How to Sell Gentek Woodgrain Series 2000 Aluminum Siding

Gentek Woodgrain Series 2000 Aluminum should not be introduced as simply another aluminum siding option.

Its strongest sales story starts with appearance.

Woodgrain Series 2000 gives contractors a traditional horizontal siding profile with a woodgrain surface designed to create more visual texture than a smooth aluminum panel.

At Suburban Wholesale & Supply, we encourage contractors to demonstrate Woodgrain Series 2000 physically at the kitchen table so homeowners can see the texture, profile, butt depth, color and aluminum construction before price becomes the focus of the conversation.

Sell the Appearance First

Don't open the conversation with:

Start with what the homeowner can actually see.

Put the sample on the table and ask what they think of the woodgrain texture and traditional clapboard appearance.

Know the Product Before You Present It

A salesperson should be able to explain Woodgrain Series 2000 without reading directly from a brochure.

Important product characteristics include:

• Aluminum construction
• Double 4-inch clapboard profile
• Two 4-inch exposures per panel
• 1/2-inch butt height
• Woodgrain surface texture
• Factory-applied exterior finish
• Multiple exterior colors
• Low-maintenance characteristics
• Manufacturer warranty protection subject to current written terms

These are the differences you should demonstrate—not just list on an estimate.

Demonstrate the Woodgrain Texture

The woodgrain texture is one of the easiest features to sell because the homeowner can see and touch it immediately.

Hand them the sample.

Ask:

• Do you like this texture?
• Do you prefer this over a smoother siding finish?
• Does this look more appropriate for your home's style?

That turns texture into a design conversation instead of a specification.

Compare Woodgrain and Smooth Aluminum

One of the best demonstrations is to put Woodgrain Series 2000 next to a smooth aluminum product such as Gentek Deluxe Aluminum.

Now the homeowner can immediately see that "aluminum siding" is not one single look.

Compare:

• Texture
• Light reflection
• Overall visual character
• Profile appearance
• How each works with brick, stone and trim

Don't tell the customer which one looks better. Help them decide which one looks better on their house.

Explain the Double 4-Inch Profile

Woodgrain Series 2000 uses a Double 4-inch clapboard profile.

That means each panel creates two 4-inch horizontal exposures across the wall.

Don't assume the homeowner understands what "D4" means.

Put the sample next to a wider profile and show how changing the exposure changes the scale and rhythm of the exterior.

Show the 1/2-Inch Butt

Turn the sample sideways.

Let the homeowner see the 1/2-inch butt height and how that depth contributes to the shadow line across the siding.

This is a much stronger demonstration than simply saying the siding has "dimension."

Explain the Aluminum Construction

Once the homeowner likes the look, explain the material.

Aluminum is lightweight, corrosion resistant and widely used in exterior building applications.

Keep the homeowner explanation simple:

Don't Call It Fake Wood

Woodgrain Series 2000 has a wood-inspired texture.

It is not natural cedar, and you should not pretend it is.

A better presentation is to explain that the texture adds visual character to an aluminum siding system for homeowners who prefer more surface detail than a smooth panel provides.

Explain the Factory Finish

Don't reduce the finish discussion to:

Explain that the siding has a factory-applied coating that provides the visible color and exterior surface.

Then use Gentek's current written warranty to discuss finish performance instead of creating your own promises about fading or chalking.

Make Color Selection Part of the Sale

Color should never be selected by looking only at a screen.

Use current Gentek samples and verify the exact color availability for the Woodgrain Series 2000 product being quoted.

Coordinate the siding with:

• Roof color
• Brick
• Stone
• Windows
• Entry doors
• Soffit
• Fascia
• Gutters
• Exterior trim

Now the homeowner is designing an exterior rather than picking a siding color from a chart.

Take the Sample Outside

Natural daylight changes how homeowners perceive siding colors and textures.

Take the preferred sample outside and hold it against the house.

Look at it:

• In direct light
• In shade
• Against brick or stone
• Near the windows
• Near the roofline

This reduces surprises and creates a more professional color-selection process.

Sell Low Maintenance Carefully

Low maintenance can be a strong part of the Woodgrain Series 2000 story.

But don't call any exterior "maintenance free."

Siding can collect dust, pollen and other environmental contaminants and may require periodic cleaning and inspection.

"Low maintenance" is the stronger and more credible phrase.

Address Denting Honestly

Homeowners considering aluminum often ask about dents.

Aluminum can be damaged by sufficient physical impact.

