Artificial stone For Garden XL-04

What problem it solves

Many garden utility elements are round: standard manhole covers (DN600/DN700), septic tank inspection hatches, well casings, pool pump and sand filter systems, round irrigation valve boxes, pond filtration equipment. These objects typically measure 50–85 cm in diameter — too large for the ø 80 cm coverage class (XL-01, M-03, L-01), requiring the maximum ø 90 cm.

Only two models in the entire GARTENDEK range deliver ø 90 cm: XL-04 and XL-02. The difference lies in total footprint area and shape. XL-02 (155 × 105 cm = 1.63 m²) is a massive elongated slab for concealing the object together with its wide surrounding infrastructure — frames, concrete plinths, pipe clusters. XL-04 (104 × 103 cm = 1.07 m²) is a compact round boulder for concealing the object itself without excessive space consumption.

The shape advantage is critical. Most residential utility objects are round — and a round stone over a round manhole looks inherently natural. A rectangular elongated slab over a circular installation often appears contrived. The XL-04's near-circular footprint delivers the most visually consistent result for the most common installation scenarios.

The value advantage is equally significant. XL-04 costs €362.25 + €120 delivery (total €482.25) vs XL-02 at €551.89 + €170 delivery (total €721.89) — a saving of €239.64 (33%) for the same ø 90 cm coverage. At 15.50 kg vs 23.50 kg, the XL-04 is also much easier to handle.

Natural round boulders of comparable dimensions weigh 500–1,000 kg and require heavy machinery. Budget plastic covers in this size are structurally inadequate. The XL-04 fills this gap: realistic stone appearance, engineered composite strength, and a weight that two people can comfortably manage.

Construction, installation &​amp; technical specifications

The XL-04 is a hollow shell with a compact near-round dome profile — 104 × 103 cm at the base (ratio 1.01:1), rising from approximately 16 cm at the lowest edge, through ~18 cm at an intermediate edge, to 23 cm at the central peak. The interior delivers a useful coverage diameter of ~90 cm — the maximum in the GARTENDEK range.

Installation takes under five minutes. Place the stone directly over the target object on any surface. No anchoring, no foundation, no tools required. The compact near-circular footprint (~1.07 m²) ensures good natural ground contact and stability.

Transport and placement require two people — at 15.50 kg and 104 cm diameter, comfortable handling through a garden requires two adults. Equipment access requires only one person — lift or tilt the stone to inspect or service the concealed installation, then lower it back. This is the key operational distinction for daily use.

Wind consideration — the compact flat-dome shape (~1.07 m²) has a lower wind profile than elongated models. In exposed locations, perimeter landscape anchor stakes provide additional security, though this is not mandatory for most residential installations.

Seasonal behavior is neutral. The fiberglass composite structure does not absorb water, does not expand or contract significantly with temperature changes, and tolerates a continuous operating range from −30 °C to +60 °C. The stone behaves identically in summer heat, autumn rain, and winter frost. It does not need to be removed, covered, or stored in any season.

Ground contact — the stone has an unsealed base and rests directly on the ground surface. It is not hermetically sealed; natural micro-airflow between the interior cavity and the environment is possible through the base contact area.

Safety and load limits — the product supports 100+ kg static load in normal conditions. It is not a load-bearing structure, not designed for impact loads, and not intended for jumping or active play without prior structural adaptation. Use in children's and public areas is possible with a pre-agreed use scenario, engineering adaptation of the structure, and coordination of safety requirements.

Technical specifications

Material &​amp; durability philosophy

The XL-04 is constructed from a multi-layer fiberglass composite (GFK) — the same material class used in marine hull construction, chosen for its strength-to-weight ratio and long-term weather resistance.

The outer surface is an ISO/NPG class gelcoat with marble chips and marble powder. The color is not painted, printed, or applied as a film. Natural stone chips and stone powders of different colors are mixed directly into the gelcoat compound during manufacture. Color and grain are embedded into the material itself, producing a surface that ages gracefully rather than peeling, chipping, or fading.

