How to Install LED Strip Lights Under Kitchen Cabinets
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How to Install LED Strip Lights Under Kitchen Cabinets
Under-cabinet lighting is one of the best bang-for-the-buck kitchen upgrades. It eliminates counter shadows, makes food prep easier, and gives your kitchen a premium look — all for well under $100 in materials.
What You'll Need
Materials
- 24V LED Strip Light - 5M Roll ($24.99) — one roll usually covers a standard kitchen
- 24V 100W Power Supply ($29.99)
- Aluminium channel with diffuser (optional but recommended for a clean look)
- 18 AWG low-voltage wire (for extending between cabinets)
- Wire connectors (solderless strip connectors or solder)
- Cable clips or adhesive wire channels
Tools
- Measuring tape
- Scissors or sharp blade for cutting strips
- Klein Wire Stripper ($29.99)
- Drill (for routing wire)
- Level
Total material cost: $55-$100 depending on kitchen size.
Step 1: Plan Your Layout
Measure the total length of cabinet fronts you want to illuminate. For most kitchens:
- Base cabinets only (above counter): 3-5 metres
- Full kitchen (including above sink and range): 5-8 metres
Decide where the power supply will go. Common locations:
- Inside an upper cabinet (on top, behind items)
- In the cabinet above the fridge (easy to hide)
- In a utility closet or pantry
- Behind the toe kick below base cabinets
The power supply needs a 120V outlet nearby, or a licensed electrician can wire one inside the cabinet.
Step 2: Choose Your Strip
For under-cabinet kitchen lighting, we recommend:
| Requirement | Product | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 24V Strip 14.4W/m | Good brightness, 3000K-4000K |
| No visible dots | High Density 120 LED/m | Seamless dot-free light line |
| Wet area (above sink) | IP65 Strip | Silicone-coated for splash resistance |
Colour temperature tip: Match your kitchen pot lights. If your pot lights are 4000K, use 4000K strip lights. Mismatched CCTs look wrong.
Step 3: Install the Strip
Prep the Surface
Clean the underside of the cabinet with isopropyl alcohol. The 3M adhesive backing needs a clean, dry surface to bond properly. Avoid glossy paint — lightly sand if needed.
Position the Strip
Mount the strip toward the front edge of the cabinet (closest to you), not against the wall. This illuminates the countertop where you actually work, not the backsplash.
Install the strip 1-2 inches from the front edge so it's hidden from view when standing at the counter.
Apply the Strip
Peel the 3M backing and press firmly along the cabinet bottom. Work in 30cm sections to keep it straight. If using aluminium channel, mount the channel first, then press the strip into the channel.
Bridge Between Cabinets
For gaps (above the sink, range, or between cabinet runs):
- Cut the strip at the nearest cut mark
- Run 18 AWG low-voltage wire through the cabinet wall or along the back
- Connect to the next strip section with solderless connectors
Step 4: Connect to Power
- Connect the strip to the 24V power supply using the provided connector or 18 AWG wire
- Tuck the power supply inside a cabinet or behind the toe kick
- For the 120V AC side:
- Easy option: Plug into an existing outlet inside a cabinet or under a cabinet
- Clean option: Have an electrician wire a dedicated outlet inside the upper cabinet
- Switched option: Wire through a wall switch for on/off control
Adding a Switch or Dimmer
Options from simple to advanced:
- Inline rocker switch on the low-voltage side ($5)
- Wireless RF remote dimmer ($20-$30)
- Wall-mounted LED dimmer switch ($15-$25) — requires electrician
- Smart switch with app and voice control ($40-$60)
Step 5: Use Aluminium Channel (Optional but Recommended)
Bare LED strips work, but aluminium channel with a frosted diffuser:
- Eliminates visible LED dots — creates a smooth light line
- Dissipates heat — extends strip lifespan
- Protects the strip from damage
- Looks professional — recessed or surface-mount options
Most channels are available in 1-metre and 2-metre lengths, cut to size with a hacksaw.
Common Mistakes
- Mounting too far back — Light hits the backsplash, not the counter. Mount toward the front.
- Wrong colour temperature — Match existing kitchen lighting. 4000K is the kitchen standard.
- Using 12V strips — Voltage drop creates dim spots on long runs. Use 24V.
- Skipping the diffuser — Visible LED dots look cheap. Use channel and diffuser.
- Undersized power supply — Always oversize by 20%. A 72W load needs a 100W supply.
What to Buy — Complete Kit
| Item | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Strip | 24V Strip Light 5M | $24.99 |
| Power supply | 24V 100W PSU | $29.99 |
| Total | $54.98 |
Optional add-ons:
- Aluminium channel with diffuser (~$15 for 2M)
- Wireless dimmer remote (~$20)
Available at saferlighting.ca or our Brampton showroom at 18 Strathearn Ave.
Want it done right? Safer Electric (ESA Licence #7008996) installs under-cabinet lighting with clean, hidden wiring across the GTA. Call (647) 383-9500.
FAQ
Do LED strips under cabinets get hot? Slightly warm to the touch, but not hot. At 14.4W/m, they generate minimal heat. Aluminium channel helps dissipate any heat for maximum lifespan.
How long will the adhesive last? 3M VHB adhesive lasts years on clean, dry surfaces. If adhesive fails (usually due to poor surface prep), use additional adhesive clips or aluminium channel.
Can I connect two rolls of strips together? Yes, but total length should not exceed the recommended max run for 24V (7-10 metres from a single power feed point). For longer runs, feed from both ends or use a second power supply.
Do I need an electrician for under-cabinet strips? The low-voltage strips themselves are DIY-friendly. However, if you need a new outlet installed inside a cabinet or want the power supply hardwired to a wall switch, a licensed electrician is required.