There are two ways to install flooring in areas of different heights. The cheapest and easiest method is to install transition pieces or thresholds between the areas of different heights. These transitions are available in different matching shapes and heights for most laminates. Common use is to join carpeted, tiled or other floors, to new flooring height.
The second method is to install new sub=flooring of a correct thickness over lower floors to make all the floors match in height. This is a bit more expensive and will add a day or so to your labor costs, and possibility require some extra trim work. Having all the floors at the same level will make for a nicer looking install, especially between larger rooms with wider passages.
My workplace installed a vinyl click-down laminate last year in the entry way and a large meeting space. This is a mixed engineering and manufacturing company in the Pacific Northwest, so the flooring has taken a severe beating from boots and heavy equipment being dragged across it, as well as getting soaked from rain being tracked inside. It's held up very well.
In non-wet areas, especially those you may want to look more upscale, you should consider engineered hardwoods. They cost the same amount as good laminate, and you get a real surface rather than printed paper. I recently installed bamboo engineered flooring in my home office for $2.39/sq ft, and I can't recommend it highly enough.
Personally I'd recommend a bamboo appearance if you are worried about scratching. Bamboo's appearance hides scratches very well.
In terms of comparing products, go to a store (either home improvement or dedicated flooring) and try and get a hand on whatever flooring you are looking at. Good quality engineered hardwoods should have a plywood-type bottom layer, and if they include a particleboard midlayer, make sure it's a tempered/high-density variety (dark grey-brown). Good laminates should be relatively heavy, and if you want it to stand up to water, should have a vinyl backing rather than fiberboard.
Best Answer
Use a flooring saw like this type Skill Flooring Saw. Much much safer and easier to use than a table saw. Look at the video in the link.
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