The product is handmade (In Handarbeit gefertigt) — color and dimensional deviations of 3–5 cm are within normal range and contribute to the natural stone appearance.

Compared to typical alternatives:

The XL-04 occupies a position that neither extreme achieves: much lighter and more practical than a natural boulder, much more durable and visually convincing than budget plastic — and uniquely combining a hollow interior with a marine-grade load-bearing composite shell in a natural round form that no alternative product offers at this coverage diameter.

Maintenance is minimal. Occasionally wipe with water and a soft brush. No sealing, repainting, or chemical treatment is ever required.

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 outer-layer degradation due to UV exposure);
• exposure to aggressive chemicals;
• use other than intended;
• modifications not agreed with GARTENDEK.

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

Real use scenarios

Standard manhole cover concealment (DN600/DN700)

The XL-04's primary application. A standard manhole cover with frame — the XL-04's round boulder silhouette is the most natural shape to place over a circular manhole. The ø 90 cm clearance accommodates DN600 (ø 60 cm) and DN700 frames. The 104 × 103 cm footprint covers the frame, surround, and disturbed lawn.

Pool pump and sand filter

A pool pump with control head (ø 50–80 cm, H ≤ ~20 cm) — the XL-04's round footprint mirrors the cylindrical geometry of a pool pump more naturally than a rectangular slab. The compact footprint avoids consuming excessive poolside space.

Septic tank inspection hatch

A septic tank inspection hatch (ø 60–85 cm) at ground level — the XL-04's round boulder positions naturally centered over a circular hatch. The 1.07 m² footprint covers the hatch and immediate surround.

Well casing concealment

A well casing (ø 50–85 cm) protruding 10–20 cm above ground — the XL-04's round form is the most natural concealment for a round well casing. The 104 × 103 cm footprint covers the casing and surrounding disturbed soil.

Round irrigation valve boxes

Round in-ground valve boxes (ø 55–85 cm) — the compact 104 × 103 cm footprint covers the box and gravel surround without claiming excessive lawn area. Equipment remains accessible.

Garden pond pump and filter

Compact pond filter housings (ø 50–80 cm) — the XL-04's round shape integrates most naturally next to a garden pond. The near-circular silhouette harmonizes with organic pond landscaping.

Large tree stump concealment

A cut tree stump (ø ≤ 85 cm) at ground level — the round boulder is the most visually natural cover for a round stump, restoring a clean lawn line.

Underground utility junction boxes

Cable, telecom, or gas junction boxes at grade — ø 90 cm accommodates the most common residential service box sizes. The round form integrates naturally with any garden layout.

Garden utility cluster

A grouping of garden utilities — electrical outlet + water tap + irrigation valve — within a compact zone (≤ ø 85 cm total). A single XL-04 covers the entire cluster.

Decorative round boulder accent

The 104 × 103 cm near-circular footprint creates the convincing impression of a large round field stone. Ideal beside ponds, in circular planting beds, or as a focal point in lawn areas. Many owners deploy it purely for decorative purposes.

Position in the GARTENDEK system

The XL-04 is the most compact, lightest, and most affordable model with maximum ø 90 cm coverage in the entire GARTENDEK range. It is the value champion of the ø 90 cm class and the only near-round stone in the XL-series.

The critical comparison within the ø 90 cm class:

Both models deliver ø 90 cm internal coverage. The selection parameter is total area to conceal and object shape:

• XL-04 (1.07 m²) — the object is round, fits within ø 90 cm with minimal surrounding infrastructure. Compact, lighter, more affordable. The near-round shape is the most natural match for round objects.
• XL-02 (1.63 m²) — the utility zone extends well beyond ø 90 cm: wide frames, concrete plinths, pipe clusters. XL-02 covers everything in a single piece.

Price advantage analysis: XL-04 costs €362.25 + €120 delivery (total €482.25) vs XL-02 at €551.89 + €170 (total €721.89) — total saving of €239.64 (33%). Same ø 90 cm, 34% less footprint, 34% less weight.

