How much does undercabinet lighting cost in a kitchen renovation in NB?

Undercabinet lighting in New Brunswick kitchen renovations typically costs $300-$1,500 installed, depending on the type of lighting, kitchen size, and whether new electrical circuits are needed.

LED strip lighting is the most popular and cost-effective option, running $15-$40 per linear foot installed. For a typical NB kitchen with 12-15 feet of upper cabinets, expect to pay $400-$800 for quality LED strips with dimming capability. LED puck lights cost $25-$60 per light installed, with most kitchens needing 6-10 pucks for even coverage, bringing the total to $300-$800. Linear LED fixtures (the premium option) run $40-$80 per linear foot installed but provide the most even, professional lighting with no visible hot spots.

The biggest cost variable is electrical requirements. If your kitchen renovation includes new electrical circuits, adding undercabinet lighting during rough-in electrical work costs just the fixture price plus minimal additional labour. However, retrofitting undercabinet lighting to an existing kitchen requires running new circuits from the panel, installing switches, and potentially opening walls — adding $300-$800 in electrical work that must be performed by a TSANB-licensed electrician.

Power supply location significantly affects installation costs in NB homes. The cleanest installation involves hardwiring fixtures to dedicated circuits with wall switches, but this requires electrical rough-in work. Plug-in systems are more affordable but require accessible outlets inside cabinets or behind appliances. Many NB contractors recommend installing dedicated 15-amp circuits during kitchen renovations specifically for undercabinet lighting, small appliances, and future upgrades.

Quality matters significantly with undercabinet lighting in NB's humidity swings. Cheap LED strips from big box stores often fail within 2-3 years as connections corrode or LEDs burn out unevenly. Professional-grade LED strips with 5-10 year warranties cost 30-50% more upfront but provide consistent light output and colour temperature over their lifespan. Look for fixtures rated for kitchen environments with proper moisture protection.

Installation timing affects costs substantially. Adding undercabinet lighting during a full kitchen renovation when walls are open and electrical is being upgraded costs significantly less than retrofitting later. If you're planning a kitchen renovation, specify undercabinet lighting in the initial scope rather than adding it as an afterthought.

Most NB homeowners can install plug-in LED strip systems themselves, but any hardwired installation requires a licensed electrician for code compliance and TSANB inspection. The electrical work typically represents 40-60% of the total project cost for retrofit installations.

For detailed kitchen lighting guidance and finding experienced kitchen renovation contractors in your area, New Brunswick Kitchens at newbrunswickkitchens.com provides comprehensive kitchen renovation resources.