for that matter, the backyard firepit is a fantastic and easily constructed focal point for any outdoor gathering. Consider it a smarter, more aesthetically pleasing alternative to shooting off cheap fireworks.

There are numerous variations on the traditional backyard firepit, of course, including store-bought, transportable metal types. For any purists out there, though, stone blocks are the way to go. Start your project by determining an ideal location for your firepit, and making sure that open fires aren't in violation of any legal codes in your neighborhood. Stone building blocks (or technically, cast-concrete look-a-likes) can be purchased at your local home improvement store. These blocks should be naturally stackable and have curved sides for the formation of a proper circle. The total number of stones should be sufficient to create a circle that is between 3 and 4 feet in diameter, with a wall height of about a foot and a half.

You'll need to dig about a one foot as an outline for the firepit wall's foundation. Half the trench can be filled with any type of gravel for stability, and the other half with feature the bottom portion of your stone wall. This means that the finished wall should only be about one foot above the ground.

Use a quality masonry adhesive to glue the stone blocks together once you've done a test run of their alignment. Your interior gravel can be added to the firepit as you build up the wall, for added stability. A curved steel liner should also be purchased for the interior of the firepit. This will protect the concrete from the ill effects of the fire's heat. Top the surrounding wall off with some classy looking capstones, and you've got yourself a perfect July 4th firepit with just one afternoon of hard work. Just remember, give your pit a couple days to settle and solidify before lighting your first fire.

Happy Independence Day!