Lighting we fit
- Linkable plug-in LED bars along each run of wall cabinets
- Halogen pucks and fluorescent tubes taken out and replaced with LED
- Hardwired LED fixtures on an existing cabinet feed and switch
- Adhesive LED tape with a plug-in driver for shallow or framed cabinets
- Remote, dimmer or smart-plug control for the whole set
- Small trim strips added where an old face frame leaves the fixture visible
Older kitchens, better task light
The median San Gabriel home was built in 1957, according to Census estimates for 2020–2024. Original cabinets from that period often have a deep face frame and an open bottom, which hides a slim fixture well. Many were later fitted with halogen pucks that run hot and burn out.
A Department of Energy brief on undercabinet LEDs points out that LEDs send light in one direction, which suits task lighting, and that they run at low temperatures with less burn risk than halogen. The department’s lighting guide says LEDs use up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer.
Our process
Plan the layout
We look at each cabinet, the outlets on the backsplash, and any old fixtures, then choose lengths for even coverage.
Fit the lights
Fixtures go near the front of the cabinet bottom, screwed to the wood rather than relying on adhesive alone.
Tidy the wiring
Jumpers between cabinets are clipped up; the plug cord drops behind an appliance where it can.
Check every bar
Each fixture is checked on, off and dimmed if the set dims.
Where our part stops
A new circuit, a new switch box cut into plaster, or wire fished through walls goes to an electrician. We use existing outlets and existing feeds.
Before the visit, text us
Photos of the kitchen counters, the underside of one wall cabinet, the nearest outlet, and a link to any fixtures you picked.
Under-cabinet light questions
Will the lights show from across the room?
Not if the cabinet has a face frame lip or we add a small trim strip.
What brightness should I get?
Enough to read a recipe on the counter. We can suggest a fixture size for each cabinet.
Do I need an electrician?
Not for plug-in sets or swaps on existing wiring. New wiring in walls does.
Are LED bars safe near cabinets?
They run cool, unlike halogen, which the DOE brief notes as a burn hazard reduction.
Can the old puck lights stay?
We can convert them to LED pucks or replace them with bars.
Can they be dimmed?
Many can. The DOE brief lists dimming as a common LED feature. We confirm before purchase.
Will adhesive tape stick to old wood?
Not reliably. We use clips or a channel screwed in place.
Can I use a remote?
Yes, many sets include one or work with a smart plug.
Do you take out old fixtures?
Yes, and haul them away.
How long is the visit?
Usually a couple of hours for one kitchen.
Can you light the counter under a window with no cabinet above?
Not with cabinet fixtures, since there is nothing to mount to. A small pendant or ceiling fixture on existing wiring covers that spot.
Do the bars need cleaning?
A wipe with a dry cloth now and then keeps kitchen grease from dulling the lens.
Related guides
- New porch and outdoor lights on stucco wallsHow to replace porch, garage and exterior light fixtures on stucco walls in San Gabriel homes, including weather sealing and sensors.
- Cabinet doors that sag, stick or will not closeHow we fix sagging, sticking and loose cabinet doors in older San Gabriel kitchens, from site-built wood cabinets to later replacements.
We’re a handyman in San Gabriel for small repairs like this one, with an upfront price by text.
This job sits in our electrical fixture swaps group. For other repairs, see the services overview, or start with the repair guide for San Gabriel’s older homes.