Toronto homeowners are upgrading kitchens with clean lines, better storage, and brighter worktops. Under-cabinet lighting is one of the highest impact upgrades you can make because it delivers clear task light where you actually chop, prep, and plate. It also adds a premium look in the evening without relying on bright ceiling fixtures. This guide breaks down the best options for Toronto kitchens, how we install them cleanly, and what to consider for controls, power, and long-term maintenance.

Why under-cabinet lighting matters

Under-cabinet fixtures eliminate shadows created by your body when you stand between the ceiling lights and the counter. The result is safer food prep, richer finishes that actually show their color, and a modern glow that makes stone backsplashes and quartz sparkle instead of looking flat.

LED strips vs puck lights: what to choose

LED strip lights are the go-to for most modern kitchens. They give continuous, even light with no scalloping and tuck into slim aluminum channels for a finished look. They are ideal under standard upper cabinets and inside cabinets with glass doors.

LED puck lights create pools of light that can look nice beneath small cabinets or inside display cabinets. They are easy to retrofit but can create bright spots on glossy counters.

What we recommend: 90+ CRI LED strip lights in aluminum channels with diffusers. We match color temperature to your space:

• 2700K to 3000K for warm, cozy kitchens with wood tones.
• 3500K to 4000K for crisp, contemporary kitchens with white cabinets and cooler stones.

Clean installs: how we hide power and keep lines straight

A premium result is all about planning. Here is our typical approach to a Toronto kitchen remodel:

1) Pre-wire during cabinet layout

We coordinate with your cabinet plan to route low-voltage or line-voltage feeds to the back of each cabinet run. We place small cutouts at the cabinet underside so no cords are visible. When walls are open, we fish wires, notch studs if required, and add dedicated junction points that will be concealed.

2) Use recessed channels and mitered corners

We set aluminum channels flush with the cabinet underside and miter at corners so the light line never breaks. This gives a continuous bar of light that looks built in rather than added after.

3) Keep drivers accessible

LED strips need a driver. We mount drivers in an accessible but hidden spot, such as above a fridge cabinet, in a pantry, or in the basement utility area with a short chase up to uppers. Accessibility means faster servicing and cleaner heat management.

4) Break up long runs correctly

Long counters can exceed a single run’s recommended length. We home-run multiple segments back to the driver, so brightness is even from end to end instead of fading.

Controls that feel premium every day

You do not need a complicated system to get great control. What matters is reliable dimming and easy access.

• Wall dimmers: A dedicated dimmer near your main kitchen switch lets you set brightness for prep or ambiance.
• Smart dimmers: If you already use smart switches, we can integrate the under-cabinet circuit for schedules and scenes.
• In-cabinet touch dimmers: Good for small retrofits, but we prefer wall controls for day-to-day convenience.

Pro tip: Keep under-cabinet lighting on its own dimmer. It gives you an evening ambiance even if the ceiling lights are off.

Color temperature and CRI: match your finishes

Countertops and backsplashes look their best when the light quality is high.

• CRI 90 or higher avoids the washed-out look and makes food and natural stone appear true to life.
• If your backsplash is a cool marble, 3500K to 4000K keeps it crisp. If you have warm walnut or oak accents, 2700K to 3000K keeps the tone consistent.

Retrofit vs remodel: what if my walls are closed?

You can still upgrade.

• Retrofit channel kits let us surface-mount slim channels and hide wire inside cabinet voids.
• Puck replacements: We can swap old xenon or halogen pucks with LED versions and add a dimmer for better control.
• Plug-in to hardwired: If you have plug-in strips with cords, we can convert to a hardwired solution with a proper driver and dimmer so the counter stays cord-free.

Cost ranges to expect

Budgets vary with kitchen size, cabinet construction, and control type. Most Toronto kitchens land in these ranges:

• Basic retrofit with surface-mounted channels and one dimmer: $1,200–$2,400
• Full remodel with recessed channels, hidden drivers, and smart dimming: $3,500–$7,000

We are happy to price both a baseline and a premium option so you can choose where to invest.

Maintenance and longevity

Quality LED strips can last many years when drivers are sized properly and channels manage heat. Keep an extra meter of your exact LED strip model on hand for future touch-ups. We label driver locations on the electrical panel schedule so service is simple.

Related Reading

• Modern Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations on York Mills Road, Toronto
• Bathroom and Kitchen Renovation Project at Hillcrest Avenue, Toronto
• Toronto Kitchen Lighting Guide 2025: Layers, Layouts, and Fixtures
• Toronto Range Hood & Kitchen Ventilation 2025: Quiet Power That Works

Ready to brighten your kitchen?

If you want task lighting that looks custom and feels effortless every day, we can help. We will plan the wiring, choose the right LED strips and channels, and install everything so it disappears until you switch it on.

Ready to transform your kitchen? Contact us today to book a consultation.

📞 Call us at: 437-259-9632

✉️ Email us at: jgcontractingyyz@gmail.com

🌐 Website: https://jgcontractingyyz.com