Hello all. I’m wondering if anyone can give me some advice on how to diy a patio space under my deck. I have a walk out basement but due to the size of the deck above grass will not grow and when it rains it turns into a muddy pit. So as far as option I am trying to limit the cost to a minimum by diying a solution that I can tackle on my own. The approximate are is about 19x16. The obvious solution would be to have a slab poured but that will be a significant expense in that size and is beyond diy for one person. This brings me to concrete pavers but at about 100 lbs a piece for 2x2 pavers I doubt that would be something I could do with my fuzzy stones in their original locations.

So I find porcelain tiles at about 40 lbs per 2x2 and relatively inexpensive. I get unclear about is underlayment. A friend of mine installed a traditional paver patio using paver panels instead of traditional gravel and paver base. I was thinking I could dig 6/8 inches of soil out. A couple inches of compacted gravel. Then paver base panels. Then porcelain tiles and finish with polymeric sand. My main questions are 1. Is this a good idea? 2. What do I do to contain the gravel at the edges? 3. Do I have the composition of the substrate correct?

The main advantage I have is that I can potentially take my time. I was even thinking to take a week off work. I enjoy working outside and find hard work somewhat therapeutic. Thank you in advance for any guidance and words of encouragement. The internet is truly a amazing place that people can get professional guidance even starting with a novice understanding.