Paver patio cost in Lake Charles, LA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (300 sq ft)
- $2,800 – $5,050
- Per sq ft
- $9.35 – $16
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −7%
- US $4,250
- Rank of 300 metros
- #210
- 1 = most expensive
Local price for a paver patio in the Lake Charles area: $2,800 to $5,050 for 300 sq ft. The low end is a basic job on easy ground; the high end is a premium spec with harder access. The midpoint runs 7% lower than the US figure. Construction laborers earn a median of $21.75 an hour in the Lake Charles area, 4% below the US median of $22.66.
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Estimated cost for 300 sq ft in Lake Charles, LA, standard level
$3,500 to $4,400
About $11.50 to $14 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 60% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,300 | $1,500 |
| Labor | $2,100 | $2,650 |
| Permits and fees | $90 | $210 |
| Total | $3,500 | $4,400 |
Cost breakdown for 300 sq ft in Lake Charles, LA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,100 | $1,400 | $1,700 | 36% |
| Labor | $1,700 | $2,350 | $3,050 | 60% |
| Permits and fees | $0 | $150 | $300 | 4% |
| Total | $2,800 | $3,950 | $5,050 | 100% |
Why Lake Charles prices look the way they do
The wage side of the estimate leans on construction laborers, who do 50% of the hours on a typical job. Their local median is $21.75 an hour. Add the other trades involved and the blended wage index for Lake Charles is 0.93 (US = 1.00), which puts labor at 60% of the total.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Lake Charles is at 93.7 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $1,500 nationally becomes $1,400 here (midpoint, 300 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 85.9: $0 to $300.
Data note: 30% of the labor weighting for this project uses a statewide median because BLS has no published metro figure for that trade in Lake Charles. The wage table below marks each row.
Who does the work: Lake Charles trade wages
The labor line is built from BLS wage data, one trade at a time. This job draws on 3 trades. We compare each trade's local median with the US median, weight the ratios by how much of the job each trade does, and apply the blend to the national labor cost. For Lake Charles the blend is 0.93.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 50%) the local median is $21.75 an hour, which is 4% below the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $17.37 and $25.18 an hour. BLS counts 2,130 of them working in the area, 209.5 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) carry 30% of the labor weighting. BLS does not publish this trade for the Lake Charles metro, so we used the Louisiana statewide median: $27.62 an hour against $29.87 for the US. The middle half of them earn between $23.05 and $29.23 an hour.
Landscaping and groundskeeping workers (37-3011), 20% of the weighting: a median of $16.36 an hour, 13% below the US median of $18.82. The middle half of them earn between $13.82 and $17.57 an hour. About 490 work in the metro. That is 48.2 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 61.3 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (construction laborers) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $190 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $250. That is a swing of roughly 6.3% to 4.9% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Lake Charles has 101,690 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 202nd by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 50% | $17.37 | $21.75 | $25.18 | $22.66 | 0.96 | metro |
| Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) | 30% | $23.05 | $27.62 | $29.23 | $29.87 | 0.92 | state |
| Landscaping and groundskeeping workers (37-3011) | 20% | $13.82 | $16.36 | $17.57 | $18.82 | 0.87 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.93 | |||||
Why two Lake Charles quotes can differ
Permit
At-grade patios often need no permit; add a retaining wall, a cover, or a connection to the house and that changes.
Paver material
Pavers alone average $2-$4 per sq ft but the full range is $1-$15 depending on concrete, brick, or natural stone (HomeGuide).
Base prep
The base (road base, fabric, edging, bedding and joint sand) is $1.40-$2.20 per sq ft of the materials number.
Is Lake Charles cheap or dear? The local comparison
Of the five closest metros, 4 are cheaper than Lake Charles. Alexandria is the lowest at about $3,700 (midpoint, 300 sq ft), 95 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Charles, LAthis page | $2,800 – $5,050 | $3,950 | |
| Beaumont, TX60 miles | $2,800 – $5,050 | $3,900 | −1% |
| Lafayette, LA65 miles | $2,650 – $4,750 | $3,700 | −6% |
| Alexandria, LA95 miles | $2,650 – $4,750 | $3,700 | −6% |
| Baton Rouge, LA125 miles | $2,700 – $4,900 | $3,800 | −4% |
| Houston, TX130 miles | $2,800 – $5,100 | $3,950 | +1% |
| Louisiana (statewide) | $2,650 – $4,850 | $3,750 | −4% |
| United States | $3,000 – $5,450 | $4,250 | +8% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Lake Charles ranks #210 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Lake Charles is 5% above the Louisiana figure.
Elsewhere in Louisiana
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans, LA | 445,550 jobs | $2,700 – $4,900 | $3,800 | −3% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 409,690 jobs | $2,700 – $4,900 | $3,800 | −4% |
| Lafayette, LA | 179,570 jobs | $2,650 – $4,750 | $3,700 | −6% |
| Shreveport, LA | 162,750 jobs | $2,700 – $4,850 | $3,750 | −4% |
| Slidell, LA | 98,240 jobs | $2,700 – $4,850 | $3,800 | −4% |
| Monroe, LA | 87,500 jobs | $2,600 – $4,650 | $3,600 | −8% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Lake Charles against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lafayette, IN | 102,200 jobs | $2,950 – $5,350 | $4,150 | +6% |
| Springfield, IL | 100,810 jobs | $3,450 – $6,250 | $4,850 | +23% |
| Clarksville, TN | 103,220 jobs | $2,850 – $5,150 | $4,000 | +2% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | 98,500 jobs | $3,400 – $6,200 | $4,800 | +22% |
The best months for paver patio in Lake Charles
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Lake Charles (5 miles from the city center). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
For digging, grading and setting material in the ground, the comfortable months in Lake Charles are September through May: 9 of 12. Outside them, June, July and August have an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
Lake Charles gets about 60 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are January, June and August (6.5 inches in June). Inside the workable window, February and March are the driest, at 3.3 and 3.7 inches. The station averages about 88 days a year at 90°F or above.
