What Is GFTK? A Guide to One of the Leading Joint Mortar Manufacturers

When investing in a new patio, walkway, driveway, or commercial hardscape, it’s easy to focus on the pavers or natural stone. However, what fills the joints between those materials is just as important to the project’s long-term performance. That’s where GFTK comes in.

For more than 50 years, GFTK has specialized in developing high-performance joint mortars and paving products used by contractors and landscape professionals around the world. Known for their German engineering, innovative product development, and application-specific solutions, GFTK has become one of the industry’s most trusted manufacturers of jointing mortars.

At Sauder’s Hardscape Supply, we believe quality hardscapes start with quality materials. That’s why we carry GFTK products for contractors and homeowners looking for durable, long-lasting jointing solutions that perform in real-world conditions.

Who Is GFTK?

GFTK (GftK-international GmbH) is a German manufacturer specializing in joint mortars, construction chemicals, and paving system products. Founded in 1971, the company has spent decades developing products specifically for paved surfaces, including patios, walkways, plazas, driveways, and commercial traffic areas.

Unlike companies that manufacture a wide variety of building materials, GFTK focuses on improving the performance of paved surfaces through innovative jointing systems. This specialized approach has helped the company become a leader in the hardscape industry, supplying products used throughout Europe and worldwide.

Today, GFTK manufactures its products at facilities in Rheinbach and Erfurt, Germany, maintaining strict quality standards while continuing to invest in research and product development.

A History of Innovation

One of the reasons GFTK has earned such a strong reputation is its commitment to innovation.

In 1985, the company introduced VDW 800, one of the first epoxy paving joint mortars designed to simplify the installation of paved surfaces while providing a durable, long-lasting joint. At the time, it represented a major advancement over traditional sand-and-cement-based methods by offering improved durability, easier installation, and reduced maintenance.

GFTK continued to expand its product offerings over the following decades. In 1991, the company introduced COLOROUT, a colored coating system designed for traffic areas that improves both appearance and slip resistance.

Rather than relying on a single product for every application, GFTK has continued developing specialized solutions for different paving materials, joint widths, traffic loads, and environmental conditions.

What Makes GFTK Different?

Many manufacturers offer a few jointing products, but GFTK has built its reputation around providing complete system solutions.

Instead of asking contractors to adapt one product to every project, GFTK recommends specific mortars based on factors like:

• Paver or natural stone type
• Joint width
• Pedestrian or vehicle traffic
• Drainage requirements
• Installation conditions
• Project size

Selecting a product based on these conditions helps prevent premature joint failure and unnecessary maintenance. Our guide to choosing the right paver jointing material explains how mortar, polymeric sand, and other options compare.

GFTK’s planning resources also help installers identify the appropriate mortar for each application, from residential patios to commercial paving projects.

This project-specific approach helps improve installation success while increasing the longevity of the finished hardscape.

Built for More Than Just Patios

Although many homeowners associate joint mortar with backyard patios, GFTK products are designed for a much broader range of applications.

Depending on the product selected, GFTK joint mortars can be used for:

• Patios
• Walkways
• Garden paths
• Pool decks
• Driveways
• Courtyards
• Public plazas
• Streetscapes
• Commercial pedestrian areas
• Heavy traffic paving

Because different projects experience different levels of traffic and environmental exposure, GFTK manufactures multiple mortar formulations to meet those varying performance requirements.

Understanding the GFTK Product Line

One of GFTK’s strengths is its comprehensive product lineup. Rather than producing a one-size-fits-all solution, each product is engineered for a specific type of installation.

Some of their most popular products include:

Xtreme Easy VDW 840 Plus

Ideal for pedestrian applications, VDW 840 Plus is a one-component, ready-to-use joint compound that’s popular for patios, walkways, and outdoor living spaces. It is water-permeable, self-compacting, and can even be installed in light rain, making it a convenient choice for residential hardscape projects.

