Mulch sitting areas are unstable because the mulch breaks down over time. You will get much better results from a gravel sitting area. The honeycomb material you reference is probably not necessary if your other prep for the gravel is correct for the product and your climate. Bordering the area with brick to maintain the gravel in its space is an option as is steel edging or small granite cobbles. Good luck.

I am so sorry and embarrassed that I asked this question then never got back to it to thank you, K&D Landscape! I appreciate your professional input. I hope to get it done this year. I will use gravel or possibly pavers and have it done professionally. It will encircle a honey locust tree and edged with rose beds.

Well now that you've thanked someone I have the opposite opinion. So what if mulch breaks down? You add more mulch. And it does not break down all that fast anyway.

Gravel sucks. It's unsafe to walk on, it collects dirt, leaves, sticks, and other detritus, and it's a lot hotter than mulch is to sit over. If you don't want mulch, go for pavers - but skip the gravel.