wife wants a new patio

[Acer]

Moving in a couple years....I'd lean toward cosmetic (those plastic tiles or billb's carpet) rather than lifelong (concrete.) This assumes that the plastic tile product will look good to you and be reasonably durable. Make it look good to you for the short term and the next buyer. That 2-4 year window sounds a little short to get your money back out for concrete or professionally-laid pavers. Patio work is one of the lower ROIs for resale.