How Much Does Under-Cabinet Lighting Cost?

If you want to add some radiance to your kitchen by installing under-cabinet lighting, you can expect the project to cost between $230 and $300 per light. Factors like the total length of your cabinets, how many fixtures, and desired brightness will influence the project cost. However, under-cabinet lighting is a relatively inexpensive project that brings a "wow factor" to your kitchen.

While the general advice is to install one puck light for every 8 to 12 inches of cabinet length, you can use the figures below against your kitchen's measurements to get a better idea of cost.

Average Cost to Install Under-Cabinet Lighting

Prices for Materials to Install Under-Cabinet Lighting

Common lighting fixtures for under cabinets cost between $20 and $50. Costs for installation-related materials per light can total between $20 and $25. This can include:

• Connectors

• Fittings

• Fasteners

• Mounting hardware

Choosing the fixture is one area where you have the freedom to splurge or "go budget.” Wireless, battery-powered, motion-activated, and hard-wired lighting fixtures are choices that will run a bit more expensive.

Under-Cabinet Lighting Installation Cost

Labor accounts for roughly $200 of the average $265 per fixture. Here's what's involved with labor:

• Planning light placement

• Preparing the area

• Setting up

• Mounting new lighting runs

• Adding circuit receptacles for the transformer

• Laying the lighting fixture

• Securing the cabinets

• Drilling and feeding wire paths

• Routing and connecting wiring

• Connecting and testing fixture

• Cleaning up

If you're replacing outdated under-cabinet lighting that you'd like removed by a pro, add between $5 and $45 to the cost of each new fixture to account for the labor. This add-on job includes:

• Removing mounting trim pieces

• Removing hardware

• Disconnecting fixtures from wiring

• Capping wiring

• Responsible fixture disposal

Many electricians also offer debris removal. Add $2 to $3 per fixture installed if you'd like used materials or debris hauled away.

Under-Cabinet Lighting Cost by Style

There are many types of under-cabinet lights with unique pros and cons for your kitchen.

Xenon Fixtures

Xenon Fixtures average about $50 per fixture. While this is considered an older style, some homeowners still like xenon for its powerful output. The strength of the lights means that you'll need fewer fixtures. Just watch out for the strong heat emissions and higher energy bill.

LED Puck Lights

Puck lights are on the low end at about $25 per fixture. You can often purchase them in complete sets. Emitting low heat, these lights are considered cooler and more efficient than the other options. The only downside is that you're getting a "halo" effect on your counters instead of full brightness.

LED Strips

If you're looking for LED under-cabinet lighting that's more consistent, LED strip lighting costs about $20 per 8-foot strip. While strips eliminate the "dead spots" of puck lighting, they do tend to be duller than every other under-cabinet option.  

"LED strips are low voltage and require a low voltage transformer that lowers the voltage from 120 volts to 12 or 24 volts," says Salvatore Cutrona, Licensed Master Electrician. "Another LED option that is very common and is essentially replacing fluorescent fixtures is LED under-cabinet fixtures. These LED fixtures are commonly purchased to the size of the cabinet (6 feet to 48 feet) and are 120 volts. They’re priced and wired similarly to fluorescent fixtures, but they’re more energy-efficient."

Fluorescent Lighting

An affordable option that packs a powerful light, most fluorescent fixtures using T5 bulbs fall between $20 and $50 per unit. However, some options can start at just $12. While you're not getting the impact of xenon fixtures, fluorescent offers decent lighting with low heat emission.

Cost to Install Under-Cabinet Lighting Yourself

If you're looking to add a little flash to your kitchen with a quick weekend project, installing under-cabinet lighting on your own can be very affordable. You'll just need to cover the costs of your fixtures and installation materials. Plug-in light fixtures take up outlets, but you won’t need an electrician to hard-wire them into your home’s electrical system. If outlets are scarce, you can opt for battery-powered fixtures. With labor costs out of the picture, you're looking at paying between $40 and $70 per light.

DIY vs. Hire a Lighting Pro

Is installing under-cabinet lighting on your own such a bright idea? Everything for under-cabinet light installation can be purchased at your hardware store, but this isn't a project for someone without electrical experience. Improper wiring can lead to everything from lights that don't light to fire hazards.

Depending on where you live, you may need a permit when wiring your fixtures. Permits are common for everything from 12-gauge wires to low-voltage lights connected to transformers. To keep your costs down, you can DIY the setup, including everything from mounting the fixture and drilling the holes for wiring. But we recommend you hire an electrician once it’s time to connect the live wires.

If you’d rather not hire an electrician, options like outlet-connected and battery-powered light fixtures can save you money and keep installation simple.

If you want a gleaming kitchen, nothing gets you there faster than some brilliant, crisp under-cabinet lighting! With something as precarious as electrical wiring, nothing tops the peace of mind of hiring a pro for your light installation. Compare quotes to install under-cabinet lighting from top-rated contractors in your area to bring this project to life!

FAQs

How are under-cabinet lights attached?

Most under-cabinet lights are attached to mounts drilled into the cabinet with screws. The cords are kept in place with cable staples. Tape lights attach via adhesive.

How are under-cabinet lights powered?

Under-cabinet lights are hardwired into your home's existing electrical system.

Do you need a permit to install under-cabinet lighting?

While this varies by location, many towns and cities do require permits for hardwiring electrical power to cabinetry.