Grease Pit

I made mine about 6 feet deep, you could adjust this depending on how tall you are. Sometimes I still need something to stand on but you don't want to have to duck all the time either.

What I did for the structure on it was to dig the hole and pour in a concrete floor then I laid up cinderblock walls. So the physical size of mine was determined by block layout. I think it is about 3' by 14' inside. Then I grouted the blocks full to give them strength and then backfilled the hole and poured the floor of the shop. I cant remember for sure how, but we tied the shop floor into the top row of blocks. You could use rebar or just leave the grout down a few inches and the floor cememt would run in and naturally tie the two together.

One more thing that we did was when we poured the shop floor we had to build cement forms on the inside of the pit so the cement didn't run into it. So on the outside of the form at the very top we attached some 2x2's. What this did was create a notch at the top of the pit wall in the shop floor. Then I cut some plywood sheets to lay in the notch when the pit is not in use. Keeps out the excess dirt and people don't fall in.

Sorry for the long post but if I was you I would go for it.

enough said..... ....

Many hazardous fumes (gasoline vapor, propane) are heavier than air, and will settle to the bottom of the pit making it not the safest place to spend "quality time, especially considering the potential difficulty getting out.

Many states have "AG exemption" clauses from building codes. A lot depends on whether this is considered a place for maintaining farm machinery or whether it is a part of the "garage" appurtenant to your home. If you will have any employees or other paid workers in the pit, there are probably regulations that apply regardless.

For some ideas on how to build them, stroll past the nearest "Jiffy Lube" or similar emporium.