I'm making a human society that has a lack of metal ore and no knowledge of metalworking at all. However, industry must still continue, metal or not, so I'm thinking about a water mill made out of hardwood. Would that be possible? Or does the lack of such durable materials doom this option before it can even begin?
Edit: As a comment suggested, I would like to clarify that I am worried more about the Long Term use than the material difference.