For comparison with the full XL-series:

Choose XL-04 when:

• The object to conceal is round and fits within ø 90 cm
• A round stone silhouette provides the most natural concealment for the round object
• Maximum coverage diameter is needed at the lowest price point
• The surrounding infrastructure zone is compact — no wide frames or plinths to cover
• Daily single-person access is important (lighter than XL-02)

Consider another model when:

• The utility zone extends beyond 104 × 103 cm — XL-02 (155 × 105 cm, 1.63 m²) covers wide infrastructure zones
• The target object is ≤ ø 80 cm — XL-01 (ø 80 cm, €352.94) offers a slightly lower base price
• The target object is taller than ~20 cm — no current XL model covers that; consider the L-series (heights up to 45 cm, ø up to 80 cm)

The XL-04 works as a standalone round landscape accent or as part of a multi-stone composition combining compact round domes with elongated XL slabs and vertical S, M, or L boulders for a varied, natural-looking rock grouping.

Does the XL-04 look realistic, or will people notice it is artificial?

The surface is formed from real marble chips and marble powder embedded in an ISO/NPG gelcoat — not painted. Texture and color variation mimic a natural granite field stone. From normal observation distance (1 m+) the XL-04 is not identifiable as artificial. The near-circular shape and 104 × 103 cm scale reinforce this — it looks like a large round field stone naturally embedded in the landscape.

How many people are needed for installation?

Two people for transport and initial placement — the stone weighs 15.50 kg and measures 104 cm across. Installation takes under 5 minutes on any surface, with no tools or foundation required. For daily equipment access, one person is sufficient — lift or tilt the stone to inspect or service the concealed installation, then lower it back.

Will it fade or crack after years outdoors?

No. UV stability is built into the ISO/NPG gelcoat — the same grade used in marine applications. The color is integral to the material, not a surface coating. Declared service life is 10+ years of continuous outdoor exposure with no fading, cracking, or delamination.

What is the maximum object size the XL-04 can cover?

Interior coverage diameter is approximately 90 cm — the maximum in the GARTENDEK range — with a peak height of 23 cm (effective internal clearance ~20 cm). It is designed for standard manhole covers (DN600/DN700), septic hatches, pool pumps, well casings, and round irrigation valve boxes. For objects with wide surrounding infrastructure, consider XL-02 (155 × 105 cm, 1.63 m²).

Can I place it directly on grass or soil?

Yes. No site preparation is required. The compact near-circular footprint (~1.07 m²) provides good natural stability on any surface. In wind-exposed locations, landscape anchor stakes can be considered.

What is the difference between XL-04 and XL-02?

Both deliver ø 90 cm internal coverage. XL-04 (104 × 103 cm, 1.07 m²) is compact, near-round, and €190 cheaper — ideal when the object is round and fits within ø 90 cm. XL-02 (155 × 105 cm, 1.63 m²) offers maximum footprint — for wide infrastructure zones with frames, plinths, and pipe clusters. Total cost: XL-04 €482.25 vs XL-02 €721.89 (33% saving).

Can I accidentally step on it?

Yes. The fiberglass composite shell supports over 100 kg of static load. It tolerates accidental stepping and garden traffic without deformation.

Is the XL-04 available in different colors?

Yes — two color variants: Red and Gray. Color is formed by adding different natural stone chips to the gelcoat compound, so each variant has authentic stone-like color variation.

Can I drill holes for cables or pipes?

Yes. The GFK composite can be drilled with masonry bits or hole saws, or cut with a stone disc on an angle grinder. Walls are typically 10–15 mm thick, so it takes only a few minutes.

Is the XL-04 suitable for pool areas?

Yes. The near-round dome is the most natural shape for concealing cylindrical pool pumps and sand filters. The compact 104 × 103 cm footprint avoids claiming excessive poolside space, and the marine-grade gelcoat resists chlorine spray and constant humidity.