Answers

Mark Miles, Pavers have become extremely popular over the years. Please make sure the pavers are on a wet set concrete so you have the longevity you desire. A dry set can cause cracking with settlement. Ken (Red Carpet Remodeling)

This should be a simple project.  It depends if you are hiring a contractor or DIY.  You can use pavers or poured concrete.  Either way, one of the key steps is prep.  Make sure you use the correct materials for drainage, rock, sand and do the proper levelling and tamping.  There are many excellent ideas at Unilok (pavers) or you can even do a poured concrete patio (with colors added) and stamp it with a pattern.  Check out your local BBB for a concrete contractor, or if it is DIY do some investigating on YouTube.