Is It True About Wood?

[STEWARDSONS]

Is it true that you can use any wood you find out in the woods providing you get the bark off?

 

[Joller]

it needs to be hardwood, softer woods tend to deteriorate

i test wood by pushing my fingernail into it, if its hardwood you'll barely be able to mark it

be careful where you find your wood because it could be contaminated depending on local activities, the contaminates can then leach into the water

 

[Scott MacAdam]

I've never bought wood, always from various finds at the beach or in the woods or something.
Wash/scrub it well and let it soak in some HOT water as to kill off any nasties living in there.
If you want to stop your water from going brown let it soak for a few days so it can let out most of the tannis.