I've got about an 8 x15 area right now that was decomposed granite that had some raised planters in it. Getting rid of the raised planters and going to extend another 6 or 7 feet so it's going to end up being up 15 x 15. The decomposed granite does not look that great anymore and it's got grass and weeds. I'm not sure exactly how it was laid down as it was there when we bought the house.

What I'm wanting is just an outdoor sitting area with a fire pit. nothing fancy, just a free standing propane fire pit table, and a couple outdoor chairs for my wife and I and some plants. The question I've got is the surface. Is decomposed granite packed down a good surface or is there something else y'all would suggest? Fake turf? Another kind of rock? I don't want to put in concrete.

Anyone got a ball park of how much a landscaping co might charge to clear that area and lay down the surface?

Looking to do something similar, except new yard, just grass and in College Station. Any Recommendations?

https://www.homewyse.com/services/cost_to_install_wood_decking.html
https://www.homewyse.com/services/cost_to_install_paving_bricks_in_sand.html

My 2-cents warning you I love wood (even Trek, I guess)
As for me, would prefer a wood/trek deck that breathes in this Aggieland-HOU humid weather and
floats above this montmorillonite expansive clay soil that UNlevels pavers & even conc.flatwork into trip-you surfaces.

the Homewyse tool has never been spot-on for me but is useful, as in this case

Since the fire-pit is manufactured and thus free of CODEs, no need for a burn-proof floor/hearth below, your options are pretty unlimited. Must admit that "affordable" first thoughts took me to rainbow rock, limestone gravel, which tempts onto less affordable options ala exotic gravel/stone & then flagstone set in gravel. Am not a fan of these for an up-down walking-sitting area when fire is safely contained.

TMI

If you go fake grass, one option is a not full install. I have a similar area that used to be a garden and I wanted to make it a clean play area for little kids. Amazon sells custom sized fake grass "rugs" that are thinner than normal fake turf and have a finished edge. They drain like fake grass and need to be installed in a packed drainage bed (like you already have). They are about 1/4 of the price of the "whole yard" turf.