[thebadger]

Mfiore,

I dug down past my frost line (~30 inches in my area) and I poured a 6+" footer with rebar. Once that dried, I dry stacked 4 courses of cinder block (below ground) and 4 courses above ground. I then poured every core (overkill) with concrete and every other one with rebar.

Yes, you can do this using all concrete and just extend your walls up. I opted myroute as I could work at my own pace, didn't have to rent concrete truck and I could do all the work my self. I thought it would be "easier" than trying to build forms...

The advice you're getting sounds right. I have heard some new techniques were you dig down (not as far) and you insulate the area below... Not to familiar with it.

I would definitely get advice from others but I'm glad you're thinking about digging deep as I think "historically" that's the way to go...

I'm hoping to pour my hearth on my base this coming weekend.

Keep us posted.

Dick