Base building material question

I wanted to make a ground base that i will need to protect actively to make it a challenge but i couldn't understand which blocks are best to build your base out of.

I thought getting some blocks that will require Refined Pickaxe to be mined would be stronger and better to build but the best option looks like Refactory Bricks for early game and later it seems like nether bricks are good because they require Masterwork. Refactory Bricks are tedious to make and i can't find any other good options other than porcelain ones and both looks ugly. I wanted to make something both looks good and functions good.

What options do i have? Is there any planned changed regarding to blocks to make a base out of?