Artificial stone For Garden M-01

The problem of large ground-level equipment

Gardens and open areas contain large technical objects at ground level that do not fit under any S-series stone (max ø 49 cm): pool pumps and filters (ø 50–70 cm), wide septic tank lids (60–70 cm), large manhole covers, transformer boxes, irrigation distribution manifolds, and well pump stations.

Options are limited: leave industrial equipment exposed, order a natural boulder weighing 300–500 kg (with a crane and permanent placement), or settle for cheap plastic that cracks and fades within 2–3 seasons.

The M-01 solves this problem: 109 × 89 × 27 cm with ø 73 cm of internal coverage — the entry point to the M-series for objects too wide for the S-series. The wide, asymmetrical boulder shape with a low profile looks organic on large lawns, driveways, and spacious garden areas. At 13 kg, it is installed by two people in under 2 minutes — without tools, foundations, or site preparation.

Important — check compatibility before ordering. The dimensions listed above are interior guidelines, not a fit guarantee. Before ordering, we strongly recommend contacting the GARTENDEK team with the exact dimensions of your equipment — we will confirm whether this stone fits your task and, if necessary, suggest another model or a customized version.

Material and construction

The M-01 is made from a multi-layer fiberglass composite (GFK) — the same class of material used in shipbuilding. The outer surface is natural marble chips and marble powder in an ISO/NPG class gelcoat. The color is not applied with paint — it is formed by adding natural stone chips and stone dust of different colors directly into the gelcoat compound. Two colors: gray (Grau) and red (Rot).

The gelcoat contains marine-grade UV inhibitors — prevents fading, chalking, and degradation. At a distance of 1 metre, the M-01 is indistinguishable from a natural granite boulder. Handcrafted — color and size variations of up to 3–5 cm are within the normal range.

Installation

No tools, foundation, or site preparation required. Place the stone on any surface: lawn, soil, gravel, paving. Installation time: under 2 minutes. Two people recommended for carrying (13 kg). To access equipment — lift the stone. Wide base (109 × 89 cm) + weight 13 kg = excellent wind stability.

Durability

• Frost-resistant down to −30 °C
• UV-resistant up to +60 °C
• Completely waterproof — no moisture absorption
• Static load capacity: 100+ kg
• Service life: 10+ years outdoors
• Maintenance: rinse with water and a soft brush. No sealing, repainting, or chemical treatment required.

Safety and load limitations — the product supports a static load of 100+ kg under normal operation. The stone is not a load-bearing structure, is not designed for impact loads, and is not intended for jumping or active play without prior structural adaptation of the product. Use in children's and public zones is possible with a pre-agreed usage scenario, engineering adaptation of the structure, and coordination of safety requirements with the customer.

GARTENDEK M-01 vs Alternatives

Why M-01 and not another M-series model?

Choose M-01 when the object is wide (up to ø 73 cm), maximum ground coverage is needed, and the low profile (27 cm) suits the landscape. For the same ø 73 cm in a smaller body — M-02. For the maximum ø (80 cm) — M-03. For tall narrow objects — M-04.

Warranty

The GARTENDEK warranty on artificial stones is 5 years from the date of delivery.

The warranty does not cover:

• mechanical damage;
• cosmetic changes (natural gelcoat matting, minor degradation of the outer layer due to UV exposure);
• exposure to aggressive chemicals;
• use other than intended;
• modifications not agreed with GARTENDEK.

The warranty applies in addition to the consumer's statutory rights under applicable EU legislation.

10 practical scenarios for the M-01

The M-01 is the universal rounded boulder of the M-series. In a single concealment scenario, it works almost anywhere — lawn, flower bed, driveway, pool area. In multi-stone compositions, it naturally pairs with other rounded field boulders in the GARTENDEK range (S-03, S-06, L-02, XL-04) and reads as a neutral partner next to sharp-ridge stones in the same garden zone. When using several stones of the same color in a tight group, expect natural tonal variations in the marble-chip gelcoat — this is precisely how the composition reads as a natural scene rather than serial duplicates.

1. Concealing a pool pump and filter system — standard filter housings ø 50–70 cm fit freely under 73 cm coverage
2. Covering a large septic tank lid — standard 60 and 70 cm concrete or plastic lids are completely hidden
3. Concealing a large manhole cover or inspection chamber — in lawns, flower beds, or driveways
4. Hiding a transformer box (Trafohaus) — ground-level electrical cabinets disappear under a natural boulder
5. Covering an irrigation distribution manifold — multiple valves and fittings fit in the wide base
6. Concealing a well pump station — wide body and ground-level equipment hidden by one stone
7. Covering a rainwater tank lid — access to an underground cistern replaced by a landscape element
8. Hiding a cluster of pipes and cable joints — groups of utilities emerging from the ground hidden by one stone
9. Concealing the base of a garden water feature — fountain equipment, pond pump housings
10. Covering a compact heat pump unit — low-profile configuration fits under 27 cm height

From S-series to M-series — a categorical transition

The S-series covers objects up to ø 49 cm (S-05). When an object is wider than 49 cm, you need the M-series. The M-01 is the entry point.

