What's the best under-cabinet lighting for a kitchen renovation in a dim north-facing Fredericton home?

LED strip lights or puck lights are your best options for under-cabinet lighting in a north-facing Fredericton kitchen, with LED strips providing more even illumination and puck lights offering focused task lighting at a lower cost.

For a dim north-facing kitchen, you'll want bright, cool-white LED lighting (4000K-5000K color temperature) to compensate for the limited natural light. This color temperature mimics daylight and makes food prep safer while reducing eye strain. In Fredericton's older homes, many kitchens face north due to the traditional layout patterns, so you're definitely not alone in dealing with this challenge.

LED strip lights run $40-80 per 8-foot section for quality units, plus $15-25 for aluminum channels that diffuse the light evenly. They provide seamless illumination across your entire counter workspace and can be dimmed for ambient lighting in the evening. Look for strips with at least 60 LEDs per meter and a minimum 2700 lumens per 8-foot run. The aluminum channels are crucial in New Brunswick's humid conditions – they protect the strips from cooking moisture and prevent the "dotted" light effect.

LED puck lights cost $25-50 per fixture and work well if you have specific work zones like a coffee station or main prep area. Space them 18-24 inches apart for even coverage. Battery-powered versions ($20-35 each) offer the easiest installation but require regular charging or battery replacement.

Installation considerations for Fredericton homes: Many older houses here have plaster walls and limited electrical access above cabinets. If you're comfortable with basic electrical work, plug-in LED strips with cord management are a DIY-friendly option. However, hardwired installations require a licensed electrical contractor (TIS licence required) and a wiring permit from NB Power if you're adding new circuits. The electrical contractor will also need to ensure proper GFCI protection since these lights are near water sources.

For your north-facing situation, consider layering your lighting – combine under-cabinet strips with updated overhead lighting or pendant lights over an island. This creates multiple light sources that dramatically improve the space's functionality and mood.

Start by measuring your cabinet runs and deciding between the seamless look of strips or the targeted lighting of pucks, then get quotes from local electrical contractors if you want hardwired installation.