- Stock: Out Of Stock
- Model: S-04
- Diameter: 33.00 cm
- Net weight: 6.00 kg
- Dimensions: 50.00 cm × 42.00 cm × 24.00 cm
Available Options
- Description
- Problem & Solution
- How It Works
- Material & Warranty
- Use Cases
- In the Range
- Environment
- FAQ
The GARTENDEK S-04 is a hollow artificial stone with a compact angular boulder profile — the most compact model in the GARTENDEK S-series. Designed to resemble a rough-hewn granite boulder, it conceals small garden utilities — drain covers, inspection lids, outdoor sockets, junction boxes, irrigation valves, compact pumps, and pipe openings — while adding a proportionally scaled stone accent to the landscape.
At 6 kg, the S-04 can be placed and repositioned by one person in under a minute, on any surface: lawn, gravel, soil, or paving. No tools, no foundations, no permanent changes to your garden. Beneath its blocky, faceted silhouette lies a hollow interior with a coverage diameter of approximately 33 cm and a peak height of 24 cm — precisely sized for small utility openings where larger stones would look oversized and draw attention instead of concealing.
The surface is formed from natural marble chips embedded in a marine-grade gelcoat, producing the color variation and texture of a real granite boulder. Available in two natural tones — Red and Gray — the S-04 is the precision-fit choice in the GARTENDEK range: compact, proportional, and designed for long-term outdoor placement without maintenance.
Residential gardens contain small functional elements that are visually disruptive: drain covers, inspection lids, outdoor sockets, junction boxes, irrigation valves, compact pumps, and pipe openings. These elements are necessary but aesthetically unwanted — and they are often located in prominent positions: near paths, terraces, and entrance zones.
Standard concealment stones are often too large for small openings. A ø 39–49 cm cover over a ø 25 cm drain looks disproportionate and draws attention rather than hiding it. The mismatch between cover size and target size creates a new visual problem instead of solving the original one.
Traditional alternatives are limited. A natural boulder of comparable size weighs 40–80 kg, requires handling effort, and cannot be hollowed to provide equipment access. Budget plastic covers are lightweight but degrade quickly — painted surfaces fade, crack, or chalk within two to three outdoor seasons.
The S-04 resolves this tension by providing a precisely sized, realistic-looking stone that matches the scale of small utilities (interior coverage ø 33 cm, height up to 24 cm) without visual excess. It replaces an industrial element with a natural landscape accent of proportional size — particularly effective near hardscaped areas where angular stones look more organic than rounded boulders.
The S-04 is a hollow shell with a compact angular boulder profile — approximately 24 cm at center height, tapering to roughly 18 cm at the edges. The interior provides a usable coverage diameter of ~33 cm.
Installation is immediate. Place the stone directly over the target object on any surface. No anchoring, no foundation, no tools. Total setup time: under one minute. To access the equipment underneath, simply lift the stone with one hand and set it aside.
Stability comes from the stone's own weight (6 kg) and its broad base footprint (~50 × 42 cm).
Seasonal behavior is neutral. The fiberglass composite structure does not absorb water, does not expand or contract meaningfully with temperature changes, and tolerates a continuous operating range from −30 °C to +60 °C. The stone performs identically in summer heat, autumn rain, and winter frost. It does not need to be removed, covered, or stored during any season.
Base contact — the stone has a non-sealed base and rests directly on the ground surface. It is not hermetically sealed; natural micro air exchange between the interior cavity and the surrounding environment is possible through the ground contact zone.
Safety and load limitations — the product supports 100+ kg of static load under normal conditions. It 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.
The S-04 is constructed from a multi-layer fiberglass composite — the same class of material used in boat hull construction, chosen for its strength-to-weight ratio and long-term weather resistance.
The outer surface is a marble chip and marble powder gelcoat of the ISO/NPG class. The color is not painted, printed, or applied as a film. Instead, natural stone chips and stone dust of different colors are mixed directly into the gelcoat compound during manufacturing. This means the color and grain are embedded in the material itself, producing a surface that ages gracefully rather than peeling, flaking, or fading.
