Seating Area ........ which surface?

[Levanna]

I really have no idea! What would you choose? It's a '30's red brick semi, so something in keeping (where on earth does that term originate from!?) with the house .

Are you referring to the flooring or the seat of the benches. If it's the flooring, do it in something that is relatively even so that your table and chairs dont' wobble. I find that timber decking goes very nicely with just about everything (including a 30's red brick semi) and is economical and easy to put in. Try a hardwood like ipe.