Bark chips and sawdust mixes with the pea gravel and over time is just a mess. Go with the sand patch pavers.
Hate to remind you all, but two problems are not mentioned:
1. Termites and other wood borers like carpenter ants and bark beetles. Every climate has them. Right next to your wood house. Maybe leaning against it.
2. Fire. It’s better to walk some yards to have a protected fire space next to your house. Just ask your fire marshal what he thinks.