What Is The Best Type of Under Cabinet Lighting?

How to Select the Right Under Cabinet Light Fixtures: We would like to add under cabinet lighting. What lighting, in your opinion, is the best of the current variety of options? By: Dave Rongey

Under Cabinet Light Fixtures
[ad#block]Electrical Question: We would like to add under cabinet lighting. What lighting, in your opinion, is the best of the current variety of options?

• We are having new cabinets and granite counter tops installed in our 28 year old kitchen.
• We were leaning toward LED but are unsure of the complexity in replacement, when lights “burn out” and/or cost.
• Our electrician has never installed LED but recommends xenon.
• We just know we do not want any light that heats up.
• It’s hot enough in the south w/o adding more heat in a kitchen!

Thanks,
Libby

Background: Libby, a Homeowner from North Augusta, South Carolina.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Libby.

How to Select the Right Under Cabinet Light Fixtures

• When considering under cabinet lighting I always ask questions about the type of granite counter tops that are installed:
  • If there will be a back splash, what type, color and how high.
  • What is the desired effect you would like from the lighting?
  • What color will the granite be, will it absorb the light or reflect it?
  • Will there be inlaid design or patterns that you wish to accentuate?
  • Is it cultured or true granite.
  • What is the contrast between the counter tops and the cabinets.
• The under cabinet  lighting will either be the highlight of your kitchen or not, and you have a one time chance of getting it right.
• My suggestion is to see what the end result will be before the lighting is installed.
• One thing to understand is that the different types of lighting will produce different colors and types of light.
• A smooth even light is produced with fluorescent lights but they will produce a yellowish color unless you get color corrected lamps or use a filter.
• LED and Xenon are a bright,  less evenly distributed light but may be controlled by a dimmer switch. The xenon lamps produce heat at full illumination, but I like the ability to control the level of light I wish to have.
• To me, lighting is everything. It’s what makes everything else look fantastic if the lighting is right.

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• Installing Under Cabinet Lights

• Installing under cabinet lights for your home electrical improvements. This article explains installing under cabinet lights and the lighting features you should know about.

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