GFTK Xtreme Joint Compound: VDW 850 Plus

Designed for light- to medium-traffic applications, VDW 850 Plus is a two-component epoxy paving joint mortar suitable for natural stone, concrete pavers, and large-format slabs. Its self-compacting formula creates durable, pressure-washer-friendly joints that resist frost, de-icing salts, and everyday wear, making it a favorite among professional contractors.

GFTK Xtreme Ceramic VDW 815

Large-format porcelain and ceramic pavers require specialized materials, and VDW 815 is designed specifically for those applications. This epoxy grouting binder provides strong, water-permeable joints that resist whitening, staining, and abrasion while performing well in both residential and commercial settings.

GFTK Xtreme VDW 833 Resin Joint Sand

VDW 833 is a resin-based joint sand developed for paved surfaces that require a durable, long-lasting joint while maintaining a clean finished appearance. It provides an alternative solution for projects where resin technology offers advantages over traditional jointing materials.

GFTK Xtreme Plus VDW 835 N

For projects exposed to heavier traffic loads, VDW 835 N delivers a heavy-duty epoxy grout solution with excellent strength and long-term durability. It’s well-suited for commercial applications and hardscape that experience greater structural demands.

Xtreme Gravel Lock VDW 520

For decorative gravel pathways, tree surrounds, and permeable landscape installations, VDW 520 serves as an epoxy aggregate binder that binds loose gravel while maintaining permeability. The result is a stable surface that’s easier to walk on and far less susceptible to washouts or shifting than loose aggregate alone.

Xtreme Bedding Compound VDW 480

A strong hardscape starts below the surface. VDW 480 Bedding Compound is a mortar bed designed to provide a stable foundation beneath natural stone, porcelain pavers, and other hardscape materials. It promotes proper support and drainage while helping create a long-lasting installation.

Xtreme Adhesion Elutriant VDW 495

VDW 495 is a high-strength bonding mortar used with the VDW 480 Bedding Compound to securely adhere natural stone, porcelain tile, and pavers. Designed for light- to heavy-traffic applications, it creates a reliable bond between the paving material and the bedding layer, contributing to the overall strength of the installation.

Xtreme Stone Protect Plus 3 in 1

Before jointing, Stone Protect Plus 3-in-1 can be applied to natural stone and concrete surfaces to help protect them and prevent sheen caused by jointing materials. This treatment also guards against staining and makes routine cleaning and maintenance easier.

Why Contractors Choose GFTK

Professional installers have different priorities than homeowners. While aesthetics matter, contractors also need products that help them complete projects efficiently while minimizing callbacks and long-term maintenance issues.

Many contractors choose GFTK because the products are designed to offer:

• Consistent installation performance
• Long-term joint durability
• Resistance to frost and weather
• Weed-resistant joints
• Reduced washout compared to traditional jointing materials
• Application-specific product options

Instead of forcing contractors to compromise, GFTK provides solutions tailored to different project requirements.

Choosing a reliable jointing system also gives contractors the confidence to take on more complex designs without sacrificing long-term performance. Our guide to creating innovative outdoor living spaces explains how learning new systems, planning joints early, and selecting materials for performance can help contractors build durable projects that meet customers’ evolving expectations.

Why We Offer GFTK Products at Sauder’s Hardscape Supply

At Sauder’s Hardscape Supply, we don’t simply stock products; we help contractors and homeowners choose materials that fit their specific project. GFTK aligns with that philosophy by offering proven jointing solutions backed by decades of research, manufacturing experience, and real-world performance. Whether you’re installing a backyard patio, upgrading a driveway, or working on a commercial hardscape, choosing the appropriate joint mortar is an important step toward achieving lasting results.

Our team can help you determine which GFTK product best matches your paving material, joint width, traffic conditions, and installation goals.

Find the Right GFTK Product for Your Next Project

Choosing the right joint mortar is just as important as selecting the right pavers. A high-quality installation deserves products designed to protect your investment, improve long-term performance, and reduce maintenance over time.

At Sauder’s Hardscape Supply, we carry a selection of GFTK joint mortars to help contractors and homeowners build durable, attractive outdoor spaces with confidence. Visit our showroom or contact our team to learn more about GFTK products and find the best solution for your next hardscape project.