Frequently Asked Questions About LED Backlighting — From a Team With 15+ Years of Experience

How thin are your LED panels?

Our frameless LED light panels can be manufactured as thin as 1/4” (6mm). Most panels are either 1/4” or 5/16” thick, depending on the brightness and application. These ultra-slim panels are ideal for installations where space is tight, such as countertops, backsplashes, and feature walls.

What materials can be backlit with your LED panels?

We specialize in backlighting Onyx, Quartzite, Marble, Solid Surface materials (like Corian® or Korean brands), 3Form and resin panels, glass, recycled glass surfaces, translucent wood, and light-transmitting concrete (Lucem, LiTraCon). If the material allows any light to pass through, we can likely illuminate it beautifully.

How are the LED panels powered?

Our LED panels are typically powered at 12V DC, but we can also manufacture them at 24V DC when required. Each panel comes pre-wired with leads for simple connection to a power supply. Most residential and commercial installations use either plug-in adapters or hardwired power supplies, depending on code requirements and preferences.

Do you provide installation services?

We do not perform installations directly, but we provide full support and guidance to your contractor, electrician, or fabricator. Installation is straightforward — we’ve developed one of the simplest and most efficient installation methods available. Many installers tend to overcomplicate the process due to past experience with bulky light boxes or LED tile systems. Our panels are manufactured to size, laid on a plywood sub-top, and the stone or other surface material is placed directly on top.

Is it very complicated to install lighting underneath a stone countertop?

With over 15 years of experience, we’ve developed an incredibly simple and cost-effective installation process. In the past, installers had to deal with complex setups using acrylic light boxes or 12″x12″ LED tiles that each needed their own wiring. Today, our panels eliminate that hassle. We build each panel to the exact size and shape you need. It’s laid flat on a plywood sub-top, and the stone is installed directly on top — no bulky boxes, no complicated wiring, no headaches.

What’s the lifespan of your LED panels?

We have LED panels that have been running continuously for over 15 years in commercial environments. These aren’t off-the-shelf light strips — our panels are engineered for longevity, using premium components, integrated heat sinks, and expert manufacturing. In most residential applications, especially those used only a few hours per day, our panels will easily outlast the surfaces they’re illuminating.

Can I dim the panels?

Yes — we offer several dimming options, including wall-mounted dimmers (Lutron-compatible), in-line dimmers, and even remote-control dimmers. Let us know if dimming is important to you, and we’ll recommend the best configuration for your project.

Can you build the LED panels with holes or cutouts?

Absolutely. We can pre-cut holes and voids for sinks, faucets, fasteners, or fixtures. For custom cutouts, we require a CAD file detailing the placement and dimensions. If a CAD file isn’t available, you can send us a paper template, and we’ll convert it for you. CAD conversion starts at $200 and can increase depending on the complexity of the design.

What’s the recommended installation method for countertops?

Here’s the basic layering approach:

1. Sub-top: Use a ½” to ¾” plywood or MDF base to create a level surface.

2. LED Panel: Place our ¼” or 5/16” thick panel on top of the plywood.

3. Acrylic Spacer (if needed): For very translucent materials, add ½” to 1” of clear acrylic to help diffuse light and minimize seam visibility.

4. Stone or Surface Material: The countertop or slab is laid directly on top.

For most countertops, especially those with mitered edge profiles, this setup provides seamless, even illumination. If your surface is particularly crystalline or transparent, we may also recommend a diffusion layer such as Plexiglas 7328 (1/16″ thick white acrylic) placed between the LED panel and the stone.

What if the backlit material is highly crystalline or transparent?

Materials like white onyx, honey onyx, Cristallo quartzite, or some Corian® styles may be so transparent that seams or hotspots become visible. In these cases, we recommend:

• A ¼” to 1” acrylic spacer between the panel and the surface

• A diffusion layer such as Plexiglas 7328 white acrylic (1/16″)

This helps ensure a smooth, consistent glow even in sensitive materials.

Do the LED panels get hot?

No. Our panels are built with integrated heat sinks to keep them cool, even after hours of use. They emit minimal heat and are safe to install beneath stone or composite materials.

Can I mount the panels vertically?

Yes — our LED panels are frequently used in vertical applications such as feature walls, backsplash panels, shower surrounds, signage, and elevator surrounds. Panels are usually mounted using VHB tape, cleats, or adhesive, depending on the surface and installation environment.

Can the panels be installed in damp or wet areas?

While our standard panels are not waterproof, they are often installed behind waterproof materials such as glass or sealed stone. If your application is in a wet area, let us know — we can offer guidance or fabricate sealed versions if required.

Do I need to use Direct Backlighting panels?

Most projects use our edge-lit panels, which offer excellent performance, easy installation, and minimal wiring. However, for extremely high-brightness applications — such as retail displays or signage in bright ambient conditions — we may recommend our Direct LED Panels. These offer higher brightness but require more complex wiring and layout planning.

What color temperature do most clients choose?

Most of our clients choose between 4100K (neutral white) and 5300K (cool white). Both offer clean, natural illumination without yellow or blue tones. Warmer or cooler options are available by request — just let us know your preference.

What happens if a panel ever fails?

Our panels are built to last — but in the rare case of failure, it’s important to know: the only way to access the panel is by removing the surface material above it. That’s why it’s critical that the power supply remains accessible, as most failures involve the driver, not the panel itself. We’ll help you plan this during your project to avoid future issues.

If you have additional questions not covered here, our support team is always happy to help. We’ve lit hundreds of luxury projects across North America — and our experience is here for you too.