Installing under cabinet lighting can make a dramatic difference in your kitchen or workspace. Proper under cabinet lighting illuminates countertops and work areas, making tasks easier and safer. This practical lighting also creates a modern, stylish look for your space. Installing under cabinet lights is a relatively easy DIY project that can be completed in just a few hours. With minimal electrical work involved, it’s a job even novice DIYers can tackle. This guide will walk you through the entire process of How to Install Under Cabinet Lighting step-by-step.
Choose the Right Under Cabinet Lighting
The first step is selecting the right type of under cabinet lighting for your needs. Here are some popular options:
LED Strip Lights
LED strip lights are likely the most common choice for under cabinet lighting today. LED strips come in rolls with an adhesive backing for easy installation. They offer a sleek, modern look and bright, energy-efficient illumination. LED strips can be trimmed to fit any cabinet length. They’re thin, flexible, and come in a variety of color temperatures.
Pros:
- Sleek and modern style
- Easy to install adhesive backing
- Flexible – can bend to fit any space
- Energy efficient
- Dimmable
- Long-lasting (50,000+ hour lifespan)
Cons:
- Can be slightly more expensive upfront
- Adhesive backing can fail over time
Puck Lights
Puck lights, also known as under cabinet disc lights, feature a circular lighting element in a self-contained housing. They shine light in a concentrated beam. Puck lights mount to cabinets with screws or adhesive. They work well spaced evenly apart under cabinets.
Pros:
- Concentrated bright beam of light
- Simple installation
- Small, discreet size
- Can be pointed to direct light
Cons:
- Provides less even illumination than LED strips
- More prone to creating shadows
- More units needed to light up space
Xenon Under Cabinet Lights
Xenon under cabinet lighting uses xenon gas bulbs to create a bright white light. Xenon lights are comparable to halogen lights. They typically come as slim, discreet fixtures that mount with adhesive strips.
Pros:
- Very bright white light
- Sleek low-profile design
- Last longer than halogens
Cons:
- Bulbs burn out and need replacing
- Generate a lot of heat
- Less energy efficient than LED
Once you decide on the type of lighting, choose the quantity needed for your cabinet run. Experts recommend 50-100 lumens (brightness) per linear foot for adequate task lighting.
Gather the Needed Materials
With your lights selected, it’s time to gather the rest of the materials you’ll need for installation:
- Under cabinet lights
- LED power supply (may be included with LED strip lights)
- Electrical wire – 14/2 or 12/2 gauge
- Wire strippers
- Wire nuts for connecting wires
- Drill & drill bits
- Screwdriver
- Measuring tape & pencil
- Drywall saw for cutting outlet holes
- Electrical tape
- Safety glasses & work gloves
For LED strip lights, you’ll also need:
- LED mounting clips (if not using adhesive backing)
- Aluminum channels or edge trim (optional, for clean finish)
For puck lights, you’ll also need:
- Puck light mounts or brackets
- Screws for attaching mounts
Make sure you have all the necessary materials before getting started. This will make the installation process go quicker and smoother.
Turn Off Power & Plan Circuitry
Before wiring anything up, you first need to turn off power to the area at the main circuit breaker. Safety should always be your top concern when working with electrical.
Next, plan out your wiring circuit. How you run the wiring will depend on the cabinet layout. Often, the easiest option is starting at one end of the cabinet run and wiring lights together in sequence to the other end.
Determine where you’ll connect the power feed, how the lights will link together, and where you’ll cap off the end of the circuit. Having a plan ahead of time will streamline the installation.
Install Mounting Hardware
With power off, it’s safe to start the actual installation. First, mount any required hardware to support the under cabinet lights.
For LED strip lights:
- Clean the underside of cabinets where lights will be mounted. Remove any dust, grease or oils so the adhesive sticks tightly.
- Apply adhesive backing tape to the LED strip. Remove paper backing to expose adhesive.
- Press the LED strip against the bottom of the cabinet. Apply firm, even pressure to ensure a strong bond.
- If not using adhesive, mount sturdy clips spaced evenly along strip length. Clips screw or stick with adhesive tabs.
For puck lights:
- Mark desired placement of each puck light with a pencil. Space evenly for consistent light coverage.
- Attach mounts or brackets at each marked location using provided screws. Follow manufacturer instructions.
- Twist puck lights into mounts to secure them. Adjust angle if mounts allow tilting.
The key is mounting lights securely enough to support their weight. Under cabinet lights are prone to falling if not well attached.
Wire the Lights Together
With all the lights mounted in place, you can now wire them together.
- Have an assistant hold lights in place if needed while wiring.
- Start at the beginning of the run. Connect the incoming hot wire from the power source to the input wire(s) of the first light. Repeat linking lights end-to-end down the cabinet run.
- Use provided connector ports on LED strips. Puck lights may have quick-connect wiring ports.
- Make sure all wire splice connections are secure using wire nuts. Heat shrink tubing helps reinforce connections too.
