- Stock: In Stock
- Model: S-05
- Diameter: 49.00 cm
- Net weight: 9.00 kg
- Dimensions: 66.00 cm × 51.00 cm × 23.00 cm
Available Options
- Description
- Problem & Solution
- How It Works
- Material & Warranty
- Use Cases
- In the Range
- Environment
- FAQ
The GARTENDEK S-05 is a hollow artificial stone with a wide, flat fieldstone profile — the widest-coverage model in the GARTENDEK S-series. Designed to resemble a broad granite fieldstone partially embedded in the earth, it conceals wide ground-level garden utilities — large manhole covers, broad drain lids, tree stumps, pool equipment bases, multi-valve irrigation assemblies, and pipe clusters — while adding a natural, grounded stone accent to the landscape.
At 9 kg, the S-05 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 broad, low-profile silhouette lies a hollow interior with a coverage diameter of approximately 49 cm and a height of 23 cm — the maximum horizontal coverage in the S-series, engineered for wide objects that are too broad for all other S-series stones.
The surface is formed from natural marble chips embedded in a marine-grade gelcoat, producing the color variation and texture of a real granite fieldstone. Available in two natural tones — Gray and Red — the S-05 is the maximum-width choice in the GARTENDEK range: broad, flat, and designed for long-term outdoor placement without maintenance.
Gardens and outdoor spaces contain wide functional elements at ground level: large manhole covers, broad drain lids, tree stumps, wide valve manifolds, pool equipment bases, and multi-pipe clusters. These objects are too wide for standard compact covers — the S-01 at ø 39 cm, the S-04 at ø 33 cm — but don't require the height or bulk of M-series stones.
The mismatch between cover size and target width creates a practical problem: either the cover is too small and leaves the utility partially exposed, or the homeowner must jump to the larger, more expensive M-series when a flat S-series profile would look more natural.
Traditional alternatives are limited. A natural flat boulder of comparable size weighs 80–200 kg, requires mechanical handling, and cannot be hollowed to provide equipment access. Budget plastic covers in this size range are lightweight but structurally weak — painted surfaces fade, thin walls crack, and the flat form tends to warp after thermal cycling.
The S-05 resolves this gap by providing a wide, low-profile stone with 49 cm interior coverage diameter and just 23 cm height — covering the widest ground area in the S-series without visual excess in height. The broad horizontal fieldstone form makes the S-05 particularly effective on open lawns, gravel areas, and natural garden zones — where a wide flat stone looks like a natural part of the landscape.
The S-05 is a hollow shell with a wide, flat fieldstone profile — a broad, low-profile form with a gently undulating top surface and irregular natural edges. The height is consistently low at approximately 23 cm across the profile. The interior provides a usable coverage diameter of ~49 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, lift the stone with both hands and set it aside.
Stability comes from the stone's own weight (9 kg) and its exceptionally broad base footprint (~66 × 51 cm — the widest in the S-series). The large ground contact area provides excellent wind stability, making the S-05 one of the most secure models in the range even in exposed positions.
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-05 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-05 | Natural stone | Budget plastic (HDPE / polyresin) |
| Weight (comparable size) | 9 kg | 80–200 kg | 3–6 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 | Both hands, <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 €254 | €500–2,000+ | €40–150 |
| Production | EU (Italy / Slovenia) | Natural quarrying | Predominantly China |
The S-05 occupies a deliberate position: wider coverage than any other S-series model, lighter than any natural alternative of comparable size, and built from engineering-grade composite that outlasts budget plastic by a factor of three or more.
Maintenance is minimal. Clean occasionally with water and a soft brush. No sealing, repainting, or chemical treatment is ever required.
Concealing a large round manhole cover or inspection lid (ø 40–49 cm)
The S-05's ø 49 cm coverage fits large EU residential manhole covers and heavy-duty inspection lids that are too wide for any other S-series model. The low 23 cm profile keeps the stone grounded and proportional over flat utility covers.
Covering a wide drain lid or drainage inspection point
Broad drain covers on terraces, driveways, and lawns fit within the S-05's wide footprint. The flat fieldstone form sits naturally flush with the surrounding surface.
Hiding a tree stump (up to ø 49 cm) at or near ground level
Cut stumps up to ø 49 cm can be concealed entirely — eliminating the visual and physical disruption of exposed stumps without the cost and effort of stump removal. The wide flat profile rests naturally over the stump area.
Concealing a pool pump base or wide filtration equipment housing
Horizontal footprints of sand-filter bases and recirculation pumps with wide housings fit within the S-05's 49 cm coverage. The non-sealed base allows natural micro air exchange.
Covering a multi-valve irrigation assembly or wide sprinkler control box
Landscape irrigation control units with large rectangular bases fit within the S-05's wide interior. The stone protects the assembly from weather and accidental damage while maintaining access.
Hiding a ground-level utility meter box (gas, water, electric)
Flat meter lids in lawns and paved areas — too wide for compact S-models — fit within the S-05's ø 49 cm coverage, replacing an industrial element with a natural fieldstone.
Concealing a septic or drainage inspection cover (ø 38–49 cm)
Standard EU septic and drainage inspection covers fit within the S-05's coverage range. The broad flat form integrates naturally into lawn and gravel surfaces.
Covering a cluster of pipes or fittings exiting the ground
When multiple pipes or fittings exit the ground in close proximity, the S-05's wide coverage can conceal the entire cluster under a single natural-looking fieldstone.
The S-05 is the maximum-width model of the GARTENDEK S-series — the widest coverage diameter (ø 49 cm) with a broad, flat fieldstone silhouette that blends naturally into open lawns, gravel beds, and natural garden zones.
At €254.20 including delivery, it is positioned in the premium tier alongside S-03 (€254.88) — justified by the maximum coverage area that no other S-series model can match. The wide base footprint (66 × 51 cm) is the largest in the S-series.
Choose the S-05 when:
- The object to conceal is wide (up to ø 49 cm) but not tall (up to 23 cm)
- Maximum horizontal coverage is needed without vertical dominance
- The target is a large manhole cover, wide drain lid, tree stump, or pool equipment base
- A broad, grounded fieldstone accent suits the garden zone
Consider a different model when:
- The target is smaller than ø 39 cm — S-01 (ø 39 cm) or S-04 (ø 33 cm) provide a more proportional fit
- The target is tall — S-03 (46 cm height, dome-shaped) offers maximum interior volume
- An ultra-flat profile is required — S-06 (ø 42 cm, only 19 cm tall)
- Mid-range coverage with lighter weight — S-07 (ø 45 cm, 5.7 kg)
- Greater coverage diameter is required — M-series (ø 51–73 cm) or L/XL series
The S-05 works well as a standalone landscape element on open lawns, or as the widest 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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