How to Achieve a High-End Look with Laminate Flooring in the Toronto Area

August 21, 2025

For homeowners in the Toronto area, a high-end look is often the goal, but a high-end budget is not always a reality. Fortunately, modern laminate flooring has evolved to offer a solution that perfectly bridges this gap. Today’s laminate is a far cry from the synthetic-looking products of the past. With remarkable advances in printing and embossing technology, laminate flooring can now replicate the stunning visuals and intricate textures of expensive materials like exotic hardwoods, stone, and tile. The secret to achieving a high-end look with laminate flooring in the Toronto area lies in knowing what to look for and how to use it. At Markville Carpet & Flooring, we specialize in helping our customers find the perfect balance of style, durability, and affordability.

Luxury laminate flooring in a large kitchen with an island, leading to the living room by Markville in Markham, ON & Toronto, Ontario.

Key Features of High-End Laminate

Not all laminate flooring is created equal. The quality of the floor’s aesthetic and its ability to convincingly mimic a high-end material comes down to a few key features.

1. Authentic Texture and Surface Finish

  • Embossed in Register (EIR): This is the most crucial feature to look for. EIR technology aligns the surface texture with the visual grain of the wood or stone pattern. This means you can feel the realistic texture of the wood grain or the subtle roughness of stone, making the floor look and feel incredibly authentic. A floor without EIR will have a flat, smooth surface that gives away its artificial nature.
  • Matte vs. Glossy Finish: A matte finish tends to look more natural and sophisticated, mimicking the look of real, oil-finished hardwood. While a glossy finish can be beautiful, it can sometimes make the floor look less authentic.

2. Wider and Longer Planks

  • A Modern Trend: The trend in high-end flooring is toward wider and longer planks. A standard hardwood plank is about 3 inches wide, while high-end options are often 5 inches or wider. Laminate flooring is now available in these wider, more luxurious plank sizes, which creates a more expansive and less busy look.
  • Spaciousness: The larger the planks, the fewer the seams, which creates a cleaner, more seamless surface that makes a room feel bigger and more contemporary.

3. Beveled Edges

  • Subtle Detail, Big Impact: Look for laminate planks with micro-beveled edges. This small detail creates a distinct separation between each board, mimicking the look of traditional hardwood or luxury vinyl planks. This subtle feature adds a layer of depth and realism that elevates the overall look of the floor.

Design Tips for a High-End Look

Once you’ve selected a quality laminate, it’s time to think about installation and design.

1. Go Big and Bold

  • Choose a High-Impact Style: Don’t be afraid to choose a bold, high-impact style. A wide plank laminate that mimics a dark, exotic hardwood or a light, distressed oak can serve as a stunning focal point for your room.
  • Create a Cohesive Look: Carry the same flooring throughout an open-concept space. The seamless look will tie the areas together and make the entire space feel larger and more luxurious.

2. Consider Your Subfloor

  • The Foundation: A perfectly level subfloor is the foundation of a high-end installation. An uneven subfloor can lead to an uneven-looking floor and could cause the planks to separate over time. Our “Five Star” guaranteed installations ensure your subfloor is properly prepared for a flawless finish.

3. Think About the Details

  • Matching Trim: Pay attention to the details. Use high-quality transitions, stair nosings, and quarter-round that are designed to match your laminate flooring perfectly. This attention to detail is what separates a good-looking floor from a truly high-end one.
  • Underlayment: A premium underlayment can improve the feel of your laminate flooring, making it feel more solid underfoot and reducing the hollow sound that can be associated with some laminate installations.

At Markville Carpet & Flooring, we are a full-service flooring company that understands the Toronto market. Our experts can help you select from our wide range of high-quality laminate flooring, and our professional installation team will ensure that the final result is nothing short of a five-star finish.

Established in 1980, Markville Carpet & Flooring Centre has proudly served the entire GTA and City of Toronto for over 38 years. Our commitment is to provide “Five Star” guaranteed installations on all our high-quality broadloom and hard-surface products. As a full-service carpet and flooring company, we specialize in the supply and installation of residential and commercial carpet, hardwood flooring, luxury vinyl plank, laminate flooring, and residential and commercial sheet vinyl, among other options. We can help you find a laminate floor that perfectly suits your style and budget! Our reputation for excellence is built on over four decades of service. Your complete satisfaction is our mission and our experts are excited to help you find your new luxury floors. For a truly professional experience, we invite you to contact us or visit our showroom locations in Markham, ON, and Toronto, Ontario.

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