~$400 including expedited shipping. My GC just had his regular countertop guy do them, which wasn't great.... he had trouble making clean cuts. If I were going to do it again I would have pressed for someone with expertise to cut them. You can see in the image that the facing is not made of the stone peak, because too much was broken during the cutting to make the mitered edge. I'm a little bummed, but mostly pleased with the surface (which is the important part) thus far.

wish you had a picture...as for the design dilemma i have a few off the cuff ideas 1. if you own cats then wrap pole with goo sturdy rope (color if rope is neutral. goes with nearly all colors). the cats can use this as a scratching post 2. Can stack terra cotta pipes around pole then place wine bottles in them 3. Place a table around the pole. make it a bar, coffee bar or just somewhere to sit. Easy to do. Round table (thrift store or craigslist buy) cut in half then cut a half circle on each half then connect table around pole 4. attach hangers on the post and then use it as a coat rack. clothes rack if in the bed room Just a few ideas. Suggest you send before and after pictures in so if others have the same dilemma. Good luck with it :)

This made me laugh: http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/09/seagull-turns-orange-after-falling-into-vat-of-chicken-tikka-masala I couldn't copy the picture, but it's hilarious.

If it's brand new, have you tried asking the supplier what they recommend? We got a booklet from our supplier when we got new carpet with ways to treat various stains on that particular carpet. Each kind of carpet will be different. Also, have you tried a professional carpet cleaner? If all else fails, try your luck with your insurance company - I know others who have got carpet replaced because of bad stains - depends on your policy.