cheap way of making a good-looking patio

[leafyman]

Hi,
I've just had a quote for a 29sq ft half-moon brick-surfaced patio. I haven't got my breathe back yet!
A couple of times I remember parking on an earthen-filled plastic-mesh, grid-type, base. It had been planted with grass and seemed a very stable surface.
I now wonder if this system could be made to construct a reasonable-looking,
reasonably-priced rear patio, capable of taking the wear and tear of chairs and a table and feet.

Any ideas? Hope I've described the idea well enough to make sense....

 

[JP_]

Plum slate over a good weed barrier membrane. Diy gravel is the cheapest!

 

[leafyman]

Thank you jonbay. I rather like the thought of plum coloured slate. Never seen it but will seek it out this weekend