Hardwired Under Cabinet Lighting - Tape vs. Light Bars

6 years ago

We are trying to decide what system to go with for our undercabinet lights. We contacted Inspired LED and they recommended tape, but we're a little worried about the peel & stick looking chintzy, plus we're not thrilled about having the transformer sticking out somewhere. Also, I'm a little worried about spotting from the LEDs, since they don't have a diffuser. Our upper cabinets are more or less flush on the bottom (although it's possible we may add some molding--we haven't actually installed them yet). Our electrician recommended the Philips Hue system, but it doesn't seem like those can actually be controlled from a standard wall dimmer, and the colors are unnecessary (although it is nice that you can switch color temperature for white light).

My husband is pushing light bars, but I have heard that having them toward the backs of the cabinets can cause shadowing, and if you put them farther forward they are visible.

Is there a perfect solution here? I'd love some input.

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PRO

Edmond Kitchen & Bath LLC

6 years ago

How creative can your electrician get? We place the transformers over the wall cabinet (if there is room), or in the top of the base cabinet, then fish the wires as needed. Couple of other thoughts:

Tresco (a Rev A Shelf company) makes many channels with diffusers - if you have a recessed bottom or light rail to your cabinets. They offer dimming systems - from the wall switch, or remote, or touch control on the cabinet. They also offer 4 different lumens and 4 different color values (we like 2700-3000K).

WAC makes a superior product. Have been using these for 6 years without a single failure. Very customizable as well as many options.

Watch out for the cheapies- like those on Amazon. I did the kitchen display below in one of our showrooms when those first came out. Put the cheap tape light in - only to find out it is green! The center light is the venthood (xenon). The left looks green but is influenced by the leaves. The right light just looks green - and there is no plant there! So spend your money wisely....

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Comments (14)

User
6 years ago
Tape lights hands down. There are diffuser channels if you want, but a bit of reflection on the counter isn’t a big deal. Neither is placing the driver. They are slim enough to go under cabinet if you have the proper light rail.
PRO
Jim Misner Light Designs
6 years ago
Tape light will pretty much require a channel and most likely a diffuser to render a bright yet soft source. Tape alone will look pretty ugly without molding or a channel to recess tape within. Consider also the reflectivity of your counter surface, if a glossy finish, undiffused light will just reflect back at your eyes. Also any shorter folks in you house will have to look at the light source...so it should look as clean as possible. You will need to have a spot for the LED driver in a cabinet if you choose hard wired tape light.
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lexmomof3, I think you're right that in this day and age, installing the newer types of LED lighting,which in your case is well known Maxlite, listed as dimmable, is just...unbelievable. I am hoping there is something he hasn't told you about his circuit, something he can add, amend or re-do. If not him (as this is highly...unprofessional to leave a client to have to suspend the light by pulling off the plug from the bar), then I suggest you get in another electrician in to attempt to place a switch and withhold final payment in the interim to the first. I am sorry that communication problems have crept into your kitchen lighting, with now the back splash in too. You might call your lighting retailer and ask for assistance too.
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I just had the Xenon under cabinet lights installed. Highly recommended by a trusted long time electrician. They do burn warm no question. To the point where if you have them wide open for 10 minutes, you will burn your hand. There is a high low switch on each fixture which I have not played with which could cool them down a bit. These lights are on a dimmer. My only concern is what is this heat doing to my new cabinets? Having said that, he is installing Xenon lights in multi million dollar houses for people that have unlimited budgets that can afford anything. It seems that most people, including myself, like that warm light that the Xenon gives off vs the cold light that the best of LED's offer. This electrician, who can install any light he wants, uses them and said that he has not replaced a bulb in the last 4 years of steady use. The light temperature is beautiful and does not cast a flare of light that many LED's do. Hope that helps someone...
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I made my own fixtures from tape lights and aluminum channel. This lets you have custom length lights the width of the cabinets. Hide the transformer in or above the cabinets.
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Do your cabinets have molding (example) that is attached to the bottom of the cabinet box to hide any lights and wires you might attach there? If not, I'd use tape lights in a channel as that will be the shallowest solution (hide the required driver inside a cabinet). Otherwise, linkable light bars shallower than the molding would be a good solution. Be sure that whatever solution you choose is dimmable from a wall dimmer. I'd skip the lights under the cabinets. They'll just highlight the dirt on the kitchen floor.
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cpaul1
6 years ago
I don't think there is any one perfect solution for under cabinet lighting, all have pros and cons. I have done the bars before fitted in the back by the wall and that was fine. And I have done incandescent rope lighting (do not use LED rope lighting as it flickers) which required adding a custom edge piece underneath the cabinets to hide the rope and you can see a reflection in the counter top. Of those two options, the bars were easier.
Liz K-C
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks for the input, everyone! We have decided to use shallow aluminum flush mount channels routed into the bottom of the cabinets (Klus Micro K) with a diffuser, then run LED tape inside of those. I'll post pictures when it all comes together!
Melanie
5 years ago
would love to see the final solution!
Sue
5 years ago
@edmond Kitchen this is the tile I want under my range hood!! This looks fantastic!! Can you provide the link to the picture?
PRO
Edmond Kitchen & Bath LLC
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
This is on our Houzz Projects page: "Showroom at Hahn Appliance". The tile is from Porcelanosa - Ona Natural. I believe it comes in other colors as well. Really soft feel to it.
Liz K-C
Original Author
5 years ago
We ended up doing it ourselves—routed in a groove to the base of the cabinets, plus within the surrounds so all wires are hidden and you can’t see them at all from straight on. We love them! I did all the soldering and our electrician helped run the wiring.
cherylbirth
5 years ago
Liz K-C, do you mind sharing the brand of tape and diffusers? I really like how yours turned out.
John Chandler
4 years ago
I don't see where the power comes from.
AJCN
4 years ago
That is a very elegant solution.
Lori Kamback
3 years ago
Would also love the brand and type
badabing2
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Undercabinet LED lighting is a great DIY project...

Here's what I did. Works out to about $5/ft. Links below are clickable.

Here's a video below - this guy used connectors - I thought soldering was easier and cheaper.

Installing undercabinet LED strips

I suggest watching other videos also, search youtube on "led under cabinet lighting installation" and you will find several. I installed about 2-1/2" from the face of the cabinet to avoid shadows. You'll need 120V for the power supply. Lots of different type LEDs - brightness, temperature (color).

Here's a list of the things I ordered from Amazon:

power supply - $9

LED strip lights - $15 for 16 feet

26 gauge wire - $7.60 for a spool to connect the LED strips (solder)

Aluminum channel diffusers - $27 for 5 pieces of 1 yard each

Dimmers - $10 for 3. Optional parts. I never seem to use mine.

Since then I've added LEDs to my RV, a closet or two, and plans for more.

Hardwired Under Cabinet Lighting - Tape vs. Light Bars

Edmond Kitchen & Bath LLC

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Jim Misner Light Designs

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Hardwired Under Cabinet Lighting - Tape vs. Light Bars

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