Louisiana · NRMCA 2026 · Updated September 2026
Concrete Prices in Louisiana — 2026 Cost Guide + Calculator
Ready-mix concrete in Louisiana costs $118–$148 per cubic yard in 2026. Baton Rouge and New Orleans metro average $132–$148/yd³; Lafayette and Acadiana runs $124–$138/yd³; Shreveport and North Louisiana falls to $118–$130/yd³. Louisiana's subtropical climate eliminates freeze-thaw requirements, but expansive clay soils and high water tables create unique slab prep demands that affect total project cost.
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Louisiana Concrete Calculator
Select your Louisiana parish region, enter project dimensions, and get cubic yards, material cost, and installed estimate — Louisiana BLS labor rates pre-loaded.
Louisiana note: No air-entrainment required in most of Louisiana — no significant freeze-thaw cycle. Standard 3,000–3,500 PSI is appropriate for most residential flatwork. New Orleans metro: high water table may require elevated slab design — consult a local contractor before pouring.
Louisiana Concrete Costs & Prices — Per Cubic Yard
Find Concrete Prices in Your City — Louisiana 2026
Standard 3,000 PSI mix, plant-gate price effective 4/1/26. Delivery adds $8–$14/yd³ in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, $6–$10/yd³ in smaller markets.
| City / Parish | PSI | $/yd³ (material) | $/sq ft installed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge / E. Baton Rouge | 3,000 | $132–$148 | $6–$10 | Largest market; strong industrial + residential demand |
| New Orleans / Orleans Parish | 3,000 | $130–$145 | $6–$10 | High water table; elevated slab design often required |
| Metairie / Jefferson Parish | 3,000 | $128–$143 | $6–$10 | Dense suburban market; competitive contractor pool |
| Mandeville / St. Tammany Parish | 3,000 | $126–$140 | $6–$10 | Northshore growth corridor; strong residential |
| Lafayette / Lafayette Parish | 3,000 | $124–$138 | $5–$9 | Acadiana hub; oil/gas sector demand |
| Lake Charles / Calcasieu Parish | 3,000 | $122–$135 | $5–$9 | SW Louisiana; LNG/industrial project demand |
| Alexandria / Rapides Parish | 3,000 | $122–$134 | $5–$9 | Central Louisiana; Fort Polk corridor |
| Houma / Terrebonne Parish | 3,000 | $120–$132 | $5–$9 | Coastal oilfield; saltwater exposure spec recommended |
| Shreveport / Caddo Parish | 3,000 | $118–$130 | $5–$8 | Most affordable region; Texas border influence |
| Monroe / Ouachita Parish | 3,000 | $118–$128 | $5–$8 | NE Louisiana; competitive rural market |
Project Reference
What Concrete Crews Charge in Louisiana — 2026
Installed estimates (material + labor + forming + broom finish). Shreveport / North LA uses $122/yd³ + $4/sq ft. Baton Rouge / New Orleans uses $138/yd³ + $5.50/sq ft.
| Project | Size / Thickness | Yards needed | Material cost | Installed (Shreveport / North LA) | Installed (Baton Rouge / New Orleans) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small patio | 10×10 / 4" | 1.2 yd³ | $145–$185 | $545–$800 | $720–$1,075 |
| 20×20 concrete slab | 20×20 / 4" | 5.9 yd³ | $706–$916 | $2,200–$3,500 | $3,100–$4,900 |
| Driveway (16×38) | 16×38 / 4" | 7.5 yd³ | $897–$1,163 | $2,800–$4,400 | $3,900–$6,200 |
| 40×60 concrete slab | 40×60 / 6" | 44.4 yd³ | $5,327–$6,907 | $16,000–$25,000 | $22,000–$34,000 |
| Garage floor (24×24) | 24×24 / 4" | 8.5 yd³ | $1,018–$1,319 | $3,200–$5,000 | $4,500–$7,000 |
| 12×12 slab | 12×12 / 4" | 2.1 yd³ | $250–$325 | $800–$1,250 | $1,100–$1,700 |
Louisiana Concrete Market Deep Dive
Louisiana Concrete Costs & Prices — What Drives the Numbers
What Do Concrete Crews Cost in Louisiana in 2026? — BLS OEWS Verified
Labor is the largest variable cost in any Louisiana concrete project. BLS OEWS 2025 release for Louisiana cement masons and concrete finishers (SOC 47-2051):
| Occupation (SOC) | Mean hourly | Mean annual | Median annual | Employed in LA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cement Masons & Concrete Finishers (47-2051) | $22.10 | $45,960 | $43,700 | ~3,100 |
| Construction Laborers (47-2061) | $19.80 | $41,200 | $39,100 | ~12,400 |
| First-Line Supervisors, Trades (47-1011) | $32.40 | $67,400 | $65,100 | ~4,800 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2025 release, Louisiana statewide (SOC series). Louisiana cement mason wages ($22.10/hr) are 22% below the national mean of $28.40/hr — one of the lowest rates in the South, comparable to Mississippi ($21.50) and Arkansas ($22.80). A standard 3-person concrete crew in Baton Rouge runs approximately $440–$700/day in labor. This below-national labor rate is the primary reason Louisiana concrete installation is more affordable than neighboring Texas or Florida.
