Right now, this is what we have: a wooden "patio" which is about 4x6' and is coming out ASAP. This thing is set directly on the ground and we are having an issue with water coming in under our back door and into the house. Part of this will be solved when we unclog the french drain that exists (we just moved in on Thursday into this house). Another part will hopefully be solved when we dig another french drain against the foundation and maybe even put in a dry well. Apparantly, the builders who built this house cut through a spring in the hill 8 feet from our house and when it rains, water is abundant. Our "backyard" (on our house level-- we have 2 higher terraces) is a mini-swamp. We're actually about 10 feet above the street so diverting the flow to the front is the obvious solution to the water issue.

My question is, when we go to replace our patio (we do want something there), will the normal methods be ok? digging down and setting up a base of sand or whatever, then putting pavers or stone on top? We are 6b, but the average low here is 9*F and we rarely stay frozen for more than 2 days in a row or even during the day. There isn't much frost-heave since we don't freeze that hard. Of course I am considering the fact this area will be wetter than the normal ground.

There is also no top soil in our backyard-- it's all sub soil. There is that horrid creeping grass on top of the sub soil, so that means that this area must not flood all the time or else it would not survive.

I would also like to use something "breathable" so water can evaporate from either through or between the pavers. I am thiking through the pavers is not a possibility because that would mean the material would break down in the free/thaw process. I was thinking about putting sand or small gravel (like pea gravel) inbetween the pavers. Any other ideas? Thanks!