I wrote:

This seems appropriate for either a patio or driveway:

Gravel-Lok Natural Stone Porous Driveway

Seems to use some sort of bonding agent flowed over compacted
aggregate material of your choice to create a solidified block
or layer that is completely permeable

Found this on the web:

===============
CELL-TEK GEOSYNTHETICS, LLC

Technical Data: Gravel-Lok Hydrophobic Polyurethane System

Description: Gravel-Lok is a moderate viscosity, single component,
moisture curing liquid designed to stabilize aggregates for foot traffic
and light vehicular traffic. It is ADA compliant for wheelchair access.

Application: Pour or pump onto stones to be stabilized. Do not spray
(atomize). Allow 24 hours to cure. If rain is expected, the area should
be covered with a plastic tarp. Application is not suggested if the
temperature falls below 50°F or rises above 90°F. Coverage rates will
vary with soil conditions. Typical coverage is 15 – 20 square feet per
gallon.
================

Basically what we have here is a rigid hydrophobic polyurethane liquid
that cures when exposed to air (ie - water vapor). There are many
polyurethanes that do this (PL-Premium construction adhesive is one
example).

I would imaging that the average high-performance home handiman could
obtain a similar material from a construction supply shop that may not
be marketed exactly for the same purpose, such as this:

==============
DURAL MUD LOCK
Hydrophobic Polyurethane Soil Stabilizer
http://www.euclidchemical.com/produc...& tselect=288
==============

Or for the limey's around he

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http://www.elichem.co.uk/p-14-aggreg...ing-resin.aspx

EL151SB/NC Aggregate Bonding Resin is a clear polyurethane resin
specifically formulated for use as an aggregate- bonding material for
driveways and paths. The resin is mixed with aggregate particles and
spread into place where it sets to a durable, flexible surface.
===========

What could be easier?

Buy a load of small stone. Have it delivered to your home (most places
that sell decorative or landscaping products will do this). Maybe a few
different types or colors. Several cubic yards of material. Small
stone, pea-gravel, etc.

Prepare the area where you want to form your hard-surface pad. Set some
dividers into it (straight, curved, etc) if you want to form patterns in
the finished surface. Spread the stone over the area, compact and
smooth it so it's flat.

Buy one (or more) 5-gallon pails of polyurethane resin, spread over the
stone using a large watering can (or devise your own pouring system) and
wait a day or two and it's ready to use.

I really don't think there's any need to go to elaborate lengths to
prepare the sub-surface if you're not going to be driving any vehicles
over this area.