Don't try to dodge that reality.

If impact resistance is a top priority, compare Woodgrain Series 2000 honestly against the other siding products you offer.

Sell the Complete Exterior

Don't stop the presentation at the siding panel.

Show how the siding can coordinate with soffit, fascia, trim and other exterior components.

Discuss:

• Soffit color
• Fascia color
• Window wraps
• Door trim
• Corner details
• Gutters
• Custom brake work

The larger the homeowner can see the finished exterior, the less likely the sale becomes a simple price-per-square comparison.

Show Photographs of Finished Projects

A sample tells the homeowner what the product looks like up close.

A completed-project photograph shows what it looks like across an entire home.

Build a project library showing:

• Different home styles
• Different siding colors
• Contrasting trim
• Siding next to brick or stone
• Window wrapping
• Soffit and fascia combinations

Local examples are especially powerful because homeowners can see the product on homes that resemble those in the Quad Cities.

Review the Written Warranty

Never make warranty promises from memory.

Use Gentek's current written warranty and explain applicable coverage, exclusions, finish provisions and transfer terms.

If a customer asks about chalking, color change, physical damage or another specific concern, verify the current written language before answering.

Who Is the Ideal Woodgrain Series 2000 Customer?

Listen for homeowners who say:

• "I want more texture than smooth siding."
• "I like a traditional siding appearance."
• "I want to look at metal siding."
• "I prefer a smaller clapboard exposure."
• "I want a low-maintenance exterior."
• "I want to compare aluminum with vinyl or steel."
• "I like woodgrain finishes but don't necessarily want natural wood."

Those are strong reasons to put the Woodgrain Series 2000 sample on the table.

When Should You NOT Recommend Woodgrain Series 2000?

Don't force it into every appointment.

Another product may be a better fit when:

• The homeowner strongly prefers a smooth surface.
• The desired profile is wider than a Double 4-inch look.
• The desired color is unavailable.
• Impact resistance is the homeowner's dominant concern.
• The homeowner specifically wants an insulated siding system.
• Another product better fits the architecture or budget.

The goal is not to make Woodgrain Series 2000 win every appointment. The goal is to recognize the appointments where it deserves serious consideration.

A Simple Woodgrain Series 2000 Kitchen-Table Presentation

1. Ask what the homeowner likes and dislikes about their current siding.
2. Ask whether they prefer smooth or textured siding.
3. Put the Woodgrain Series 2000 sample on the table.
4. Let the homeowner touch the woodgrain surface.
5. Explain the Double 4-inch profile.
6. Turn the sample sideways and show the 1/2-inch butt.
7. Explain the aluminum construction.
8. Explain the factory-applied finish.
9. Compare actual colors.
10. Take the preferred samples outside.
11. Coordinate siding with soffit, fascia and trim.
12. Show completed-project photographs.
13. Discuss legitimate advantages and tradeoffs.
14. Review the current Gentek warranty.
15. Compare Woodgrain Series 2000 with the other appropriate siding options.
16. Then discuss price.

A Better 60-Second Sales Presentation

Don't Lead With Price

If the homeowner sees the price before understanding the siding, the price becomes the product.

Demonstrate the texture.

Demonstrate the profile.

Demonstrate the butt depth.

Explain the material.

Compare the colors.

Then present the installed price.

Sell Gentek Woodgrain Series 2000 With Suburban Wholesale & Supply

Suburban Wholesale & Supply works with professional siding contractors throughout Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island and the surrounding Quad Cities, Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.

Contractors can use our team as a resource for current Gentek aluminum siding samples, literature, colors, accessories, product information and sales training.

If you're going to offer Woodgrain Series 2000, learn how to demonstrate the product—not just price it. The more clearly the homeowner can see and understand the differences, the stronger your presentation becomes.

Sources & Additional Resources

• Gentek Building Products — Woodgrain Series 2000 Aluminum Siding: Current manufacturer product information covering profile, woodgrain texture, colors, finish and product features.
• Gentek Building Products — Aluminum Siding Warranty: Current warranty information for Gentek aluminum siding products and applicable finish coverage.
• Gentek Building Products — Deluxe Aluminum Siding: Current smooth aluminum siding information useful for product and texture comparisons.
• Gentek Building Products — Aluminum Soffit and Fascia: Current information on coordinated aluminum exterior components.
• The Aluminum Association — Building & Construction: Industry information regarding aluminum characteristics and exterior building applications.
• Metal Construction Association: Industry resources regarding metal exterior products, coatings and construction.