Can You Put Led Lights on Wood? If you wish to put LED lights on wood you can install LED strip lights on smooth or impermeable wood surfaces to make them more aesthetically beautiful and long-lasting. But if you want the LED strip lights to last for a longer period of time, make sure the wood surface is completed. We recommend using an adhesive to stick your LED strips on the wood.
Table of Contents
The longevity of your LED strip light will depend upon the longevity of the stickiness of your adhesive. Make sure the surface is dry and there is no dust on there before you put the adhesive, your surface should be clean and free of dirt. You can put adhesive and your strip lights on multiple surfaces since LED strips are made to be extremely flexible.
You can bend LED strip lights up to 90 degrees thanks to the strength of their PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards). Be warned nevertheless that more powerful LED strips are less bendable than less powerful ones. Whether Can You Put LED Lights on Wood or not depends on several factors. Let’s get on with them.
Do’s & Don’ts When You Want To Put Light on Wood. Can You Put Led Lights on Wood?
Wood surfaces like doors, beds, desks, and cabinets are among the most popular places to put LED strip lights. But there are some things you need to take into consideration to do that. Let us discuss some of the dos and don’ts that need to know about before you mount LED strip lights on your wooden surfaces-
Do’s
Applying the Proper Adhesive
The first thing you should be aware of is the necessity of using the right adhesive when mounting LED strip lights on wood. For instance, if you use an adhesive that is not intended for outdoor use on a wooden surface, your LED strip lights may become damaged if they get overheated due to sunlight or wet due to rain/snowfall. Understanding that not all adhesives are created equal is crucial. Use an adhesive that is made for outdoor use if you want your LED strip lights to last longer on their wooden surface.
Clean Surface
When installing LED strip lights on wood surfaces and other surfaces, many individuals neglect to clean their surfaces before mounting the light.
When mounting your LED strip lights, your surface should be clean and free of dirt and do cleaning wood stairs and debris when you are applying the glue on it. Also, make sure there are no traces of water on the surface. Otherwise, they might lead your adhesive to fall. If you want to use glue on stained furniture or cabinets, clean the whole surface with a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol before applying the adhesive. Getting rid of all the extra chemicals that are on your surface is the goal here.
Drill Bit
Knowing what kind of drill bit to use to make the screw holes is necessary before mounting your LED strip lights on wood. If you must drill holes into your wood, it is recommended to use a drill bit made specifically for wood. Wood can split if the wrong drill bit is used, which is dangerous.
This is why it’s crucial that you use the proper drill bit. The type of wood on which your LED strip light is placed may also determine the screw to use. Use longer screws if you’re putting the LED strip lights on furniture that has been varnished. Shorter screws ought to be utilized if you’re putting your LED strip lights on a piece of unvarnished furniture.
Last but not least, longer screws should always be used on extremely hard wood. On the other hand, softer screws might be needed for shorter woods. Hopefully, these gave you an idea about whether Can You Put LED Lights on Wood or not and what you need to do about that.
Don’ts
Installation On Unfinished Wood Surfaces
One of the greatest errors people make when installing LED strip lights on wooden surfaces is Installing them on incomplete wood surfaces. For instance, a lot of individuals desire to install LED strip lighting on the base of their cabinets.
However, you shouldn’t attach these lights to surfaces made of raw wood, such as plywood or oak, since the untreated wood will take too much moisture from the glue and eventually harm your lights.
Wait to attach your LED strip lights if your cabinets need to be completed first if they are unfinished. This can help keep the glue from being too moist by ensuring that it has enough time to dry.
Using Rough Wood Surfaces for Mounting
You shouldn’t put your LED strip lights on rough wooden surfaces as well. In order to prevent the adhesive from failing, it is essential to avoid any rough surfaces, such as those found on distressed furniture. Therefore, it would be advisable for you to postpone attaching your LED strip lights to any furniture that is not smooth until it has been refinished.
Putting Mounts on Freshly Painted or Stain-Coated Wood
It is recommended that you wipe any stained or painted furniture or cabinets with rubbing alcohol before attaching your LED strip lights if you intend to mount them to a piece of furniture or cabinets. This will make sure there are no residues on the wood’s surface before you attach your LED strip lights, which could lead to the adhesive failing.
You should also consider using soap and water to clean your surfaces in addition to rubbing alcohol. In addition to washing any residues from your furniture’s surface, the soap also creates a new, spotless surface for mounting LED strip lights. Ensure that the surface is completely dry before you mount.