Compared with typical alternatives:
| Criterion | GARTENDEK S-04 | Natural stone | Budget plastic (HDPE / polyresin) |
| Weight (comparable size) | 6 kg | 40–80 kg | 1–3 kg |
| Hollow interior | ✅ Conceals equipment | ❌ Solid | ✅ Hollow |
| Visual realism | Marble chips in gelcoat | Natural stone | Paint / print — fades in 2–3 seasons |
| Load capacity | 100+ kg | Unlimited | Not rated |
| Installation | One hand, <1 min | Mechanical lift | One hand |
| Access to concealed element | ✅ Lift and replace instantly | ❌ Must remove entirely | ✅ Lift |
| UV / frost resistance | ✅ Engineered (−30 °C to +60 °C) | Variable (natural variation) | ⚠️ Surface degrades under UV |
| Service life | 10+ years | Indefinite | 2–4 years |
| Price range | From €176 | €300–1,500+ | €30–110 |
| Production | EU (Italy / Slovenia) | Natural quarrying | Predominantly China |
The S-04 occupies a deliberate position: lighter than natural stone, far more durable and realistic than budget plastic, and uniquely offering the most compact coverage in the S-series — ø 33 cm precision fit that no other model provides.
Maintenance is minimal. Clean occasionally with water and a soft brush. No sealing, repainting, or chemical treatment is ever required.
Concealing a standard round drain cover or inspection lid
The S-04's ø 33 cm coverage fits standard EU residential drain covers (typically ø 25–32 cm) precisely — without the visual excess of a larger stone that would draw attention to the spot it is meant to conceal.
Hiding an outdoor electrical socket or junction box
Small utility elements near terraces and entrance zones are among the most visible disruptions. The S-04's compact angular profile blends naturally near paved paths and stone borders.
Covering a compact irrigation valve box or manifold
Shallow valve boxes and manifolds in flower beds fit within the S-04's 33 cm coverage and 24 cm height clearance — keeping the planting zone visually clean.
Disguising a small submersible pump at a pond or water feature
Compact pump heads at pond edges benefit from the S-04's hollow interior and proportional size. The non-sealed base allows natural micro air exchange.
Concealing an outdoor water tap or standpipe base
Standpipe bases and wall taps are small but visually disruptive. The angular boulder form of the S-04 makes it look intentional near hardscaped areas.
Hiding a transformer box for low-voltage garden lighting
Small transformer boxes for garden lighting systems fit within the S-04's interior. The composite shell protects the housing from weather and accidental damage.
Replacing a small tree stump with a natural stone accent
A cut stump up to ø 33 cm can be replaced visually with an angular granite-style boulder — a design-coherent upgrade for the garden zone.
Purely decorative placement
Many buyers place the S-04 as a proportionally scaled stone accent near a terrace, along a path, or in a small garden zone — no equipment concealment needed. The angular form complements hardscaped surroundings.
The S-04 is the precision-fit compact model of the GARTENDEK S-series — the most compact coverage diameter (ø 33 cm) with a blocky angular boulder silhouette that complements hardscaped garden areas.
At €175.99 including delivery, it is not the cheapest model (S-01 at €164.37), but it is the only model in the lineup specifically designed for precision fit over small utility openings where standard stones would be disproportionately large.
Choose the S-04 when:
- The object to conceal is small (up to ø 33 cm, up to 24 cm height)
- A proportionally scaled stone is needed to avoid visual excess
- An angular boulder accent near paths or terraces is desired
- The target is a drain cover, socket, junction box, or compact valve
Consider a different model when:
- The target is wider than ø 33 cm — look at S-01 (ø 39 cm) or S-02 (ø 41 cm)
- The target is tall — S-03 (46 cm height, dome-shaped)
- Maximum width coverage is needed — S-05 (ø 49 cm, flat fieldstone)
- Ultra-flat profile is required — S-06 (ø 42 cm, 19 cm tall)
- Greater coverage diameter is required — M-series (ø 51–73 cm) or L/XL series
The S-04 works well as a standalone accent near a terrace or path, or as the smallest piece in a multi-stone arrangement using different GARTENDEK models.
