I'm about to start a bedroom suite for my daughter. She wants walnut and the design is calling for 3" posts. Since I can't find anything that thick around here I'll be gluing up the posts. I see 2 options.

Option 1 - Glue 2 8/4 walnut pieces together and then glue a 1/8" - 1/4" piece on the sides with the seams.
or
Option 2 - Glue up a cheaper wood like poplar for a core and then glue walnut to the outsides.

The second option is cheaper since I won't need as much thick stock but is there any advantage to option 1?

Cliff