It is easy to get an estimate from most companies. I'll be using edge grain walnut (1 3/4 inches) on my island (72" by 36"). I do not plan to cut on it. The price I was quoted for an eased edge treatment and a full four coats of tung oil-type finish was $1800. I could get the same piece of wood and finish it myself for less than $1000. Craft-art wood has an online estimator/quote tool. I suspect that end grain is more expensive. But if you are using a mineral oil treatment rather than tung oil furniture-grade finish it may be a little less on the finishing end.

End grain is more expensive than edge or plank, at least that's what Ive noticed from all my searching around. I'm not sure you can do an end grain counter in a span as long as 6'. If I remember correctly from a Boos retailer online, there is a limit to the size of end grain. Maybe 6' was the max, and I was disappointed because my island will be bigger. Sorry I can't remember, but do check that out.

As far as quotes, I emailed a few companies and got quotes back easily enough. In case you're looking for wood counter companies, there was a thread not too long ago about wood companies, but I don't have the thread saved on the iPad. A search here might turn it up. Some are outrageously high but make stunning products.

Let us know what you decide. I'm still debating wood or something else for my island to go with my marble perimeters.

You can get a 36x72 o4 30x96 bamboo end grain butcherblock. I found it at a lumberyard for less than $500. This of course is without installation but it is easy to install. Your contractor would do that. You can find distributors on the website.

Here is a link that might be useful: Teragren parque butcherblock

wish I'd known about the bamboo option. We are getting an end-grain cherry dining height counter in our kitchen. Will be from Boos. They have a very useful website.

Thanks for the references! I found the prices on Boos site; that is very helpful for giving me a general idea; many thanks. That bamboo on the other website link looks interesting; is it as hard as other wood?

The bamboo is very hard...we have it in our kitchen and we cut on it all the time. You can google for more information on bamboo cutting boards. Here is a pic of our bamboo counter...it's the caramelized color and it has recently been oiled in this picture.
{{!gwi}}From Kitchen

Oh and here is some info on bamboo hardness from the Teregren website FAQ

Here is a link that might be useful: Teregran FAQ

I think you should definitely check out Craft Art if you look at Boos. I have been dealing with them on a project of my own and they have this "Price Match" that you can actaully do - if the company is comparable. And so far Boos is one of the companies they will price match it looks like. I don't know if it will apply for your job, but you should at least check it out if you are price hunting. They did it for me and I have a second project I am thinking of having them price match. What can I say? So far doing the research for best price has been really good.. especially because I think I may get better quality at that better price.

I do know that when I talked to them they were super helpful, too, or else I probably wouldn't even be posting. Obviously they helped me with the standard sales question stuff but they actually helped me figure out my vision and how wood works in kitchens etc. Still haven't made my final decision (such a long decision making process to try to get it all exactly right!) but I'm certainly leaning in their direction... it's at least a really good resource.

End grain is more expensive because of how its constructed, but if you get it in a less expensive wood it can be doable. Maybe look at Hickory or Hard Maple or even "Rustic Black Walnut" - this is the one Craft Art told me about that I may go with in plank construction because it's a dark wood in their lowest price because it has more knots and things - which I actually like. (apparently some people don't want wood that looks like wood??)

Hope you find what you are looking for!

Hickory End Grain (From the craft art wood species page btw)

Are you looking for a stand alone island or just a top? I just ran across this when I was trying to find pics to add to my response. (even if you aren't - i just think this thing looks cool. haha)
This one is from their "store" site. Craft Art store where I found these.

Species is Am. Cherry - loove it
{{!gwi}}

ps. can I get a major high five for learning how to insert a link and a photo?? : )

Here is a link that might be useful: Craft Art and Price Match

Ok so I read your initial message wrong and now answered my own question - haste makes waste! You are looking for a 6' long island top! Sorry, my second photo is irrelevant.

But the other stuff still should help : )

Oooh, I like that hickory end grain. I emailed Grothouse for an estimate on maple and mahogany and got a nice response for those and including other kinds of wood. I really like them, actually. I want the juice groove and wanted the trivets but the trivets are pricey. I am just totally in the wishing stage at this time and looking to see how much money to save. I did look at Boos and probably they can do the size I need, but the estimates for sizes didn't go up that high. Grothouse had no problem with the size I need and were reasonable, IMO.