Millions of people have PT decks and porches and don't know enough to be sorry. It's the curse of GW that we can all see the best of the best and think we have to have it.

PT wood will last a long time, and will do better under a covered porch than on an open deck. It won't last as long as a brazilian hardwood or vinyl, and won't age as well either, or look as high-end, but it's not the end of the world.

Only you know your financial circumstances, so only you can determine whether you'll be sorry for your choice. If spending $3K more will cause you to lose more sleep than having a PT instead of vinyl railings, and every other house in the neighborhood has PT, then go with the PT.

If you are going to paint the posts and railings, p.t. isn't very paintable cosmetic wise. Poplar or a fir pine might work better, but the key is maintenance and keeping fresh paint on not letting it go. Properly prepping, priming and top coating,(typically two coats), will give more longevity on a paint project, but how long depends on the severity of your area, ( wet or dry, hot/cold, freezing, etc).

Thankyou for your responses, it did give me a bit of reassurance,
Weedy... I sat here one day and read your entire thread. you rock, your deck is amazing !!! I am also a female who enjoys dabbling where many don't, but to take on what you have done is awesome
I ended up choosing to spend the extra $$ and go with vinyl
I figured with buying the primer then paint and the upkeep I will wind up saving what I would have spent.
Thankyou Again !!!!

Pt lumber does fine when its painted.Is a good idea to let it dry out a little but defentley not a period of months. In fact pt lumber can be primed and painted right away but the upkeep will be due a little faster. J.