Installing under-cabinet lighting costs an average of $265, but prices extend from $230 to $300 depending on the fixture's design and installation cost.
The average under-cabinet lighting cost is $265 per fixture, though most people spend between $230 and $300 for each under-cabinet light installed. Under-cabinet lights add a touch of modern luxury to a kitchen, as they can illuminate your backsplash design and add ambient lighting when your overhead lights feel too intense. Plus, they provide energy-efficient task lighting for food prep, recipe reading, and more. Here’s how to budget for installing under-cabinet lighting.
Your under-cabinet lighting cost will vary based on the type, as well as the materials versus labor. These are the main factors that will play into your budget.
LED puck lights and strip lights are among the most popular under-cabinet lights, as they’re long-lasting, energy-efficient, and come in various options to match kitchen cabinet colors. Xenon light fixtures, which are considered an older style, have a powerful output that requires fewer lights. However, they can cause high heat emissions and additional energy costs, costing more to run. Likewise, fluorescent lights can also be more affordable, but they aren’t energy-efficient and can tack on costs to your electrical bill.
Here are the average costs by type:
| Type of Light | Cost |
|---|---|
| LED Puck Lights | $25 per fixture |
| LED Strip Lights | $20 per 8-foot strip |
| Xenon Fixtures | $50 per unit |
| Fluorescent Lighting | $12–$50 per unit |
Common options for under-cabinet lighting fixtures typically range in cost from $20 to $50 per unit. When selecting the fixtures, you have the flexibility to opt for budget-friendly choices, or you can splurge on high-end options including:
Wireless
Battery-powered
Motion-activated
Hard-wired fixtures
LED puck lights
LED strip lights
Xenon fixtures
Fluorescent lighting
In addition to the fixture itself, installation-related materials can add another $20 to $25 per light. These may include:
Connectors
Fittings
Fasteners
Mounting hardware
Labor costs for under-cabinet lighting installation typically account for $200 of the total cost per fixture, which averages around $265. The labor involved in this process includes planning the placement of lights, preparing the area, setting up equipment, mounting new lighting runs, adding circuit receptacles, securing cabinets, drilling wire paths, routing and connecting wiring, testing fixtures, and cleaning up afterward. A local interior lighting design consultant can help plan out your lighting design and bring it to life.
If you plan to install built-in lighting, there’s also the option of hiring a local electrician. The cost to hire an electrician is around $350 on average, depending on the job. If you have additional electrical projects, such as installing a light switch or an electrical outlet, you may want to consider hiring an electrician to tackle them all at the same time.
In addition to your under-cabinet light installation, consider these potential and ongoing costs.
If you're replacing outdated under-cabinet lighting and require professional removal, factor an additional cost of $5 to $45 per new fixture into your budget. This expense accounts for the removal of mounting trim pieces and hardware, disconnecting fixtures from wiring, capping wiring, and disposal of the fixtures. Some electricians may also offer debris removal, which can add an extra $2 to $3 per fixture if you wish to haul used materials or debris away. These costs may vary depending on the specific requirements and payment structures offered by the electrician.
If you’re running your under-cabinet lights in addition to your typical overhead lights, anticipate a small increase in your energy costs. Additional costs on your bill vary widely based on whether you choose LED, fluorescent, or xenon lights, with LED lights costing far less. However, if you’re running your under-cabinet lights as an alternative to your typical overhead lights, you can actually save money on your energy bill.
You may need to budget another $20 to $50 per unit to replace your under-cabinet lights when they go out. Opting for LED lighting will save you big here, as the lifespan of LED lighting can be several years or more based on usage and output.
For a DIY install, LED strip lights are available for anywhere between $7 to $50 per strip, with lengths varying from a few feet to over 50 feet. You can opt to purchase standalone LED strip lights or choose kits that include all the necessary components for convenient installation, typically priced between $15 and $70. If you want to keep your under-cabinet lighting costs low, a DIY installation of LED strip lights is a simple and budget-friendly project.
You can save around $200 per fixture by doing a simple stick-on DIY installation of under-cabinet lighting versus hiring a professional. However, your options are somewhat limited, and strips can burn out entirely within a year, especially when choosing lower-budget options. Consider splurging on higher-end varieties and be sure to read product reviews before making a purchase.
While a certified electrician is installing your under-cabinet lighting, you may want to consider additional projects to save on future trip fees. For instance, if you’re building a kitchen island, you may want to add a new overhead light at the same time. Here are the average prices for these common add-ons:
Cost to install a lighting fixture: $160–$950
Cost to install an electrical outlet: $140–$300
Cost to install a light switch: $100–$200
The best way to save a great deal of money upfront on under-cabinet lighting is to opt for DIY peel-and-stick varieties. However, these often don’t last nearly as long as professionally-installed options, so replacement costs could add up down the line. Consider these other money-saving tips when planning out your under-cabinet lighting cost:
When hiring a pro, shop around and get multiple quotes before you commit.
Choose energy-efficient LED lighting to help you save on energy costs.
Opt for simple and budget-friendly lighting options.
Install motion sensors or timers to ensure you don’t forget to turn your lights off.
Under-cabinet lights are typically affixed to mounts that are drilled into the cabinet using screws. Cable staples are used to secure the cords in place. Alternatively, tape lights can be attached directly to the underside of the cabinet using adhesive. These installation methods provide secure and versatile—and potentially removable—options for illuminating your kitchen space.
To achieve the optimal lighting output from your under-cabinet lights, position the LED tape towards the front of the cabinet with the LEDs facing downward. For effective illumination of the work surface and backsplash, place the tape light approximately one to two inches behind the cabinet's front edge. This mounting configuration is especially suitable for dull or matte surfaces.
Under-cabinet lighting offers excellent energy efficiency compared to ceiling lighting, especially when making the switch from halogen to LED lights. Whether it’s strip lights, puck lights, or built-in lights, these bulbs typically consume less energy while delivering powerful and effective illumination. This eco-friendly lighting solution ensures optimal brightness while reducing energy consumption and operating costs.