- Don’t overload the wiring capacity. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on maximum run lengths and power loads.
- LED strip lights often have cut points allowing you to trim strips to fit cabinets exactly. Cut strips then reconnect low voltage wires inside.
Take it slow and be diligent to avoid loose connections or short circuits. Polarity matters for some lights, so follow wiring diagrams closely.
Connect the Power Supply
LED lights require connecting a power supply that converts higher voltage household current to low voltage DC.
- LED strip lights have small class 2 power supplies, often with plug-in transformers. Mount the power supply at a conveniently accessible location.
- Connect the low voltage wire outputs from the power supply to the wires at the beginning of the LED strip lights circuit you just installed.
- Different power connections may be required based on light manufacturer. Some use terminal block ports, others simple wire splicing.
- Ensure power supply is not overloaded. Determine total wattage of LED strip lights and size power supply accordingly.
- Take care to prevent shorting of low voltage wires to cabinets or other materials.
The power supply is the critical component that feeds power to the entire lighting circuit. Position it at an accessible, protected location in case issues arise.
Install Switches & Outlets
You’ll need a way to control the under cabinet lights. Here are some options that can be installed:
In-line switch:
- Simple on/off switch on the low voltage wire between power supply and lights
- Mounted under cabinet or on wall for convenience
Dimmer switch:
- Like in-line switch but allows adjusting light brightness
- Preferred for accent or mood lighting ability
Plug-in outlet:
- Install nearby outlet to plug power supply into
- Use cabinet light’s built-in switch to control
- Convenient if using outlet for other items too
Hardwired wall switch:
- Requires running Romex power cable from switch to power supply
- Professional electrician recommended for this more complex install
- Allows control from convenient wall switch location
Choose the control method that best fits your needs and installation abilities. Dimmers give the most versatility.
Conceal Wires & Power Supply
Once everything is connected, the final step is hiding the unsightly but necessary wires and power supply. Clean up the installation with these tips:
- Bundle up and tie wires neatly at intervals using electrical tape or zip ties. Avoid loose dangling wires.
- Position excess wire lengths in unnoticeable spots against framing studs or inside of cabinets.
- Hide power supply inside upper cabinet if available. Otherwise, attach securely under bottom cabinet facing wall.
- Use plastic wire channel raceway along edges and sides of cabinets to neatly tuck away wires. Paint raceway to match.
- LED strip light channels and edge trim strips also conceal wires while giving a clean, finished look.
Taking some time to properly conceal the wiring makes the end lighting effect much more seamless and integrated.
Turn Power Back On & Test
The moment of truth has arrived. It’s time to turn the breaker back on to power up your new under cabinet lights.
When power is restored:
- Turn lights on using installed control switch to test operation.
- Verify all lights illuminate properly down entire strip. Check for dark spots indicating breaks in the circuit.
- Make sure power supply doesn’t overheat, emit excess noise, or smell strange. These indicate a problem.
- Adjust any dimmers or directional lights for preferred lighting effects.
- Check for flickering with LEDs, which is a sign of a faulty power supply.
Finally, turn lights on after dark to see full effect under cabinets. Enjoy your new task lighting! Proper under cabinet illumination should make the kitchen (or any space) much more bright, safe, and inviting.
FAQs About Installing Under Cabinet Lighting
- Do under cabinet lights need to be hardwired?
No, hardwiring is not necessary. Many options like LED strip lights plug into an outlet and do not require professional wiring. Hardwiring to a wall switch is one option but also adds cost and complexity.
- How do I prevent under cabinet lights from falling down?
Proper mounting is key. For adhesive LED strips, ensure the cabinet surface under is clean and strips are pressed firmly. Puck lights should screw securely into included mounting brackets. Heavier lights may require additional brackets or supports.
- Can under cabinet lights be linked together?
Yes, most low voltage cabinet light systems allow linking or daisy chaining multiple lights together in sequence. The combined wattage should not exceed the power supply’s rated output.
- Is it cheaper to install under cabinet lighting yourself?
Absolutely. DIY under cabinet installation using LED strip lights or puck lights can cost under $100 in materials. Paying an electrician costs $200 or more for the same job.
- Do I need special tools to install under cabinet lighting?
No specialty electrical tools are needed. A basic toolkit with screwdrivers, drill, wire strippers, measuring tape and other household tools will get the job done. Patience and attention to detail are the most important skills!
- How do I prevent under cabinet lights from flickering?
LED strip flickering usually means the power supply is faulty and not providing steady low voltage power. Swap in a replacement quality power supply rated for the total wattage of lights. Install away from appliances to prevent interference.
Conclusion
Installing under cabinet lighting can be an easy, rewarding DIY project using widely available LED strip or puck lights. Proper task lighting makes kitchens safer and more functional. The right under cabinet lighting also delivers brilliant aesthetic effects. By following the steps outlined above, you can enjoy quality lighting that illuminates, upgrades, and modernizes your space. Stay tuned for more handy DIY project guides!