Environment — Artificial Stones (GARTENDEK)
1. Carbon Footprint (Production & Logistics)
The carbon footprint of GARTENDEK artificial stones is determined by three factors: material composition, production location, and logistics distance.
Materials: The composite structure (gelcoat, polyester resins, marble chips, fiberglass) uses industrially processed but chemically stable components. Marble chips are a by-product of natural stone processing, not virgin mined material.
Production: Manufacturing takes place in Italy and Slovenia (EU). European production significantly reduces transport distance compared to non-EU alternatives.
Logistics: Each stone is shipped in an individual wooden crate. Product weight ranges from 5 kg (S size) to over 50 kg (XXXL size). The shipping crate adds approximately 2–12 kg of wood packaging depending on size. Courier delivery within the EU generates 15–120 kg CO₂e per shipment depending on size and distance.
Numerical estimate (category average): For a medium-sized stone (M/L), the estimated carbon footprint from production and delivery within Central Europe is approximately 30–60 kg CO₂e per unit.
2. Zero Plastic Packaging
GARTENDEK artificial stones are shipped without single-use plastic packaging.
Primary packaging: The stone is secured inside a wooden crate using:
- Wooden battens and screws (marked removal points)
- Black or transparent stretch film (perforated for handholds) — this is the only plastic component
Secondary packaging: The crate is wrapped in the same stretch film for weather protection during transit.
Customer action: After receiving the stone, the user removes 2–3 screws at marked locations and cuts the PVC ties with a knife or scissors. The stretch film and PVC ties are recyclable as plastic waste (PP/PVC).
Wooden crate disposal: The crate can be:
- Dismantled and used as firewood
- Disposed of as non‑hazardous waste
- Recycled as clean wood (untreated, no chemical impregnation)
Plastic content per shipment: Less than 1% of total packaging weight.
3. Water Conservation
The product itself does not consume water during use. However, water conservation is relevant at two stages:
Production: Composite manufacturing uses water only for cooling and cleaning. No water is incorporated into the final product.
Use phase (landscaping): Stones can be placed in rain‑fed landscapes without irrigation requirements. When used to conceal utility infrastructure (septic hatches, well casings, junction boxes), the stone does not alter the site's water balance.
Comparison to natural stone: Natural stone quarrying often requires water for cutting and polishing. GARTENDEK stones are moulded, not cut — no process water is consumed during shaping.
Verdict: The product has negligible direct water impact. Indirect savings come from replacing water‑intensive natural stone extraction.
4. Food Waste Reduction
GARTENDEK artificial stones are not directly involved in food production or storage. However, they contribute indirectly through:
Edible landscaping: Stones can be placed adjacent to vegetable beds, herb gardens, or fruit bushes — creating visually coherent edible landscapes without soil contamination risks (the material is chemically inert, see Section 8).
No leaching into soil: Because the material does not interact with soil or groundwater, it does not compromise food safety for plants grown nearby.
No direct effect on food waste: The product's contribution to food waste reduction is neutral to positive (by enabling edible landscaping without restrictions).
5. Product Lifecycle
Declared service life: 10+ years of outdoor use under normal conditions (temperature range −30 °C to +60 °C, UV exposure, rain, snow, wind).
Design philosophy: The stone is engineered as a permanent landscape element — not a disposable seasonal item. The multi‑layer composite structure (gelcoat + fiberglass + marble surface) is designed to remain visually and structurally stable for a decade or more.
Maintenance requirements: None. No seasonal treatment, no repainting, no sealing, no waterproofing.
Failure modes (end of life): The stone may eventually develop surface wear (chalking, fading) or structural damage from extreme impact. It does not rot, warp, or biodegrade prematurely.
Obsolescence: The stone does not become functionally obsolete. It can be repositioned, relocated, or reassigned to a different landscape use at any time.
