Cost to Install Under-Cabinet Lighting
Installing under-cabinet lighting means choosing LED strips and a compatible transformer or power supply, mounting the strips beneath the cabinets, and connecting them to power. The planning matters: cabinet lengths, the lighting purpose, total wattage, and a concealed wire route all affect how cleanly the finished system fits and operates.
Common reasons homeowners do this job
- Adding focused task lighting beneath cabinets.
- Adding ambient lighting to the kitchen.
- Replacing worn or damaged under-cabinet lights.
- Upgrading existing lighting with LED strips.
DIY or call a pro?
Hardwired lighting involves high-voltage electrical work. Turn off power at the main electrical panel before any wiring, and make sure every electrical connection is enclosed in a junction box. A professional is worth considering if installing the transformer, connecting a switch, or handling the hardwired connections feels unfamiliar. If unsure about any step, get help.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I install under-cabinet lighting myself, or should I hire someone?
- A plug-in LED strip setup can be a manageable DIY project when the layout, mounting hardware, connectors, and power supply are planned first. Hardwiring adds high-voltage work, including installing a transformer and connecting to a switch, so professional help is worth considering if those tasks are uncomfortable.
- What makes under-cabinet lighting installation more expensive?
- The price scales with the number of linear feet being lit, labor time, and the LED strips, transformer or driver, wiring, connectors, mounting hardware, switch, and electrical workbox needed. Small jobs may also be affected by a minimum or trip charge.
- What should I decide before buying LED strips and a transformer?
- First decide whether the lighting is for task light or ambient light, then measure each cabinet length. Add up the lighting wattage before selecting a compatible transformer or power supply, and choose between a plug-in system and a hardwired setup.
- How do I keep under-cabinet lighting wires from looking messy?
- Plan the wire route before mounting anything and lay out the lights and wires to confirm placement. Cutting the LED strips to the required lengths and checking the layout before securing the brackets helps create a cleaner, more hidden finish.
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