We do not adjust the estimate by month, because we have no reliable published data on seasonal pricing. It is still worth asking contractors whether an off-peak start date changes their bid.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 63 | 43 | 5.9 | Workable |
| Feb | 67 | 47 | 3.3 | Workable |
| Mar | 73 | 53 | 3.7 | Workable |
| Apr | 79 | 59 | 4.4 | Workable |
| May | 85 | 67 | 5.4 | Workable |
| Jun | 91 | 74 | 6.5 | Hot |
| Jul | 92 | 76 | 5.7 | Hot |
| Aug | 93 | 75 | 6.2 | Hot |
| Sep | 89 | 71 | 5.2 | Workable |
| Oct | 82 | 60 | 4.8 | Workable |
| Nov | 72 | 51 | 4.1 | Workable |
| Dec | 65 | 45 | 4.6 | Workable |
Extras that change the Lake Charles total
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 0.93 for Lake Charles, which is the average of the area's wage index (0.93) and goods price index (0.94). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Excavation and haul-away | $280 – $1,400 |
Planning more than one job in Lake Charles?
Jobs that often go together with paver patio are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Lake Charles wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, retaining wall comes out highest (−8%) and wood deck lowest (−12%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,150 – $3,600 | −10% |
| Stamped concrete | 400 sq ft | $2,950 – $7,200 | −9% |
| Retaining wall | 200 sq ft of wall face | $6,500 – $12,500 | −8% |
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $6,600 – $13,300 | −12% |
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,200 – $4,700 | −9% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,300 – $8,200 | −11% |
Pick a size, pick a tier: paver patio pricing in Lake Charles
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Lake Charles. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from 12x12 (144 sq ft) to pool deck (800 sq ft).
Basic
$2,800 to $3,700
Basic concrete pavers, simple pattern, level yard
Standard
$3,500 to $4,400
Mid-grade pavers, a border or curve, some regrading
Premium
$4,150 to $5,050
Natural stone or clay brick, complex pattern, slope or retaining edge
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12x12 (144 sq ft) | $1,350 – $1,850 | $1,700 – $2,200 | $2,100 – $2,600 |
| 16x16 (256 sq ft) | $2,400 – $3,200 | $3,000 – $3,750 | $3,550 – $4,350 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $3,750 – $4,900 | $4,600 – $5,750 | $5,500 – $6,650 |
| pool deck (800 sq ft) | $7,450 – $9,700 | $9,150 – $11,300 | $10,800 – $13,000 |
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $3,500 to $4,400 for Lake Charles, LA is attached.
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Multi-page report for Lake Charles, LA: low, typical and high cost, a line-item breakdown of materials and labor by trade, permit notes, the best months to schedule, a quote comparison sheet, red flags, questions for contractors, checklists and every source. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Paver patio in Lake Charles: your questions
+How much does it cost to install a paver patio in Lake Charles?
For 300 sq ft, expect $2,800 to $5,050 in the Lake Charles area. A standard-spec job lands at $3,500 to $4,400. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for paver patio in Lake Charles?
About $9.35 to $16 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $0 to $300 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $10 to $17.
+Is paver patio cheaper in Lake Charles or Beaumont?
Beaumont is 60 miles away. The midpoint for 300 sq ft there is $3,900, which is 1% less than Lake Charles ($3,950). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Lake Charles?
About 60% at the midpoint, or $2,350 out of $3,950. Materials are 36% and permits 4%. Nationally, labor is 60%.
+What would 20x20 (400 sq ft) cost in Lake Charles?
$3,750 to $6,650. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does paver patio need a permit in Lake Charles?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $0 to $300 for fees in the Lake Charles area (our national range of $0 to $350 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Lake Charles expensive for paver patio compared with the rest of Louisiana?
Lake Charles is 5% above the Louisiana statewide estimate ($3,750 at the midpoint). We cover 9 metros in Louisiana; see the state page to compare them.
+What do construction laborers earn in Lake Charles?
The BLS median is $21.75 an hour in the Lake Charles area, compared with $22.66 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $17.37 to $25.18.
+What do basic and premium paver patio work cost in Lake Charles?
For 300 sq ft, basic work runs $2,800 to $3,700 and premium work $4,150 to $5,050. Basic means: basic concrete pavers, simple pattern, level yard. Premium means: natural stone or clay brick, complex pattern, slope or retaining edge.
+When is the best time to install a paver patio in Lake Charles?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are September through May. February and March are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
+What does "excavation and haul-away" add in Lake Charles?
$280 to $1,400 for 300 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Paver patio near Lake Charles
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: 2026 Paver Patio Cost | Paver Installation Costs (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: How Much Does Stamped Concrete Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: 2026 Building Permit Costs | Fees & Cost Calculator (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020