Precision Grounded Plates

Hi Guys,

Doing my first machine build, I'm trying to build a machine with a general tolerance of 1 thou. I'm a little unsure as where to buy precision grounded plates or if I even need them... I'm based in Ireland but as long as I order from somewhere within Europe I'm okay with that. Also I know it's highly dependant but I'm just trying to get a general idea how much this is going to cost me... If someone could guesstimate how much a 1m x 1m plate with 2 cm thickness precision grounded plate would cost (just to get a touchy feely idea how much this is going to hurt)

Mainly though, I'd appreciate your guys advice on what vendors i should use. Also what kind of steel do you guys recommend.

I don't want to order anything for the States or China, only Europe. Thanks.