Current Costs for Trim & Molding in Louisiana (2025 Update)

Cajun Conservation
Jun 30
2 min read

If you’re planning a home remodel, a new build, or simply upgrading your interior finishes, understanding the cost of trim carpentry in South Louisiana is essential. From baseboards and crown molding to custom door casings and wainscoting, trim work adds polish and value—but it can also vary significantly in price depending on material, complexity, and labor.

What’s the Average Cost of Trim Work in Louisiana?

In 2025, the average cost of trim and molding installation in Louisiana ranges between $5.50 and $12.75 per linear foot, with the mid-range average sitting around $7.47/ft, according to industry sources and local estimates. This includes both materials and labor.

Here's a quick breakdown:

Trim Type	Material	Avg. Cost (Per Linear Foot)
Baseboard	MDF / Finger-jointed Pine	$1.25 – $4.50
Crown Molding	Poplar / MDF / PVC	$3.00 – $8.00
Casing (Doors/Windows)	Pine / PVC / Composite	$2.50 – $6.00
Wainscoting / Panel Molding	Wood / MDF	$5.00 – $12.75
Custom Millwork	Cypress / Oak	$10.00 – $25.00+

Pro Tip: Pricing in South Louisiana can shift based on regional availability of materials. For example, cypress trim, native to the region, is often competitively priced and preferred for its resistance to moisture and insects.

Labor Costs in South Louisiana

Labor is a big chunk of the expense. Local finish carpenters typically charge:

$45–$75/hour for skilled custom trim work.
Flat rates ranging from $8 to $15/foot for more straightforward projects.

Factors affecting labor cost include:

Home layout (vaulted ceilings, corners, existing obstacles)
Complexity (multi-layered crown, custom profiles)
Paint vs. stain grade (stain-grade wood requires more finesse)

City-Specific Averages (Trim Install Only)

Lafayette: ~$6.25/ft for standard trim; ~$10.00/ft for detailed crown
Baton Rouge: ~$7.50/ft average, higher in high-end neighborhoods
Lake Charles: Slightly lower due to broader availability of trades
New Orleans: ~$9.00/ft average due to historic home needs

Tips to Save on Trim Costs

Choose pre-primed stock: Cuts down on labor and paint costs.
Go with MDF or finger-jointed pine for painted applications.
Simplify your profiles: Colonial-style trim is less costly to install than elaborate Victorian or stacked moldings.
Use local materials: Native woods like cypress are beautiful and durable.
Bundle work: Combining flooring, painting, and trim into one job often lowers labor costs per task.

Is Trim Work Worth the Investment?

Absolutely. Trim isn’t just decoration—it defines spaces, adds charm, and improves resale value. In South Louisiana, where both traditional and modern home styles coexist, well-executed trim work can be the perfect blend of form and function.

“Trim is where the personality of a room comes to life,” says a Lafayette-based contractor. “And in humid areas like ours, using the right materials means it’ll last for decades.”

Final Thoughts

Whether you're restoring an Acadian-style home in Breaux Bridge or adding crown to your Prairieville new build, understanding current local costs helps you budget and choose wisely. Trim may seem like a small detail—but when done right, it makes all the difference.

Need help budgeting or designing your next trim project? We offer free estimates and can help you choose the perfect materials for South Louisiana’s unique climate.