Gap or butt-fit paving slabs?

[Gary67]

I'm laying 10msq of 450mmx450mm paving slabs for a patio that will be used as a dining area. So there won't be any vehicles going over it. The sub-surface will be 75mm of MOT1 compacted with a vibrating plate, and I intend to use a full bed mortar.

I was looking to see if there was a consensus among you lads that are doing this kind of thing day-in day-out, as to the best/easiest method when it comes to laying the slabs. Should I Butt-fit or leave a gap, and how may mm should the gap be?

As a plumber, I've done my fair share of tiling, but nothing quite as industrial!

Thanks for your help in advance.
Gary

 

[r896neo]

Don;t butt them as there is a chance of spalling each other if there was any movement. A 2mm gap for kiln dried sand up to a max of 4mm then if you want a mortar joint instead it needs to be at least 8mm.

 

[Gary67]

Don;t butt them as there is a chance of spalling each other if there was any movement. A 2mm gap for kiln dried sand up to a max of 4mm then if you want a mortar joint instead it needs to be at least 8mm.

Thanks for your help.
Gary