I am looking to install flooring in a backyard. Some ideas are above - one is a brick base, one is a slate type substance and one appears to be tile. I know porcelain tile with mortar requires a concrete slab to go on top of, but what options do I have if I do not want to install a concrete slab yet want the ground to remain fairly rigid and solid enough to have chairs, tables, etc? Not going to be a deck in addition - this will be the main sitting area. 

I have already demolished the concrete which was poorly installed and caused the tiles on top of them to move around, pop out, and generally be dangerous. 

There will be no firepit, only a sitting area!

Also noticed houses remain a bit cooler in the summer without huge slab of concrete outside. 

@John Collins A great option would be pavers(brick) patio. The base would be type 57 gravel, then screed the 57 base with type 9 gravel and lay the pavers on top and sweep it in with sand. No concrete is required just be sure to put solid edging in.

Originally posted by @Diallo Jones :

@John Collins A great option would be pavers(brick) patio. The base would be type 57 gravel, then screed the 57 base with type 9 gravel and lay the pavers on top and sweep it in with sand. No concrete is required just be sure to put solid edging in.

Yes, I have seen youtube videos of this and the process it entails. Would like to be able to do it without heavy machinery to compact soil before laying gravel. 

@John Collins it’s possible to do it without heavy machinery. I would suggest using a tamper to compact the soil.