Best stone to use for a temporary patio?

[bobkate]

We have run out of budget to get a pro in to do our patio... it'll need raising a fair bit and retaining walls, etc.
So we have built a mini patio out of some old pavers but the rest is just compacted type 1. We think we'll just use gravel/chipping/shingle as a temporary surface to cover the rest.
I know that pea shingle would be a bad idea as too small but has anyone got a similar set up and could suggest what size stone to use that would be the easiest underfoot and would look vaguely presentable for a medium term fix?

We have a permanent terrace made with york stone set in gravel - higher density of stone on the way to the door, and where the table and chairs are, higher density of gravel in between so we can grow low growing plants like creeping thyme in it. Gravel is good, being sharp edged so no danger of slipping when you walk on it. Buy from a builders merchant in a big bag unless you only want a tiny amount, or can't arrange for a day of wheelbarrowing the heap round the back on the day of delivery.

When you come to do the patio, I recommend this site: www.pavingexpert.com
It'll help you to know what you're looking for and whether your contractor is any good.

Gosh, huge apologies for not replying earlier I wrote the post so late in the evening I think I had forgotten I had written it by the morning!
We have just heaved 2 bulk bags of a dove grey stone into our garden and I think it looks fab If I do say so myself
Can't wait to add some pots and planters to bring some life to it. Turf is next on the list.

Read the title of the thread. Assumed it was a Trevor Jordache Reference.

Count

Looks good!

Thank you mynameisjane This is what it looked like before, although much worse

@bobkate I think we might have to resort to doing the same as we’re way over budget on our extension and I feel sad each time I see our neglected garden.

We just stupidly forgot to remember our poor garden....
I have to say, I really like how it looks and if we have to live with it for a few years I'll be more than happy.
We have made some steps out from the back doors from breeze blocks, that I have painted black. I may well stencil the stepping stones on the left of the picture as they are just boring beigeish pavers but tbh I am not sure I can really be bothered. I am so tired from lugging tonnes of hard-core, then gravel, etc!
The stone is a lovely pale grey and is more comfy underfoot than I thought it would be. It's 20mm and the guy said that would level out and squash down quite evenly over time.
Wish I knew how to design the rest of it. It'll be turfer for now, hopefully in a week or too, but would like it to be more interesting in the long run!

Oh, and I have now straightened the slightly wonky paver on the right! And I meant stencil the ones on the right of the pic, not the left