Artificial stone For Garden XL-04

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 filter equipment. These objects typically have a diameter of 50–85 cm — too wide 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 provide ø 90 cm: XL-04 and XL-02. The difference is total footprint area and shape. XL-02 (155 × 105 cm = 1.63 m²) is a massive elongated slab for concealing the object together with wide surrounding infrastructure — frames, concrete aprons, pipe clusters. XL-04 (104 × 103 cm = 1.07 m²) is a compact round boulder for concealing the object itself without excessive area consumption.

The shape advantage is critical. Most residential utility objects are round — and a round stone over a round manhole looks inherently natural. An elongated rectangular slab over a circular installation often looks contrived. XL-04’s near-circular footprint provides the most visually coherent 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, XL-04 is also substantially 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 bridges this gap: realistic stone appearance, engineered composite strength, and a weight that two people can comfortably handle.

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 provides a usable 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. The compact near-circular footprint (~1.07 m²) provides good natural ground contact and stability.

Transport and placement require two people — at 15.50 kg and 104 cm diameter, comfortable handling needs two adults for transport across the garden. Equipment access requires only one person — lift or tilt the stone to inspect or service the concealed installation, then lower it back.

Wind consideration — the compact flat dome shape (~1.07 m²) has a lower wind profile than elongated models. In exposed locations, landscape anchoring stakes at the perimeter 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 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.

The XL-04 is constructed from a multi-layer fiberglass composite (GFK) — 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. Natural stone chips and stone dust of different colors are mixed directly into the gelcoat compound during manufacturing. The color and grain are embedded in the material itself, producing a surface that ages gracefully rather than peeling, flaking, or fading.

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

Compared with typical alternatives:

The XL-04 occupies a position that neither extreme can reach: far lighter and more practical than a natural boulder, far more durable and visually convincing than budget plastic — and uniquely combining a hollow interior with a load-bearing, marine-grade composite shell in a natural round form at ø 90 cm coverage.

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

Standard manhole cover concealment (DN600/DN700)

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

Swimming pool pump and sand filter system

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

Septic tank inspection hatch

A septic inspection hatch (ø 60–85 cm) at near-grade level — XL-04’s round boulder sits naturally centred over a circular hatch.

Well casing concealment

A well casing (ø 50–85 cm) protruding 10–20 cm above grade — the round shape of XL-04 is the most natural concealment.

Round irrigation valve boxes

Round in-ground valve boxes (ø 55–85 cm) — the compact footprint covers the box and surround without occupying excessive lawn area.

Pond pump and filter equipment

Compact pond filter housings (ø 50–80 cm) — the round shape integrates naturally beside a garden pond.

Large tree stump concealment

A cut tree stump (ø ≤ 85 cm) at near-ground level — a round boulder is the most visually natural cover.

Underground utility junction boxes

Cable, telecom, or gas junction boxes at grade level — ø 90 cm accommodates the most common residential service box sizes.

Garden utility cluster

A compact grouping of utilities (≤ ø 85 cm aggregate). One XL-04 covers the entire cluster.

Decorative round boulder accent

A convincing large round field stone accent for lawns, pond edges, and focal planting beds.

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.

XL-04 vs XL-02 (both ø 90 cm): XL-04 is compact (~1.07 m²), lighter (15.50 kg) and more affordable (€362.25 + €120) — best for round objects that fit within ø 90 cm with minimal surrounding infrastructure. XL-02 is larger (~1.63 m²) and heavier (23.50 kg) — best when you must conceal wide surrounding zones (frames, concrete aprons, pipe clusters).

Choose the XL-04 when:

• The object is round and fits within ø 90 cm
• A round stone silhouette will look most natural
• Maximum coverage diameter is needed at the lowest total cost
• The surrounding infrastructure zone is compact
• One-person daily access is important (lighter handling vs XL-02)

Consider a different model when:

• The utility zone extends beyond 104 × 103 cm — choose XL-02
• The target object is ≤ ø 80 cm — choose XL-01
• The target object is taller than ~20 cm — consider the L-series (up to 45 cm height, up to ø 80 cm)

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. At normal viewing distance (1 m+), the XL-04 is not identifiable as artificial.

How many people are needed for installation?
Two people for transport and initial placement (15.50 kg, 104 cm diameter). For daily equipment access, one person is sufficient — lift or tilt the stone.

Will it fade or crack after years of outdoor use?
No. UV stability is built into the ISO/NPG gelcoat. The declared service life is 10+ years of permanent outdoor exposure.

What is the maximum object size the XL-04 can cover?
Interior coverage diameter is approximately 90 cm with a peak height of 23 cm (effective internal clearance ~20 cm).

What is the difference between XL-04 and XL-02?
Both provide ø 90 cm. XL-04 is compact and near-round (104 × 103 cm, ~1.07 m²) and cheaper; XL-02 is a larger elongated slab (155 × 105 cm, ~1.63 m²) for wide infrastructure zones.

Can I step on it accidentally?
Yes. The shell supports 100+ kg static load.

Is the XL-04 available in different colors?
Yes — Gray and Red.

Can I drill holes for cables or pipes?
Yes. The GFK composite can be drilled or cut; walls are typically 10–15 mm thick.