[chandler48]

Keep in mind: You will have to keep the lines perfectly horizontal around the perimeter.
You'll need to miter all the corners.
Just having the 3/4" boards, they may require a substrate like plywood or framing, which would make the columns twice as big as they are now. Downer.
The bottom will need to be kept above the water line. Trim around the base with additional 1x4 or 1x6 lumber, again mitered to fit.
Cedar is a good wood, but at $23 a board it will be expensive. You plan on staining it, so you may can use pine.
The inside of the columns adjacent to the windows will encroach on the window framing too much to look good.

I'm not trying to talk you out of it, but, yeah I am. There will be several downsides compared to the upsides.
The brick is just a veneer and can be removed. You can, then frame it up as you want and put whatever you like without having to worry about encroaching on other parts.

 

[chandler48]

I am sure you plan on attaching the wood to the brick in some form or it will fall away. With that thought, you mentioned future buyers, I had to think taking the brick off or nailing through them will result in damage to an extent.

 

[chandler48]

That would look fine. Now you have to imagine it twice that size since your brick are already that size or larger. You are looking at 16" x 16" at a minimum

 

[chandler48]

It is doubtful an adhesive destined to hold flooring on an interior application will withstand the weather of an outdoor application. I just don't think you will be satisfied with any wrap over the brick. Worrying about what a future buyer will want sends doubt in the entire process. Do what you want, but do it right. I don't think the brick look that bad.

 

[chandler48]

at least it should come down easy enough

Weather forces will help to that for you. Best of luck with your design.