The M-01 covers 49% more in diameter and approximately 122% more in area than the S-05. This is not an incremental step — it is a categorical transition.

Within the M-series, the M-01 occupies the position of maximum base area: 109 × 89 cm, the same ø 73 cm as the M-02, but with 38% more base area and 4 cm more height. At €377.74, it is a premium model alongside the M-03 (€378.24). For the same diameter in a smaller body: M-02 (€337.48). For max diameter: M-03 (ø 80 cm). For tall objects: M-04 (42 cm). For objects ≤ ø 49 cm: S-series.

Shape position

Beyond dimensions, the M-01 occupies a specific place in GARTENDEK's shape taxonomy: it is the universal rounded boulder of the M-series. Unlike M-02 (a pair with sharp edges — S-01 and L-01), M-03 (a cubic solo stone), and M-04 (a chopped trio partner to S-04 and L-04), the M-01 is not tied to any size-specific trilogy. It naturally pairs with rounded field boulders from other series (S-03, S-06, L-02, XL-04) and acts as a neutral supplement next to sharp-ridge stones. If the goal is maximum coverage and a stone that will calmly fit into any future composition, the M-01 is the baseline choice.

Will the M-01 fit my specific equipment?

The dimensions listed above are interior guidelines, not a fit guarantee. Before ordering, contact the GARTENDEK team with the exact measurements of your installation (diameter, height, clearance around the object). We will confirm compatibility and, if needed, recommend a different model or a customized version.

Can I place two M-01 stones next to each other, or mix M-01 with other models?

Yes — the M-01 is the universal rounded boulder of the M-series and works well in almost any composition. It pairs naturally with other rounded field boulders across sizes (S-03, S-06, L-02, XL-04) and reads as a neutral supporting element next to sharp-ridge models. Two M-01 stones side by side look credible with some visual distance between them, but for a tighter group, combining M-01 with S-03 or S-06 in the same color gives a more natural size rhythm. When stones are placed close together, keep the color consistent — gray with gray, red with red — and expect natural tonal variation in the marble-chip gelcoat.

1. Does the M-01 really look like a natural stone?

Yes. The surface is formed from real marble chips and marble powder embedded in an ISO/NPG class gelcoat — the same material technology used in marine construction. Color is integral to the material, not applied as paint. At 1 metre viewing distance, the M-01 is not identifiable as artificial. Handcrafted production means each stone has unique natural color variation.

2. What can I hide with the M-01?

Any ground-level object up to ø 73 cm in diameter and up to approximately 25 cm in height: swimming pool pumps and filter systems, septic tank lids (60–70 cm), large manhole covers, transformer boxes, irrigation manifold clusters, well pump assemblies, rainwater tank lids, and cable junction box clusters.

3. How does M-01 compare to M-02?

Both cover objects up to ø 73 cm, but M-01 has a 38% larger base area (109 × 89 cm vs 89 × 79 cm) and 4 cm more height (27 cm vs 23 cm). M-01 provides more ground coverage and slightly more interior clearance. M-02 is lighter (11.50 kg vs 13 kg) and more affordable (€337.48 vs €377.74). Choose M-01 for maximum base coverage; choose M-02 for a more compact stone with the same diameter.

4. What is the difference between M-series and S-series?

The S-series covers objects up to ø 49 cm (S-05). The M-series starts at ø 51 cm (M-04) and goes up to ø 80 cm (M-03). M-01 is the entry point to the M-series at ø 73 cm — covering 49% more diameter and over twice the area of the largest S-series model.

5. Is the M-01 frost-proof?

Yes. The GFK composite with ISO/NPG gelcoat is frost-proof to −30 °C and UV-stable to +60 °C. It is designed for year-round permanent outdoor placement in all European climate zones without any maintenance.

6. Can someone step on the M-01?

Yes. Static load capacity is 100+ kg. The stone tolerates accidental stepping, sitting, and normal garden traffic. However, it is designed as a concealment cover, not as outdoor furniture.

7. How many people are needed to install it?

Two people are recommended for comfortable transport and placement (13 kg). One person can reposition the stone for equipment access by tilting or sliding. No tools, foundation, or site preparation required. Installation time: under 2 minutes.

8. Will the M-01 blow away in the wind?

No. The combination of 13 kg weight, broad base (109 × 89 cm), and low profile (27 cm) provides excellent wind stability. The aerodynamic low shape allows wind to pass over it rather than catch it.

9. Can I drill holes in it for cables or pipes?

Yes. The GFK composite can be drilled with special masonry drill bits or hole saws, or cut with a stone-cutting disc on an angle grinder. This allows you to route cables, pipes, or hoses through the stone wall. Since the material does not have very thick walls (typically 10-15 mm), this can be done in just a few minutes.

10. What colors are available?

Two colors: Gray and Red. Color is formed by adding natural stone chips of different colors directly into the gelcoat compound — it is an integral part of the material, not a surface coating. Each color has its own ASIN on marketplaces.