Can You Put Led Lights on Wood? How To Put LED Lights on Wood
Since you already know whether Can You Put LED Lights on Wood or not, let’s get on with how to put any type of LED light on a wooden surface. Follow the steps mentioned below to do that-
Step 1- Preparing Surface
Clean the wood surface with a clean cloth. A moist towel that has been rubbed with rubbing alcohol should be used to clean the wood.
Step 2- Choosing The Right Adhesive
If your LED light is not packaged with adhesive, pick one made for wood, such as double-sided foam tape.
Step 3- Installing
Simply designate the location of your LED lights, install them, and then use mild pressure to hold them in place.
Step 4- Choosing The Right Drill Bit
If you have to use a drill, make sure to find a drill bit appropriate for the sort of wood surface you have. Otherwise, your wooden surface can be split apart.
Step 5- Choosing Location Carefully
Choose the location on the wood where you want to put your LED lights and take exact measurements. Mark the locations where you need to drill holes with a pencil.
Step 6- Drilling
Drill the holes carefully, insert the LED lights, and make sure the light strip is pointing in the proper direction.
Step 7- Put The Screws
Finally, to install your LED lights, use a screwdriver that is suitable for the sort of screws you’re using, and put the screw in the place using that.
Can You Put Led Lights on Wood? How To Mount LED Strip Light
To mount an LED strip light on a surface, follow these steps-
1. Clean and dry the surface.
2. To attach the light strip, unroll the light strip or remove the adhesive backing, and push it firmly on the surface.
3. Cut off the excess LED strip if there are any.
4. Turn on the light by connecting the LED light strip.
5. If you have customizable, addressable strips, download the LED manufacturer’s app and pair your Bluetooth device with your addressable, programmable strips to control them.
Tips On Putting LED Lights on Wood
The things you do to put LED Lights on the wood determine whether Can You Put LED Lights on Wood. Here are some tips for you-
1. We advise avoiding using LED strip lights on wood that is any kind of pine, fir, or yew. Due to their extreme softness, these woods do not withstand the heat of LED strip lights effectively.
2. Wood may store a lot of moisture, so you’ll need to ensure sure the LED light strip is adequately shielded from moisture and water damage.
3. As certain LED lights are not damp or water rated and do not tolerate water or moisture, it is also crucial to make sure that the type of wood is not leaky.
4. Do not install LED strip lights on unfinished wood surfaces since the dampness can cause mold development and harm to the LED lights.
5. Mount your LED strips in a place far away from any flammable objects.
6. Use LED strip lights that are the same color as your wood if you like a more consistent appearance.
7. It’s crucial that you attach your LED strip lights using the appropriate mounting adhesive. The right adhesive will make sure the lights are secured and won’t come off over time.
8. If you are looking forward to using LED strip lights on freshly completed or freshly painted wood surfaces, It is advised to wait until the paint or stain has dried or set before using.
FAQs: Can You Put Led Lights on Wood
Can LED strip lights be mounted to wood?
They can, but you’ll need to check that the wood isn’t porous because certain LED lights aren’t damp- or water-rated and don’t tolerate moisture or water.
Can you use LED strip lights on newly stained or painted wood?
You can not. To avoid harming the wood, It is advised to wait until the paint or stain is dry or cured. This is crucial since newly applied paint or stains may trap a lot of moisture, which might harm your LED strip lights.
What adhesive should I use for LED strip lights on wood?
Double-sided foam tape is the ideal type of adhesive to use. Simply designate the location of your LED strip lights, install them, and then use mild pressure to hold them in place.
Can you mount LED strip lights on unfinished wood?
You can not, unfortunately. LED strip lighting is not something we advise utilizing on surfaces made of unfinished wood. These kinds of wood are delicate and do not withstand the heat of LED strip lights effectively.
Final Words: Can You Put Led Lights on Wood
To make your environment more aesthetically beautiful or for some other reason you feel necessary, You can put LED lights on wood. But there are a couple of do’s and don’ts in need to take into consideration. Clean your lights and wood surface every once in a while, and keep them away from alcohol, water, or any flammable objects. If you can take care of all of them, then you should not need to worry about whether Can You Put LED Lights on Wood or not.
Related Articles…
How to Keep LED Lights from Falling
Can LED Lights Be Left On 24/7
Can You Put Tape Over LED Lights
Can You Sleep with Led Strip Lights On
LED Lifetime – How Long Do LED Lights Last?
My strong expertise is illuminating spaces. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for transforming environments through lighting, my dream is to leave indelible mark on the world of light design. Below are few facts of my biography, highlighting career and hobbies. Click here to contact me.
