How Much Does Under Cabinet Lighting Cost in Calgary? | Illuminate Solar & Electrical

How Much Does It Cost to Install Under Cabinet Lighting?

Under cabinet lighting can transform your kitchen from functional to stunning. Whether you’re enhancing visibility for cooking, adding ambiance for entertaining, or simply elevating the overall look of your space, this upgrade is one of the best bangs for your buck. But how much does it cost—and what factors should you consider?

At Illuminate Solar & Electrical Ltd., we help Calgary homeowners bring their kitchens to life with custom lighting solutions. Here’s what affects the cost of under cabinet lighting, and what to expect during installation.

1.

Is There Power Nearby?

If there’s already an outlet or circuit nearby, installation is more straightforward and budget-friendly. However, if power needs to be run from a distant source, that means extra labour, materials, and possibly upgrades to your electrical panel.

2.

Wire Fishing: How Accessible Are the Walls?

Fishing wires through finished walls and cabinetry can be time-consuming. Challenges like insulation, wall blocking, or limited space behind cabinets often mean more hours on site. If you’re undergoing a renovation or building new, open-wall access can significantly reduce labour time and costs.

3.

Lighting Types: Which Fixtures Fit Your Style and Function?

There are several types of under cabinet lighting, each with different costs and installation needs:

• LED light bars: Offer clean, even light—great for task areas.

• Puck lights: Provide focused spots of light, ideal for highlighting features.

• LED strip/tape lighting: Flexible and discreet, perfect for seamless, modern effects across longer cabinet runs.

4.

Light Colour Temperature and Brightness

Lighting quality matters. Most homeowners choose between:

• Warm white (2700K–3000K) for a cozy, ambient feel

• Cool white (4000K–5000K) for a brighter, more modern look

• Dimmable options, which give you full control over brightness and mood

Higher-end systems offer adjustable white light temperatures, so you can adapt your lighting throughout the day.

5.

Coloured Lighting Options

Looking for a little personality? RGB and RGBW lighting systems allow you to change colours with the tap of a button—or even automate colour changes for holidays, events, or mood lighting.

Popular coloured features include:

• Static colours like soft blues, reds, or greens

• Animated colour transitions for modern, dynamic kitchens

• Smart controls via apps, remotes, or even voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home

While colour-changing systems cost more than basic white LED setups, they offer incredible flexibility and a wow factor that’s hard to beat.

6.

Lighting Features & Quality

Not all lights are created equal. Budget options may flicker, burn out early, or have poor colour consistency. High-quality LED systems offer:

• Long lifespan

• Flicker-free performance

• Consistent brightness and colour

• Optional motion sensors, smart dimmers, or timers

Investing in quality pays off with reliability, better appearance, and long-term energy savings.

7.

New Construction vs. Renovation

In new builds or major kitchen remodels, we can install wiring before cabinets go up, saving time and avoiding drywall repairs.

In finished homes, we work carefully to route wiring discreetly—often with minimal patching required. Still, if access holes are needed, minor drywall repairs may be part of the project.

8.

How Many Cabinets?

The size of your kitchen and number of cabinet sections will affect both fixture costs and time on site. A small kitchen may need 2–3 light segments, while a larger or more segmented kitchen could require 6 or more, plus multiple circuits or smart controls.

Estimated Costs

While every project is different, here are some general ranges:

• Basic install with existing power: $350–$600

• Standard retrofit with moderate wire fishing: $600–$1,200

• Premium install with smart or coloured lighting: $1,200–$2,000+

• New construction installations often fall on the lower end due to open access

We always provide a free quote based on your kitchen’s layout, lighting preferences, and electrical needs.

Light Up Your Kitchen with Illuminate Solar & Electrical

Under cabinet lighting is a small detail that makes a big difference—both in style and everyday function. Whether you prefer clean white lighting or dynamic colour-changing LEDs, we’ll design a custom solution that fits your kitchen and your budget.

📞 Call us at 403-603-0118

📧 Email mark@illuminatese.ca

🌐 Visit www.illuminatese.ca

Let Illuminate Solar & Electrical bring warmth, clarity, and colour to your kitchen—one cabinet at a time.