Jeff is a pro... I'm an amateur ... and where has Trekkor been
. I've only used 1/4" Hardie backer on both floors and walls .... 1/2" seem overkill .25 makes tile level with 3/4" hardwood floors.... thicker on walls makes no sense to me. Unless you're doing all the cuts at once.... just buy a $200 wet saw, take your time, then stash it away or sell it imo... renting would cost me more.... I am slow
. I use Mapei thinset... never any issues. Use regular grout.... don't even think about epoxy crap in tubes.... btdt (royal PITA)... never again. Just my experiences.... good luck!