Timber carports have a very broad base of appeal. For the professional carport builder wood is a highly creative medium that allows a wide range of decorative finishes that can create a myriad of looks and styles. For the amateur builder timber is a highly satisfying and simple medium with which to work.
Wooden carports beat metal carports for looks hands down. Decorative posts and fancy facades can add a lot of style to your carport project. There are some special timbers with unique grain textures that make your design look even more appealing. Painting wood carports is essential to protect them from the elements, which enables you to use colors that are the same as your house.
Your choice of timbers is wide, but I suggest using a softwood like oregon or treated pine. Not only are they easy to work with and easy to cut, but they also have the advantage of being light and long lasting outside if they are protected properly by a good paint job.
The one negative timber as your carport construction material is the size of the profile required to cover large spans. It is not unusual to see 12 inch by 2 inch beams across a double carport span, and whilst this can be quite a design feature it must be carefully contemplated so that it does not look out of place.
Carport plans are freely available, or if you want the personal touch you can engage a draftsman or architect. Wood carports are what I would recommend to anyone looking for a bit of style.