anyone out there have any idea how much it would cost to purchase a granite countertop?

My guess is about $1000 installed. There is big variation in price by location and by the granite itself -- some being exquisite, extraordinary and rare with streaks and grains that require great skill and extra material for fabrication. Granite with specs is much easier to work and many available are reasonably priced. Granite is about three times as expensive as tile and only slightly more than corian. Twelve inch granite tiles are a less expensive option still. I wouldn't trade my slab granite. It looks smart and it's durable and great for pastry work. Check out this site which lists prices to get an idea: http://www.fromangranite.com/price_color_granite.h...

I have seen it go for as little as $99 for 1) 8' slab, with no holes cut in it and as much as $500 for 1) 8' slab. If the sink is undermount it will cost an additional $150-200, but if it is a drop-in sink it will cost anywhere from free to $100. If the cabinets are already prepped for installation (level with a sheet of 5/8" plywood on top) it will not cost extra, but leveling the cabinets and installing the su counter costs extra, $100-200. So for your needs it could cost anywhere from $99 to $900. This is a massive price range, but it is the best I can do with the info I have from you.

As far as durability goes, I have had granite in the kitchen for 8 years and I do not have a single chip in the counters, and I have fewer scratches than many people I know. And, we cook alot in our kitchen, we eat out 1-3 times every 2 months. Granite can be very durable and it is also far more heat resistant than any of the synthetics. When we need to stop the cooking process on something that is about to burn we can set the pan on the granite and it pulls the heat out almost immediatly.

the best option you can get is to visit the local granite yard. look for scrap pieces you will often find some really awesome looking one. sometime the ones that are left over from other bigger pieces go for a lot less.

Where I live, about 125.00 a sq foot, big bucks for a product that chips and scratches way too easy. Why not check out some of the synthetics on the market, Du Pont has some fabulous stuff.

I can only find that on froogle... Check the following link, maybe it might help:

http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=granite+counte...

usually two arms and one leg - LOL

seriously, prices are different throughout the country

you may get by for an arm and a leg

quite expensive. no clue thought sorri T.T