Under-Cabinet Lighting: Pre-wiring Stage vs. Retrofit
This article is for those that are unsure whether to add dot free strip before or after building a home. Under-cabinet lighting is an excellent way to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen. The Supernova series are a popular choice for this application due to their seamless light output and energy efficiency.
When it comes to installation, there are two primary scenarios: integrating them during the rough-in or pre-wiring stage of a new kitchen build or retrofitting them into an existing kitchen, during a renovation. Let's explore both options in detail.
Table of Content
Rough-In / Pre-wiring Stage Installation
Electrical Layout: During the rough-in stage, you have the flexibility to plan your electrical layout to accommodate under-cabinet lighting. This involves determining the placement of power sources, switches, and dimmers.
Wiring: You can run concealed wiring within the walls and cabinets, ensuring a clean and professional look. This eliminates visible cords and makes the installation more aesthetically pleasing.
Control Systems: It's easier to integrate advanced control systems, such as dimmers or smart home connectivity, during the rough-in stage. You can plan for control panels or wireless controls that seamlessly integrate with your kitchen design not to mention the rest of the home.
Joinery: Joinery plays a significant role in this process, particularly in achieving a clean, integrated look. Plan the integration of LED strips within joinery elements such as cabinets, shelves, and built-ins. Coordinate with carpenters and joiners to design custom channels or recesses within the joinery to house the LED strips and wiring
Concealment: Utilize joinery to conceal power supplies, wires, and connectors. This can involve creating false backs or compartments within cabinets or using molding and trim to hide wiring. This aspect provides one of the best ways to ensure the lighting is future proof.
Advantages
Customisation: You have complete control over the design and placement of the lighting, allowing for a tailored solution that meets your exact needs.
Clean Aesthetics: Concealed wiring and mounting channels result in a cleaner, more professional look.
Future-Proofing: You can integrate future-proofing measures, such as additional wiring for potential upgrades or expansions.
Disadvantages
Initial Investment: Higher initial costs due to the need for professional installation and planning.
Installation Process: The installation process can be more complex and time-consuming, requiring coordination with other construction activities and trades.
Changes: Once the wiring and profile are installed, making changes or adjustments can be difficult and may require significant effort and expense.
Retrofitting to Existing Kitchens
Lower Initial Costs: Generally less expensive than rough-in installations, as it utilizes existing infrastructure and doesn’t require major construction work.
Quick Installation: Faster installation process, often completed in a few hours or days without the need for extensive planning or coordination with other construction activities.
Adaptability: Easier to make adjustments or changes to the lighting system as preferences or needs evolve.
Advantages
Lower Initial Costs: Generally less expensive than rough-in installations, as it utilizes existing infrastructure and doesn’t require major construction work.
Quick Installation: Faster installation process, often completed in a few hours or days without the need for extensive planning or coordination with other construction activities.
Adaptability: Easier to make adjustments or changes to the lighting system as preferences or needs evolve.
Disadvantages
Visible Wiring: May result in visible wires or power supplies if not carefully concealed, detracting from the clean look of the kitchen.
Less Uniform Lighting: Potential for less uniform light distribution compared to custom-designed rough-in installations.
Limited Control Options: Integrating advanced control systems may be more challenging, and options like dimmers or smart controls might be limited by existing wiring and infrastructure.
Existing Infrastructure: The existing electrical layout and cabinet design may limit the placement and effectiveness of the new lighting system, requiring compromises in aesthetics, with visible cables.
Conclusion
The choice between pre-wiring and retrofitting depends on various factors including budget, project scope, existing infrastructure, and desired outcomes.
Pre-Wiring is ideal for new constructions or major renovations where a high degree of customization and a seamless finish are priorities. It offers a long-term solution that integrates well with other building systems.
Retrofitting on the other hand, is suitable for existing spaces where cost, convenience, and flexibility are essential. It allows for quick upgrades and adjustments without extensive modifications.
By evaluating the specific needs and constraints of your project, you can choose the approach that best aligns with your goals and provides the most efficient and aesthetically pleasing lighting solution.
If you need further assistance or have specific questions about either approach, feel free to reach out!
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While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all information provided by the Strip Light Guys, this can not be held responsible for any errors. SLG also reserves the right to modify/delete details without notice.
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