Louisiana Soil Conditions — What Every Homeowner Needs to Know Before Pouring
Louisiana's concrete challenges aren't about freeze-thaw — they're about soil. Most of the state sits on one of three problematic soil types that directly affect concrete slab performance and total project cost:
- Expansive clay (Baton Rouge, Central Louisiana, Northshore): Clay soils expand when wet and shrink when dry, creating seasonal movement under slabs. A compacted 4"–6" limestone base (class A) and plastic vapor barrier are essential before pouring. Skip the base prep and expect cracking within 3–5 years. Base prep adds $1.50–$3/sq ft to project cost.
- High water table (New Orleans metro, Houma, coastal parishes): New Orleans and surrounding parishes have water tables sometimes within 1–2 feet of the surface. Most residential slabs here are poured at grade — elevated slab or pier-and-beam designs are common. A monolithic slab below flood elevation requires consultation with a local engineer. Never pour a conventional slab in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area without engineering review.
- Sandy/alluvial soils (river parishes, Atchafalaya Basin): Loose alluvial soils require compaction testing and sometimes geotextile fabric before base installation. Ask your contractor if a compaction test is needed — it costs $150–$300 and can save thousands in future repairs.
Will Concrete Prices Go Down in 2026 in Louisiana?
Unlikely — and Louisiana has specific pressures beyond the national trend. NRMCA projects 2–4% national concrete price increases in 2026. Louisiana adds:
- LNG / industrial demand: Lake Charles and SW Louisiana have major LNG facility construction that keeps cement in high demand through at least 2027.
- Hurricane recovery demand: Post-storm concrete replacement and elevated structure projects create sustained demand in coastal parishes.
- Infrastructure bill projects: Louisiana received significant IIJA (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) funding for roads and bridges, competing with residential contractors for ready-mix supply.
Louisiana's year-round concrete season means there's no "slow season" discount as in northern states. If you have a project planned, book early — spring (February–April) is peak demand in South Louisiana as homeowners and contractors get ahead of summer heat.
Finding the Best Price for Concrete in Lafayette, LA
Lafayette and Acadiana is one of Louisiana's most competitive concrete markets — strong oil-and-gas activity has kept both demand and contractor supply robust. How to find the best price:
- Get 3 quotes minimum: Lafayette has a deep contractor pool. In 2026, quotes for a standard 20×20 patio range from $2,800 to $4,200 for the same job — a 50% spread. The low quote isn't always the best; ask what's included.
- Check LSLBC registration: Louisiana requires contractors to be registered with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) for projects over $75,000 (commercial) or $7,500 (residential, depending on parish). Verify at lslbc.louisiana.gov.
- Ask about base prep separately: Lafayette's clay soils mean base prep is not optional. Ask each contractor to itemize the limestone base cost — some quote "all-in" and others leave it out, making price comparison difficult.
- Time your project: Avoid July–August if possible. Lafayette summer heat (95°F+) slows the finishing window and may require retarding admixtures (+$3–$5/yd³). Spring or fall pours are easier and cheaper.
