Website design By BotEap.comSo you want to know how to install your own kitchen under cabinet light rail trim. Do not attempt installation unless you have some basic carpentry skills. You will also need some power and hand tools. Do not attempt this phase of your kitchen cabinet installation without sufficient time. Manual miter box cutting is NOT allowed! You must achieve the highest quality installation possible.
Website design By BotEap.comTools and materials needed:
- chop saw
- Electric drill
- Three clamps (I prefer the Jorgensen clamps)
- Correct length screws
- countersink drill
- 1/16″ Pilot Hole Drill
- 3/16″ drill bit
- hand screwdriver
- Yellow carpenter’s glue
- matching wood putty
Website design By BotEap.comOne of the most popular questions that people ask is; “Should the trim be installed flush or recessed with the face of the cabinet?” I always recess the light rail no less than eight (1/8″) of an inch. This just looks better than trying to get it perfectly flush with the front frame. Note that the light rail must be flush with the end of the cabinet next to where a space-saving microwave is installed.
Website design By BotEap.comMeasure approximately the length of each piece of trim you will need and add four inches to each piece. Hopefully you’ve thought to order a bunch of extra in case you make a mistake. Cut all the pieces you need about the size first.
Website design By BotEap.comNow cut some “small” practice miter pieces at forty-five degrees. These should be used to check that cabinet corners are at true ninety degree angles.
Website design By BotEap.comNow when you start cutting the actual light rail trim pieces, just cut the angles one piece at a time. The key to installing trim correctly is working out the precise details, one piece at a time and one miter joint at a time.
Website design By BotEap.comBefore making the cuts, drill holes from the inside of the cabinet down with the 3/16″ drill bit. Then countersink the holes from the inside of the cabinet. These are the holes that will secure the trim to cabinet
Website design By BotEap.comThe finished pieces of trim will be attached to the cabinets with ¾” x 1″ X 8-1/2″ blocks. The blocks are attached to the short pieces of trim and then screwed to the cabinet from below. doing so is because they cannot be attached from inside the cabinet.
Website design By BotEap.comKitchen Cabinet Light Track Installation:
- Decide which part is best to install first (consider working from largest to smallest)
- make your cuts
- Apply yellow glue sparingly to miter joints
- Hold the part in place using the Jorgensen clamps.
- Drill the light rail through the countersunk holes with the 1/16″ drill bit
- Secure the trim in place with screws.
- Wipe off access glue immediately with a damp cloth.
- Repeat these steps on each piece of light rail.
Website design By BotEap.comThe three-sixteenth-inch hole you drilled should be larger than the screws you are installing the trim with. If you need to adjust the trim a bit, loosen the screws with a manual screwdriver. Align the light rail accordingly and then firmly secure it in the perfect position.
Website design By BotEap.comIf you start to feel frustrated, take a break. This is tedious work. The joints in the kitchen cabinet light rail should be as tight as possible.
Website design By BotEap.comThe final step in the installation process is to fill the miter joints with the appropriate wood filler. Wipe off any excess putty with a dry rag.
