I feel that wood, like any other material, has its place. IMO,
supporting columns on a porch isn't one of them. I really like the
exterior shell of my house to be as maintenance free as possible.
Gives more time in the shop to play with wood. Depending on where it
is & your weather, exposed wood has this annoying habit of needing a
fair amount of maintenance. Your call, of course & my opinion is worth
what you paid for it. :-)

Jim