Is Concrete Worth the Money in Louisiana? Concrete vs. Pavers
In Louisiana's hot, humid climate with expansive soils, the surface choice matters more than in many states:
| Surface | Installed (Louisiana avg) | Lifespan in LA climate | LA-specific note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete (standard) | $5–$10/sq ft | 20–35 years | Best value; no freeze risk means no air-entrainment premium |
| Concrete (stamped) | $10–$16/sq ft | 15–30 years | UV fading faster in LA sun; reseal every 2–3 yrs |
| Asphalt | $3–$5/sq ft | 8–15 years | Softens significantly in LA summer heat; shorter useful life |
| Pavers (concrete) | $14–$24/sq ft | 15–30 years | Joint sand washes out in LA heavy rains; needs periodic re-sanding |
| Gravel | $1–$3/sq ft | Ongoing | Migrates in LA rainfall; needs regrading frequently |
Standard concrete is the clear long-term value choice in Louisiana. Asphalt degrades faster in the heat and UV than in northern states. Pavers lose joint sand rapidly in Louisiana's heavy rainfall, requiring more maintenance than in drier climates. If aesthetics matter, stamped concrete is the most cost-effective premium option for Louisiana patios and driveways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Louisiana Concrete — FAQ
A cubic yard of ready-mix concrete in Louisiana costs $118–$148 at the batch plant in 2026, effective 4/1/26. Baton Rouge metro averages $132–$148/yd³. New Orleans metro runs $130–$145/yd³. Shreveport and North Louisiana is most affordable at $118–$130/yd³. Add $8–$14/yd³ for delivery in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, $6–$10/yd³ in smaller markets.
A 20×20 ft slab at 4" thickness needs about 5.9 cubic yards (6.5 with overage). Installed cost: $2,200–$3,500 in Shreveport and North Louisiana and $3,100–$4,900 in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Important: add $600–$1,200 for limestone base prep (4"–6" compacted) if pouring over Louisiana clay soil — this is often not included in quoted installed prices.
A 40×60 ft slab at 6" depth requires approximately 44.4 cubic yards. Installed in Louisiana: $16,000–$25,000 in Shreveport and North Louisiana and $22,000–$34,000 in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Material alone: $5,327–$6,907. For a project this size in Louisiana, always include a compacted limestone base and vapor barrier in the scope — this adds $3,600–$7,200 to the base prep but prevents costly future cracking.
A 12×12 ft slab at 4" thickness requires about 2.1 cubic yards (2.3 with overage) — approximately 92 bags of 80 lb. At $8–$12/bag in Louisiana, that's $735–$1,100 in bags plus mixing labor. A ready-mix delivery of 2.3 yards in Louisiana costs $273–$340 for material (plus short-load surcharge). Ready-mix is more economical and consistent for any pour over 1 cubic yard. One 80 lb bag covers approximately 0.60 cubic feet — divide your total cubic feet by 0.60 to get your bag count.
One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. Coverage by bag size: 80 lb bags (0.60 cu ft each) → 45 bags per yard; 60 lb bags (0.45 cu ft each) → 60 bags per yard; 50 lb bags (0.375 cu ft each) → 72 bags per yard. Always add 10% waste. So for 1 yard of concrete with overage, you need approximately 50 bags of 80 lb. For a 12×12 ft slab at 4" (2.3 yards with overage), that's about 92 bags. For any project over 1 yard, ready-mix delivers better consistency and is more economical than bags.
The formula: (Length ft × Width ft × Thickness in ÷ 12) ÷ 27 × 1.10. Divide thickness in inches by 12 to convert to feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards, then multiply by 1.10 for 10% overage. One yard covers 81 sq ft at 4", 54 sq ft at 6". For Louisiana driveways, use 4" as standard thickness — no freeze-thaw means you don't need the 5" minimum required in northern states. Always call your Louisiana ready-mix plant with your dimensions — they'll confirm the yardage and can often deliver the same day with adequate notice.
Unlikely. NRMCA projects 2–4% national increases in 2026. Louisiana has additional demand pressure from LNG facility construction in Lake Charles, ongoing hurricane recovery projects in coastal parishes, and IIJA-funded road and bridge work competing for ready-mix supply. Louisiana's year-round construction season means no slow-season discount. Book your project now — there is no financial incentive to delay.
More Resources
More Louisiana Concrete Resources
Calculators
Nearby States
Louisiana pricing verified against NRMCA 2026 national data, BLS OEWS cement mason wage series for Louisiana statewide (SOC 47-2051, 2025 release), and American Concrete pricing effective 4/1/26. Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Shreveport, and coastal parish data cross-referenced with Louisiana batch plant surveys. Soil condition guidance sourced from Louisiana Department of Transportation soil maps and local contractor input. Updated September 2026. Reviewed quarterly.