I need to dig out the old concrete pavers to fix the slope of my backyard patio and add a French drain system to prevent water from accumulating toward the house. I don’t want to reuse the old pavers, which were always messy and hard to keep clean. I’m looking for ideas for a new floor. It’s an expansive area, so material cost is a factor. I cannot decide between a classic cream color travertine, that I read will stay much cooler than the existing bricks but it requires more maintenance; porcelain tiles, that would give me the slick modern look I like, but remain hotter in the sun and are generally more expensive; large rectangular concrete tiles with gravel around, although I worry I will have to keep kicking gravel back in place. And then….I like large format tiles for a slick look with minimal grout lines, but they are more expensive, so, in alternative, is it better to go with square, rectangular or mixing different sizes? Any suggestion?