6. Transport Packaging
Primary shipping crate: Individual wooden crate (softwood, typically spruce or pine). Crate dimensions range from 70×50×30 cm (S size) to 170×90×55 cm (XXXL size) (custom‑fitted to each stone).
Crate weight: Wooden structure adds approximately 2–12 kg to the shipment depending on size.
Crate materials:
- Wooden battens and boards (untreated, no chemical impregnation)
- Screws (metal, recyclable)
- PVC ties (plastic, recyclable)
- Stretch film (LDPE, recyclable)
Logistics class:
- S / M sizes — standard courier (DPD, GLS, national postal services)
- L sizes — standard pallet shipment
- XL / XXXL sizes — custom non‑standard pallet, special freight services
Space efficiency: The wooden crate is form‑fitted to each stone. Void space is minimal (typically less than 10% of crate volume). Flat‑packing is not applicable due to the stone's rigid shape.
7. End‑of‑Life & Recyclability
Material composition (by function):
- Gelcoat (ISO/NPG) — thermoset polymer, not melt‑recyclable
- Polyester resins — thermoset polymer, not melt‑recyclable
- Fiberglass (glass fibre reinforcement) — non‑recyclable in mixed composite form
- Marble chips and sand — inert mineral filler
- Internal moisture barrier — additional polymer layer
Current recyclability status: The multi‑layer composite structure is not recyclable through standard municipal waste streams. Thermoset polymers cannot be remelted. Separation of layers is not economically feasible at scale.
Responsible disposal options:
- Landfill (non‑hazardous) — the material is chemically inert and does not leach toxins
- Energy recovery (incineration with power generation) — the polymer fraction has calorific value
- Downcycling (crushing as mineral aggregate) — marble chips and sand can be recovered as filler material
Comparison to alternatives:
- Natural stone — not recyclable either, but can be crushed as aggregate
- Concrete — crushable as aggregate, but significantly heavier (15–20×) and less resource‑efficient during use
Future improvements: GARTENDEK is monitoring developments in thermoset polymer recycling (solvolysis, pyrolysis) but does not currently offer closed‑loop recycling.
8. Summary Table (Category Ranges)
| Parameter | Range / Value |
|---|---|
| Product name | GARTENDEK Artificial Stone (S, M, L, XL, XXXL) |
| Declared service life | 10+ years |
| Weight (product only) | 5–50+ kg (depending on model) |
| Weight with wooden crate | 7–65 kg |
| Shipping crate dimensions | 70×50×30 cm (S) to 170×90×55 cm (XXXL) |
| Carbon footprint estimate | 15–120 kg CO₂e |
| Plastic packaging | less than 1% of total packaging weight |
| Water consumption during use | 0 L (no irrigation required) |
| Recyclability (current) | Not recyclable — landfill or energy recovery |
| Material leaching into soil | None — chemically inert |
| Food‑safe for adjacent planting | Yes — no soil interaction |
9. EU Environmental Frameworks
REACH (EC 1907/2006): All materials used (gelcoat, polyester resins, fiberglass, marble chips) are REACH‑registered substances. No SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) are intentionally added.
CE marking (Construction Products Regulation CPR — EU 305/2011): Artificial stones are not classified as construction products under CPR. They are landscape elements and do not require CE marking for structural use.
EU Ecolabel (optional): The product does not carry EU Ecolabel certification. The composite structure does not meet current criteria for "easy recyclability" (a requirement for Ecolabel in some categories).
Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC): The wooden crate is classified as non‑hazardous waste (EWC 15 01 03 — wooden packaging). The stone itself, at end of life, is classified as non‑hazardous industrial waste (EWC 10 11 03 — waste from composite materials).
Single‑Use Plastics Directive (SUP — EU 2019/904): The stretch film and PVC ties are within scope, but quantities are minimal (less than 1% of packaging weight). GARTENDEK continues to explore plastic‑free alternatives.
EU Green Deal / Circular Economy Action Plan: The product aligns with durability and repairability principles (long service life, no planned obsolescence) but does not yet meet circularity targets for polymer composites.
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