Different situations call for different solutions. This homeowner already had pea gravel bordered with Belgian Blocks under the deck to prevent erosion, so it made sense to make a patio using the same materials. We placed landscaping fabric under the gravel to keep the weeds out and it makes the area virtually maintenance free.

Flagstone set on concrete is quite attractive and virtually maintenance free. Either way, a patio will give your yard more usable space, less grass to mow, and therefore require less fossil fuel combustion for maintenance.