Looking for cheap alternative to patio stones for 14x14' patio area ?

Paint, paint, paint. You can use paint to create a stone look or you can even paint a rug. Or both!! You can also make it look like tile. I've done all of the above with remarkable results. Try it, it's only paint and if you don't like it, paint over it.

My parents had cement poured for a huge patio and put stones in so that they showed. It was attractive, cheaper than tiles and was all but no care, just hose off. They added a flower garden that matched the curves of about two thirds of it and went out about ten or twelve feet at the widest point. This may not be a bad idea for you, and you could make it any shape and size you want.

awesome suggestions!!

for this summer season, since we are broke, we decided to put a layer of sand down, and compact it with a tamper.. then plant some creeping thyme as ground cover (HOPING it will thrive and spread, but plants and I dont always do well :).. if the ground cover does spread, hopefully next year I wont feel the need to put patio stones down :)

I'm not sure I understand your question. They do sell removable light weight interlocking tiles that make up a deck for an RV. You may try that!

There are lots of suggestions in hometalk for making your own concrete tiles. If that still busts the budget, and you've already tamped down the sand, an indoor/outdoor carpet remanent might give you a seating area that chair/table legs don't sink into.