My under cabinet lighting was installed after cabinets and sheetrock were in. The electrician cut a hole in the sheetrock and patched it before the backsplash covered the patch.

My under cabinet lights are a single flat metal housing for halogen lights under each cabinet. I think most newer lights are probably LED. They provide pleasant direct counter lighting and indirect/reflected lighting for the rest of the kitchen.

LED lights come in different configurations. Some have a built-in voltage transformer (120 volt to 12 volt usually) for each unit, while some have an external transformer that can power one or more lights. A built in transformer means that 120 volt wiring runs to the housing. An external transformer allows you to interconnect lights using low voltage wiring, but you have to find somewhere to mount the small external transformer. and connect it to A/C. There are trade-offs to each configuration.

My lights are hardwired to A/C, and the Romex goes out the back of the metal housing, through the small lip under the back edge of the cabinet, and into the wall. From there it goes to a standard light switch. My halogen lights also have individual rocker switches on the housing, with high and low positions.

Bruce

I love my under cabinet lighting - definitely worth getting. I had a DIY set up between the sink and range for a year. Then when I refreshed my kitchen, an electrician wired it into a switch - made my sink light switch a double light switch and that is where i turn the lights on. He did need to cut into the backsplash drywall a little bit. So - yes, do it before the backsplash.

My lights are an LED strip under each cabinet - they are connected to each other.

You need to get an electrician in to work with you to define your actual options given your particular layout and existing wiring. Under cabinet lighting is worth it and there are many, many types. Needs to be addressed now before you go any further with your kitchen.

Go to PHOTOS tab above, select kitchen. Then put under cabinet lighting in the search bar and select the option in the box that will come up that says something like undercabinet lighting in kitchen. Should see lots of options that can help you.

By all means include undercab lighting, it really makes my reno shine.

When you say...."cabinets are in" do you mean that they are installed?

I ask because you should raise your cabinets higher to accommodate the height of the light valance/rail. Meaning, if you installed your cabinets so that you have the standard 18" from countertop to underside of your uppers, you need to keep that spacing. So, if your light valance was 2" high, the upper cabinets would be installed at 20" from the countertop.

there are lots of youtube videos on how to do this with simple LED light strips.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NSSZGU8rLQ

Many of the LED light strips do not require a light rail - mine don't - which is good because I am short and I really don't want my cabinets any higher then they already are.

My cabinets are installed and thereis a decorative lip that will go on, so I would have to go with an LED strip that has no rail. Thanks for all the ideas everyone. I will run my thoughts by the GC tomorrow

If you have an outlet in your backsplash area, you could create a vertical raised area and both move your outlet onto that area and use the raised area to hide wiring to your choice of under cabinet lights. Mine are old but work so I haven't replaced them yet but, if and when I replace the fluorescent tube lights, it will not be with more fluorescent tube lights.

Thanks all for your suggestions. I decided it was probably smart to review my current expenses and I am getting close to hitting my budget, so the under cabinet lighting may have to go. I guess I have to see what would be involved to execute it. I do have a large island with 2 large pendants above (getting hung tomorrow). I will probably use the island for most of my food prep...so maybe the under cab lights won't be missed. In addition, I think my husband will say no if it means opening the wall up again! Will keep you posted!

Oliviag - I would want to invest in the ones that are hard wired...not ones that have to be plugged in bc then won't I always see the wire? No way to hide it I thought...

If you have an L or continuous area between you sink and range, consider doing that area. My under cabinet lighting in this area is the best thing I did in my refresh.

This is my before DIY set up - cost about $75:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~48485162

Then the electrician wired it to a switch. I had asked for an outlet up by the cabinet like Oliviag has, but instead, he wired it to a switch. Here is the after.

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~81033766

The switch is not in the pic, but to the left of the paper towel holder. The cord from cabinet to cabinet is supposed to be tucked into a cut, but I keep forgetting to do that. I have to say - that if I could have only my under cabinet lighting or a new counter - I would take the lighting - the most functional thing I did.

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~110720042

I suppose you are working with a contractor on the remodel? Can they recommend an electrician and give you an advice on this? It's best to take an advice from a professional who can personally inspect the situation. If you're not working with a contractor, you should then certainly consult an electrician.