Andy, Start with the idea of a modular layout, depending on how you do build it can be a layout that you can walk on. My home layout was built with the idea of it being modular just in case we move in the future Being modular it does not need to look modular. If we should happen to move in the future I will have to do some surgery but the layout will survive
I have added a link to a video that shows progression and before and after.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaPD8G6f3HU
Ray