Plastic Fence Panels - Pros And Cons ????

[Gizmonster]

Apart from plastic fence panels costing a lot more than the traditional wooden ones - are there any other downsides that I'm overlooking ??
I'm thinking of replacing some (and eventually all) of my wooden fence panels (6 ft wide and 5 ft high panels, held in place with concrete posts and sitting on a 1 ft high concrete panel).
The plus sides that I can see are: never having to paint them again (granted I'll have to clean them from time to time) and never having to replace/repair rotted slats, etc.

Also, does anyone know where's the best/cheapest place to buy these panels from - there doesn't seem to be many about ??

[BRIGHT SPARK]

After a few years in the sun...(remember that?) they could become brittle and faded.

[penelope2]

Quality wooden fencing panels well maintained are more aesthetically pleasing than more expensive plastic ones. Also plastic panels fade in the sun and,( to the best of my knowledge) you cant restore their colour.

[jomifl]

Plastic does not age gracefully unlike wood which develops a certain charm with age.You will have to paint plastic to protect it from UV. degradation wheress wood can be sprayed with preservative.

[Gizmonster]

Glad I asked now, 'cos I completely overlooked the discolouration/degredation of plastic ........ looks like I might be sticking with wood after all .......

[Gizmonster]

Degredation = Degradation >.

[Old_Geezer]

I half considered these once, but I didn't go for them. I just don't believe they'd imitate real wood well. My wooden fence doesn't develop a charm though, they rot. Maybe I should protect them every year but I never find the time. I suspect the better options are a brick wall, or maybe a hedge (I do find time to trim the bushes a couple of times a year).